App love: Kindle edition.

Today I will share another app that I am loving. And is one that can be downloaded to your pc, your laptop, your tablet and your phone with no need of buying the actual device. Amazon is just great for launching it. I am just smitten. 

Bye Bye May.

I've had the craziest month. Some ups and downs came my way, and have been really learning experiences. Loved them and also hated them. It's things like these that make me open my eyes and understand how much time I spend trying to multitask, but it is actually not working at all. I can do some things at the same time, but have figure out that if I just do one thing, finish it and then continue with the next, is going to make my life easier and stay on top of my game. 

Yesterday I heard a phrase that is stuck on my head, "It doesn't matter the speed of the things you do, it matters how you do them and how well you perform them". Well yes, I have been trying lately to keep up with the craziness. I just can't any more. I am not following it, it's not my pace.

For June, my goal is to go at my speed, don't try to multitask cause that is making me fall behind. I sometimes think that the whole world if pushing me to walk faster than I am used to, but this time, I just want to take it my way.

May has been, most definitely, a learning month, one that has made me open my eyes and be struck with reality. Being a grown up is certainly more difficult. You just have to learn how to handle things and go with your own speed.  

I hope your month is starting off right! 

have a great day! 

Fashionable Reader S.A

Well, S.A is what the domain of this blog stands for, and fashionable, well I'm just not quite that all the time (I have my moments I admit) and reader, I love reading, just that I can barely find the time to squeeze it on my schedules when I'm on classes.

This post is for the  fact that I have been wanting to read some of the following books lately.

1. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

2. Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant 

3. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

4. A song of Ice and Fire (the complete series) by George R.R Martin

5. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks 

6. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë 

I have read, so far, this summer break, the Complete Twilight Saga and another book by Charles Dickens called The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain. 

I hope I can read these other books! wish me luck! I am starting off with number 3 of the list above 

Book Tour: Blood Debt

As the year has come to an end, I give you an end of the year new book for you to read! I feel so lucky to be part of these book tours and show people that reading isn't just for academic purposes, but it also has the power to make you a little happier. 

As always this book tour comes thanks to the girls over at Romantic Maidens Book Tours, so go check them out and find out which other books are about to go on tour! 

Title: Blood Debt

Series: Touched #1

Author: Nancy Straight

Self-Published

Release Date: July 13, 2012

Pages: 293

Buy Link: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle) | Smashwords

Blurb:

Her whole life, it had just been the two of them. Before her mother’s last breath, she gave Camille the information she had craved her entire life: the identity of her father. Daring to contact him, Camille was welcomed by an entire family she never knew existed. But nothing comes without a price, as she discovers when her family claims a legendary heritage tracing back to a Centaur touched by Zeus.

As she learns the secrets of her Centaur bloodline, she is drawn into a forbidden love with Drake. Her family acknowledges her life may be the blood debt required to pay for her mother’s transgressions. The same person who once held her mother captive, and forced her into decades of hiding, now controls Camille. Her only chance is to seek a piece of her mother’s past that will win her freedom and the life she desperately desires.

About the Author:

Nancy was born in Sioux City Iowa, left the cold of the Midwest in 1991 and only returns to see family in the summer time. She spent ten years traveling the world as a US Marine and settled in rural SC with her husband and two children.

She enjoys reading all types of Paranormal and Young Adult literature – so long as there is a love story.  She loves Starbucks’ White Mocha Latte and Mountain Dew, (but not together). She has a lead foot so she sets cruise control when she drives, even in 25 MPH zones.   Nancy almost never wins when she plays Angry Birds, but keeps her 8 year old close, so he can clear the hard levels for her.  She grew up on a farm and is opposed to eating fresh chicken (not opposed to meat - just opposed to any meat that was alive a few hours before lunch).  Nancy has written five Young Adult / New Adult novels and can be found nightly on Facebook and Twitter.

Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

And to make this entry a lot more giving back to you all, you have the chance to enter a giveaway and choose between book 1 (Blood Debt) or book 2 (Centaur Legacy) of the series! isn't that awesome? 

Check the giveaway down below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


I hope you have a great day!

Book Tour: Romance in the Rain + Giveaway

Today I bring into your consideration (I feel it like too formal but I couldn't figure out another way to say this!) another book which seems so good! I am starting to love this as you may have already noticed! (specially because I can add lots of new books into my reading list which is AH-MAZING) 

There is something about books that drive us to other places and let our minds wonder freely and boost our imaginations. It's a great way to relax.  

This book tour is possible thanks to the girls over at Romantic Maidens Book Tours! go say hi! There is also a giveaway open stop-wide so that you can enter to win awesome prices! Check it out at the end of the post, but specially have fun and I hope you'll want to read the book like.... ASAP! 

Title: Romance in the Rain (A Seattle Anthology)

Authors: Kristine Cayne, Dawn Kravagna, Charlotte Russell, Sherri Shaw, Clare Tisdale, Marianne Stillings

Publisher: Kristine Cayne

Release Date: October 15, 2012

Pages: 360

Buy Link: : Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords

Blurb:

From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell—By the spring of 1853 Englishman James Caldwell has traveled thousands of miles in a quest to find a place to call home. Newly settled Seattle isn’t that place and he’s ready to move on again when widowed Mattie Jensen marches into his life as somber as a cloudy day. But James can see through the solemn haze to Mattie’s strength and passion. Now he has a reason to stay, if he can just convince Mattie to take a second chance on love—and him. (22,000 words)

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings—With the world at war, Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Service pilot Lt. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson faces personal battles as well. Pearl Harbor left her a widowed bride, certain love would never come again – but battle-scarred Capt. Joe Caldwell has other ideas for the beautiful lady flyer, if he can just keep her safe from the secret saboteur who's already taken the life of Charlie's best friend. (17,000 words)

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna—University of Washington, 1983: A great place to get an education and meet single men. Drama major Kara Caldwell prefers to hide behind the characters in her plays, yet feels pressure to live up to the example set by her brave and witty grandmother, a veteran of WWII. Can she learn to overcome her reticence and prejudices to discover which guy truly cares for her--and who is just putting on an act? (17,000 words)

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw—No sooner did Chef Ivy Turin wish to meet the perfect man than Sam Rockney walked into her restaurant. But is the sexy Seattle quarterback for real or is there something wrong with Mr. Perfect? (17,000 words)

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale—Seven years and one broken heart later, JD Caldwell returns to Seattle to pick up the pieces of his old life, never imagining he will fall for Maya—the mysterious woman who lets him into her house and bed but keeps the door to her heart tightly closed. When their summer fling takes an unexpectedly serious turn and Maya gives him his walking papers, JD has to decide whether their love—and his legacy—is worth fighting for. (21,000 words)

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne—When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good? (24, 000 words)

RAINY DAY WRITERS

Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.

To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers.

There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.

Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.

Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.

Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.

In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.

Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.

Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.

For more information on Romance in the Rain and the Rainy Day Writers, visit them at www.seattlerainydaywriters.com 

And it is Giveaway TIME! 

All giveaway ends November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for.

Giveaway for US residents only.

Grand Prize:

- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Obsession + SWAG

- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Addiction + SWAG

- The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, by Julia Quinn (autographed copy)

- Blood Trinity, by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

- 1 e-book copy of “Falling Angel” by Clare Tisdale

- 1 handmade shell necklace by Clare Tisdale

- A handmade afghan crocheted by Marianne Stillings

- 1 autographed copy of AROUSING SUSPICIONS

- 1 autographed copy of SATISFACTION

- 1 autographed copy of KILLER CHARMS

- 1 bag of truffles from Seattle Chocolates

- 3 chocolate bars from Seattle Chocolates

- $15 Starbucks gift card

- 1 autographed copy of Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl by Dawn Kravagna

Prize #5: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Accidental Cinderella, by Nancy Robards Thompson

- 1 print copy Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels, by Sarah Wendell

Prize #6: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy The Angel in My Arms, by Stephanie Sloane

- 1 print copy The Naughty List, by Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden and Susan Fox (autographed by Susan Fox)

Prize #7: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Tsunami Blue, by Gayle Ann Williams

- 1 print copy A Tale of Two Demon Slayers, by Angie Fox (autographed copy)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway for both US and International residents.
Prize #1:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

- 1 ecopy of The Sergeant's Lady by Susanna Fraser

Prize #2:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

 - 1 ecopy of Unraveled by Courtney Milan

- 1 ecopy of Unlocked, a novella by Courtney Milan

Prize #3:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of One Night in London by Caroline Linden

- 1 ecopy of Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Prize #4:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

Prize #8-10:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction

- $10 Amazon or B&N giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize #11 US and International Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, 

S.A 

Bookish bit.

I've been reading a lot lately, it's not just for university, but also for pleasure. I think the effect of not having one my favorite, if not all time favorite, tv show off air for so long, Gossip Girl, and the fact that this season is going to be it's last, is just making me go crazy. 

So crazy I've went, that I decided to read all bout in the series written by Cecily von Ziegesar. And so far, they are very much entertaining. Who doesn't love a good old gossip story from all the elite and their dirt? I'm 2 book in the series and read them for just 3 days. One of them was only 100 pages, or so, long. 

I will keep you updated with this new reading thing. But for this week it will have to wait, this week my midterms began and I have pretty much like hundreds and hundreds of pages to read, not in the pleasure side of course, but course wise. 

I hope you have a nice day! 

xo, 

S.A 

The Fifty Shades Trilogy

This is a very avant-guard novel for women. Personally I was hesitant to read the Fifty Shades trilogy. Because I knew some of the content (if not all) was that X rated. I am a fully conscious young adult that women sexuality, in the last couple of years, has become a mayor topic. If not, tell me about Magic Mike. A very good movie. I know. 

As hesitant as I was, I decided to go ahead and read it. To my surprise it was a very good book. Don't take me as a professional writer, or book critique, and mainly I have no idea on how the style should be taken and done with it anything. I am just a person who like to read (which I do just sporadically due to time issues) and have no more idea than that. 

I was engaged in this love story. Yes it is a love story, a very possessive and weird and sexual one, but a love story after all. Anastasia and Christian are the epitome of perfection. He has the money, the looks, the brain and the power. Ana has also the looks, the brains and all his money...although by association. 

I really recommend the books from my very unexperienced point of view. I know this is not a book review, I am just sharing my opinions on this trilogy I read a little over 2 months now and which (kind of obsessively) reading again, but now slower so that I get to understand everything that I might have missed on the previous excitement of the saga. 

There is a huge buzz now relating to the movies, if they are too X rated for the big screen, or who is the best actor to play Christian and who is the best actress to play Anastasia. Either way, I think they need to be very good actors, because these books involve a lot of inner retrospection and both characters are very troubled in their own mysterious ways. 

I hope you grab your copies and share what you think about the books. I recommend that if you are not of legal age, or are very vulnerable with the whole sexuality tids and bits, you should restrain due to very graphic descriptions. 

Have a nice day! 

xo, 

S.A 

picture from here. 

Reading spree

Hey everyone!

I have lately been downloading books to read and it's been madness. I love reading, and with university and all my work that I have to do I have been a little left behind on my love for it. I started by reading the Fifty Shades Trilogy, because of all the buzz that it has been causing and did not regretted it at all, I can see why the buzz was all about. Now I have been concentrating on re-reading some of my favourite classic novels, like Dracula and Pride and Prejudice. 

My love for classics started when I was at high school studying English literature for my International Baccalaureate program. I think it may come from way back too but let's just say for classics it was all about IB. 

Now I also like very much love stories,drama and fiction. The books can transport us to worlds we've never known and make our minds wonder to places that are unique and beautiful and even scary at times. That is why I love reading, it makes my mind travel to these awesome new and undiscovered environments. 

To complement my reading, I am thinking about purchasing an e-book reader. I haven't decided yet if I want a Nook or a Kindle but both seem so great. 

Do you have any book love out there? Let me know in the comments below! 

xo, 

S.A 

picture from here. 

Purple Mania: Purple on the blog

Hey Everyone!

It's the third post for purple mania! Who's liking the fact that I am giving too much (embarrasing) info about this color? It was a secret affair...well maybe not so much as you can notice in this very own blog. You are right, it's time to talk about the purple in the blog and it's different shades.

It was also an unconcious decision to make the elements of the blog purple, I just wanted something different and was looking at different blogs and never found that many with that color and I figured it was a right choice for me.

After the long intro post of the story why I like this color, i though maybe I could tell you the other meanings I found about the imagery of the color. As I have not much to tell about the blog that you can't already tell.

Here we go. The other meanings were the opression, the slavery and the harm caused towards slaves, and, in the US, the black slaves and how it meant that if their skin bruised, they were not worthy enough, they were not as pressured as white people were. Thankfully slavery has been reduced all over the world and there are organizations fighting it.

This color now, portrays how they were able to overcome all the abuse and be professionals and have the rights they should have had since the begining.  It reminds that after a tough ride there is hope of stepping up and fighting for what is right.

Don't miss the remaining Purple Mania posts left!

Xo,

S.A

Picture from here.  

Updateable me: Final week!

Hey everyone!

It's been a couple of weeks since I've written anything in the blog. I have been having final presentations of papers and term projects that were just consuming all of my time and the spare time I was getting was just to eat or sleep (well actually I've only slept a few hours through those weeks) and to sum it all up I was having final tests. Finance is difficult and Accounting's just as hard as it is. I was going crazy and my mood was just the most bipolar thing I've ever known it to be.

This week we are finally done with the hard work but Finals are here and I really have to step up my game if I want to keep my unbreakable record of good grades. I have a lot to catch up on with the fashion and health posts here and I have a few more things to update you on! Some reading I have been doing this last couple of weeks. 

I want this week to be over and just continue writing and having fun with you! The last couple of episode of Beauty Vlogger Boot-camp have been up and this Tuesday is the season Finale. I can't wait to see who wins!  

I hope you are having a nice day, enjoying it! 

I'm off to bury myself again with books and hope to write as soon as I am on winter break! (the thought of it just warms my heart!) 

xo, 

S.A 

ps. I <3 you all! 

picture is from here: weheartit