Showing posts with label Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Challenge. Show all posts

Monday, March 24, 2014

Kendra's Night Out Challenge

A few days back, I got an email from Kendra Thorton, offering me a chance to participate in her challenge. Kendra is a travel expert, TV spokesperson and a mother of three, and the challenge is to assist her in picking an outfit she could wear to her trip to Disney's Epcot with her family. And I thought it would be fun to help her out in any way that I can.

Here is something to give you all an idea of how the challenge works:
"I am looking forward to a special vacation trip that I am taking with my husband and three children. This year, we decided to go to Epcot, which is in Orlando, Florida. Before we leave for Epcot, I find that there are numerous things that I need to do. One of the biggest things is addressing my current wardrobe situation! Needless to say, I need help. Therefore, I am introducing a special challenge to my favorite fashion bloggers who can help find the perfect look! I reached out to fashionista Nada for some help! After checking out her previous work with fashion looks, I know it is safe to say she can help me out!!

I've created this contest “Kendra’s Fashion Challenge.” to help me find the perfect ensemble for Disney’s Dolphins in Depth! I found out about Dolphins in depth reading reviews on an online website gogobot. I don’t know who is more excited, myself or the kids . It’s a great place for my whole family to get close to dolphins. Spending three hours with this magnificent sea creature is the right amount of time for our young family. When the experience is over, we can get a souvenir photo. I am sure that our children will never forget it. Researchers and trainers will be teaching a class in how dolphins live. It is nice that these individuals have personal experience with the bottlenose dolphins. After our educational class, we will interact with the dolphins by getting into water that comes up to the waist. This experience is 30 minutes. Next, we are going behind the scenes to see how dolphins are trained, and we will be conversing about how to keep the ocean safe. All of this will be thrilling, and our children are looking forward to getting splashed by a dolphin. It will be a fun event for all."
Pondering on the idea of what I would wear to Epcot, and if I were to go I would want to dress comfortable yet stylish. So here is what I came up with for Kendra.

Kendra's Night Out Challenge


Unsure whether during the time she would go, it'll be cool or scorching hot, I gave her a choice of shorts or pants, and an option of a cardigan to go with the mint raglan tee. Since Kendra has planned to go for a little dip in the water with the dolphins, I added in a one piece bikini that she could wear underneath and then she could change into her normal undergarments when they're all done and dried up. Touching up the outfit with some comfy converse, classy sunglasses, a dolphin pendant,  and a coral bag to give it some eye catching colors.

And there we have it, simple, comfortable, yet a tad bit stylish.

I hope you like it Kendra :) 
 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Brilliant Earth's Personality Style Challenge

A couple of days back, the Community Outreach Coordinator at Brilliant Earth invited me to take part in their Personality Style Challenge, and I thought, "oooo this sounds fun! I'll do it!" and emailed her right back with no hesitation saying that I was IN!

We were required to choose a couple of Brilliant Earths jewelry and compile an outfit/look based on that, and as well as basing it on our own theme and/or mood.

Picking my three favorite out of the ton I was given to choose from, I went with simple yet elegant. 

18K White Gold Round Diamond Stud Earrings

18K White Gold Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Silver Leaf Pendant with Ethically Sourced Green Sapphire

A red skater dress paired with a thin brown waist belt and a cornelli cream crop-top that is coated with an anorak jacket to bring out the little green sapphire on the necklace. Black tights along with black combat boots to keep the wearer warm, comfy and free. 

To complete this semi grudgy look, I decided to put in some of the gorgeous sapphire that's radiating off that ring, by adding on a simple navy satchel handbag to really complement that sapphire tone. I added in the earrings to staple in a little bit more femininity into the look. It's casual with the jacket and combat boots, and it's elegant with cornelli lace crop-top and of course the gorgeous Brilliant Earth jewelry. 

For those who are unaware of Brilliant Earth, they are a jewel company that provide gorgeous, fine and clean diamond engagement rings, pendants, earrings and others of the sort. (I am serious, the sapphires and diamonds took my breath away, I want one so badly. I don't care, I'll buy myself a ring). They try their best to ethically produce their diamonds and jewels without harming the jewel production industry by recycling gold and platinum and by giving 5% of their profits to communities that have been harmed by the jewel industry. Check out their website to know more and see more of their products. Brilliant Earth. 

Have a great day everyone! xox

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Book Challenges of 2013 and 2014

I'm always up for a good blog challenge. It's a good way to make new blogger friends and a great way to expand your blog, in a way.

A new year means new fun challenges to partake in! So with this new year up and running, I want to look back at the bunch of book challenges I participated in 2013. And when I say "participated" I don't necessary mean completed. xD

2013 To Be Read Pile Reading Challenge


I had 20 on my list, and I ticked off 15. I think that's a great accomplishment! I'm pleased with myself! :)

Romance Reading Challenge 2013


I've been submitting most of the romance books I read during the year, and I've ticked everything on my list except one! One of the books I was really excited on reading "My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris". I COMPLETELY forgot I had it. :/

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge


This was a really fun challenge! I was freaking out the entire 15 days because I was worried I would miss a day. So I would schedule all these posts and reread them before I finally posted them all up. 

Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
I aimed to finish 42 books, and when I did, I just kept on reading and my numbers went up I finished 49 books on 2013. Yay for that! 

I don't feel like participating in that many challenges this 2014. I want to freely read what I want and not worry about the restrictions some challenges give me. So I'm just doing one.

Challenge yourself and see how many books you can finish this 2014
I am aiming for something attainable - 40 books 
Yay for that! 

What challenges are you participating in this year? 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 15 - Book Blogging Mentors


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 15 - Who are your book blogging mentors?

My sister, I am still surprised as how she can juggle book blogging along with her job. 'Tis amazing! I can call her my actual mentor when it comes to book blogging.

But when it comes to the bloggers I look up to - It doesn't only go down to book bloggers but food, fashion and lifestyle bloggers as well.

Well there is
Naj (my sister) from Unputdownable Books
Elizabeth from Delightfully Tackey
Alissa from The Adored Life
Jessie from Mini Penny

Yeah so much for book bloggers. I haven't settled on a particular book blogger mentor. ehe.  ^^;
The bloggers I've mentions are the main blogs I visit and look up to. :3

Who are your blogger mentors? 


I have successfully finished this 15 day challenge! Yay! I almost forgot about this post though. My week has been as busy as a bee. xD

 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 14 - Deal Breakers


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 14 - Tell us your deal breakers

What are the things about books that bother me the most? It's not much but..

When the protagonist does stupid things
As in completely idiotic things that one wouldn't do in real life because its impractical! It just annoys the hell out of me.

Repeated story lines 
As much as I enjoy series, there are just some books that go on the same cycle throughout every book of the series. I can get passed it but just saying that it can get a little boring and predictable.

Over the top details
Details are a great asset when it comes to the perfect novel, but there is something I call Over the top details that is just a little bit too much. Details of what the characters are wearing, about what type of brink was used to build the house, etc. As much as I love the details to fill in the blanks of my imaginations, I feel like the writer is just prolonging the end to make the book longer.

Yeah that's it! That's all I could think of!
The rest of the time I'm too focused on how good the book is to notice what things that bother me. xD

Have a great day everyone! ^^,

Monday, November 18, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 13 - Under Appreciated Books


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 13 - One under appreciated book EVERYONE should read. 

I don't really know if this counts as under appreciated since it was turned into a movie, but...

Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Though I'm not done with the entire series yet, the past couple of book from the series were easy and fun reads. They can be cute and adventurous at the same time because everything is died down to moderate on everything vulgar and brutal. It's a very light and an extremely fun read, if you're into that young adult action packed kind of books.

Let me know what books you think are under appreciated.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 12 - Fighting Blogger Fatigue


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 12 - How do you fight blogger fatigue?

I honestly don't really get fatigue because of blogging. I enjoy blogging. It relaxes me and because I like to take my time with my posts. :3

But if I do ever happen to get fatigue due to blogging, I would just have a cup of tea or two and let myself breathe because I'll probably need to finish writing this post. Reread the post and pass out.

Other alternatives would be, write a draft post and fix it up the next day. There's no rush is there? I like to take my time with my posts

Have a great day everyone! 

 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 11- 5 Best Blog Posts


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 11 - 5 of your Best Blog Posts

Five of my best blog post huh? *looks through archives*

To Relax, To Convey, To Enjoy
I think this one is one of my favorite posts. Though it's not a book post it's a fashion post It feels like one of my best posts.

The Castor Chronicles Series Review
The review of the entire Castor Chronicles series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohle. I enjoyed the series but honestly it was a little bit too repetitive.

What to wear when IT attacks
Again, not a book post but a fashion post but ladies, I'm sure this will help some of you when a certain something comes-a-calling on a work day and you're too "blah" to pick out what to wear to work..

The Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas Review
I absolutely love this series. I'm was also extremely happy with this review because well I don't want to boast but it got featured in one of the local news papers here in Bahrain! yay!

DOME Food Review
Ehe.. food review.
I'm sure there are other DOME branches around the world, well I went to the branch here in Bahrain and reviewed their food, service and whatnot.

Well, I personally think these are my five best blog posts. I picked them best on the number of views and through the value of my wits. Ahaha

Friday, November 15, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 10 - What book to read next

This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!


Day 10 - How do you choose what book to read next?

Oh this is an easy one.

I usually pick the next book I read by how the book makes me feel (it's all about feelings for me). When I read the summary and if it gets me all hyped up and excited. That's how I know it's the perfect next book that I'll be reading.

Also when a book just arrived in the mail. It's all so new and unread and when you fan the pages it lets out that new-book-smell, it just makes me want to ruffle all it's pages and read it!

It's all about feeling excited. If a book gets me excited, it's the one! I don't know why but choosing the next book to read seems like a ritual of some sort...hahaha

How do you guys pick what book to read next? o.O
Is it similar to how I do it? 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 9 - Why blog about books

This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!


Day 9 - Why do you blog about books?

My sister was the first to start an actual book blog and honestly, I just copied her, like I've always done since the beginning for my time. Just seeing her interact with so many different people through her blog inspired me, and I guess it's what pushed me to actually start up my own book blog. 

But I didn't want to only keep it as just books. I combined all the things I liked and saw myself doing in the future someway or another and just made a blog about it all. Hence "Interested in ALL" came to place. 

And that's basically it! :3

To those who have book blogs
Why did YOU start a book blog?
I'm interested to know why.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 8 - 15 things that appeal to me on blogs


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 8 - Quick! Write 15 things that appeal to me on blogs

Oh waw! 15 things? Okay GO! *types*


  1. The pretty wide header 
  2. The plain but beautiful background 
  3. The LARGE photos that fill up the entire blog
  4. Funny book reviews and their funny GIFS 
  5. Creative and organized sidebar
  6. All that pastel colors O.O
  7. International Giveaways xD 
  8. Weekly Memes that I can join myself
  9. Cute and creative rating systems
  10. Fun monthly and/or yearly challenges
  11. Dark font on a light background - It just burns my eyes whenever I read a post with light font and a dark background! It BLINDS me! 
  12. Social media links - If you have a pinterest with interesting boards, I will follow you.! (that's not meant to sound like a threat) 
  13. Currently reading badge on the sidebar
  14. Posts besides books every now and then
  15. NO MUSIC - I don't know why people put music on their blogs, it makes everything so slow, and when you switch tabs you don't know where the music's coming from and you need to close everything one by one! 
Okay that was really fun! I was literally doing some quick thinking. 

What are the random things that appeal to you guys on blogs! 
Not just book blogs, other kinds of blogs as well!
Tell meh! Tell meh all! 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 7 - Blogging Quirks


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 7 - Talk about your blogging quirks

I don't have much blogging quirks, or at least I don't notice them.
Well anyways, here are a bunch that I could think of:

  • When I finish a book, I have to straight up review it. I can't just leave it hanging since the after-effects of the book is still fresh in my mind.
  • I try to be completely honest and nice as possible in my reviews. Even if I don't like or can't relate to the book. 
  • I sometimes take notes when I read to help me with my reviews. 
  • When it comes to challenges like this one, I get so freaked out that I have to schedule a whole bunch of posts so that I don't miss a day. 
  • I make my own background, header, button, etc for my blog. I can't let anyone else do them for me. 
  • I try to keep my blog folder organized with all the photos, review drafts, and .psd files. 

Oh gosh that was hard to think of. Anyways, that was fun! xD

What are YOUR blogging quirks!
Let me know because I would love to read them! xD



Monday, November 11, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 6 - Book Shopping

Today feels like a blah day for me, but anyways, here goes! 
This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!



Day 6 - Describe how you shop for books


This is how I go book shopping, through Book Depository. Gotta love that free shipping. For those of you who don't know what book depository is, it's a site where you can buy books at a fair price with free shipping. They ship worldwide. Because of them, I only resort to buy books online instead of going to the bookstore. 
Check them out - bookdepository.com

The bookstores where I'm in (Bahrain), 1.) don't have the books that I want, or when they do, it's the second or third book instead of the first. 2.) they are a little bit over priced. I would get a book at book depository for $10 and get it from the bookstore at $18. I don't even care that it takes almost a month or so for the book to get here, as long as it gets here and I get to read it. xD

But when I physically shop for books from the actual bookstore. I would browse through the entire fiction area than move to cookbooks and lifestyle area. And after all that browsing, I would just walk out of the shop with only one book. 

How do you go book shopping? 
I'd love to read about it! 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 5 - Tear Jerker

This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!


Day 5 - Recommend a Tear Jerker


The book that's made me cry...I don't remember the last book that really made me cry. I don't usually cry; like sobbing swollen eyed crying, it's usually just one or two tears that I have to fan my face to dry out.



I think it was Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester. (Review, Amazon)

I received this book from the man himself; Mr. Manchester, for a review.

Goodnight, Brian is about a young boy who is ill and was declared unable to make it in the world, but his entire family; especially his grandmother, kept their faith and hopes high for the best.

This book was very emotional and heartbreaking and I think it serves as a tear jerker.

What was the last book that made you sob like a baby?
Let me know! xD



 

Saturday, November 9, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 4 - Book Rage


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random posts with questions from the photo down below. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!


Day  4 - What's the last book you flung across the room?

This is so funny! I love this topic because I know the exact book. 




The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory - My Review

I've always loved the historical british politics of the medieval times, and I got really obsessed with this "Cousins' War" series by Philippa Gregory. I read and listened to book after book after book, I even made a Toastmaster speech about it.

So when I was reading the second book; The Red Queen, the protagonist, Margaret Beaufort pissed me off so much. She was a conniving hypocritical little piece of...who wanted nothing more than power. I hated her so much that I almost literally threw the book across my room when I was done with it! 

The book rage, I swear.



What was the last book you almost threw across the room?
Or even the last book you got really angry at? 
Let me know because I would love to read about it! 


 

Friday, November 8, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 3 - Blogging BFFs


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!


Day 3 - Who are your blogging BFFs?

I've had this official blog for quite a while now, and I've been posting on here on and off. My book reviews are honestly the thing that keeps this blog alive so far.

As for Blogging BFFS, I haven't got any. :(
Sad, I know. But all I want to do is to feed my urges to write, and so I do that with this blog. If I happen to get a blogging BFF in the process of all this than that's great! 

Having companions with you along your way to happiness is what makes everything 10x better! 

Happy Reading Lovelies! 
xoxo

Thursday, November 7, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 2 - Bedtime Reading Ritual


This is the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that was created by April from Good Books & Good Wine. It is basically posting up random post with questions from the photo down bellow. It's all pretty fun so far, so come and join us!

Here is April's main post! ^.^ and mine ^-^


Day 2: What's your bedtime reading ritual?

I don't really have a bedtime reading ritual. But there were times when I would put on my scented oils, play some jazz instrumental music, turn on the AC, put on my most comfortable clothes, let the room cool up a bit, cuddle up on the corner of my bed, get myself cosy and seated onto a semi-fetus position, put my hair up and start reading. 

In my reading process, I would casually play with my hair and change my position from the head of my bed, sitting down to the foot of my bed on my stomach. 

But these days, I would just simply read for 10 minutes until I get sleepy. It's nothing special. xD

What is your bedtime reading ritual?
Let me know!
If you're joining this challenge, you can post up your links here! DAY 2

Have a great day! 
xoxo

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Day 1 - Book Related Confessions


So I got this challenge off the lovely April from Books&Wine, and what a fabulous idea it is to spice up your blog with the regular reviews and blog tours.  
Here is her main post! ^.^

I'm pretty excited!
But I'm also a bit worried that I won't post every day due to my laziness. ehe.  xD

Henywayz! Let's get started! xD



DAY 1 - Make 15 Book Related Confessions

So here are my confessions, it took me a while, but here ya go! ENJOY!

  1. I tend to judge a book by its cover rather than read the synopsis. As long as the book looks appealing to me, I would read it. 
  2. I took me a year and a half read and finish The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It was by my bed for the entire year and a half. xD
  3. I used to take a month to finish one book. 
  4. I've read almost all Sophie Kinsella books. 
  5. I used to pretend I like to read, just to copy my sister.
  6. Though, I really got into reading when I was 13. 
  7. As much as I hate DNFing books, I've DNF'd 2 books so far...that was during my genre discovery phase. 
  8. I was known as the girl who always has something to read on my last year of high school, when I honestly didn't read that much. 
  9. I'm sure everyone does this but, I would always seem to hope for a muscular man with an accent to take me away from all my horrible nothingness of life, just like in the books.
  10. I enjoy buying books online more than buying them from the bookstore (bookstores where I'm from unfortunately don't have most of the books I want and tend to overprice)
  11. I get into phases when I don't feel like reading at all. The book I'm currently reading would get left on shelf collecting dust for a week or so. 
  12. I spent about a year reading only self-help books. 
  13. I listen to more audiobooks than read books.
  14. There are times when I need to keep the book series in the same edition and sizes. (I'm partly OCD that way)
  15. And finally, I tend to hold on to books I really enjoyed like they're new born babies. 
So there you have it! My book related confessions. They are all the typical confessions of a semi-book nerd! And that's Day 1 of this 15 day challenge! I really hope I'll be able to post up everyday! xD

What are your book related confessions? 
Join this challenge because it's fun and it gives you an excuse to update your blog! xD
You can also post your link up here! DAY 1

[Books] 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge | Roundup


Hello fellow readers and bloggers! 

As I was surfing through multiple blogs during my past time, I came across this 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge at Good Book and Good Wine. It was created by the blogger herself, April.

I know I'm a couple of months late, but whatever! It's fun! plus it gives me an excuse to blog xD

It's basically blogging with random topics every day for 15 days. The topics are given on the photo below. It's going to be super fun! And I'm excited to start. 

Though I am worried that I won't be able to post up everyday (time to use to handy dandy 'schedule' option)





Day 1 - 15 Book Related Confessions

Day 2 - Bedtime Reading Ritual

Day 3 - Blogging BFFS

Day 4 - Last book I flung across the room

Day 5 - Tear Jerker

Day 6 - How I shop for books

Day 7 - Blogging Quirks

Day 8 - 15 things that appeal to me on blogs

Day 9 - Why I blog about books

Day 10 - What book to read next

Day 11 - 5 Best Blog Posts

Day 12 - Fighting Blogger Fatigue


Day 13 - Under appreciated book EVERYONE should read 

Day 14 - Deal Breakers

Day 15 - Book Blogging Mentors


Challenge completed! *holds fist in air*

 

Monday, January 14, 2013

Bout of Books 6.0: Wrap up

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon

The Bout of Books read-a-thon has ended!

I really enjoyed participating in the read-a-thon. I achieved my goals which were

1. Finish these 2 books ✓
2. Read 600 page ✓ (Read 800 pages, woot!)
3. Join the Twitter Chat ✓ (t'was so awesome)
4. Join at least 1 challenge ✓ (t'was so much fun!!)

This week has been filled with multiple accomplishments from me and other bloggers as well. It was a fabulously productive week! I've met some great bloggers and book lovers! 
I'm so glad I joined this!

Anyways....
Here are the books that I've read in the past week!


I did not write a review for The Lord of Rings: The Two Towers because I recently decided not to review classics. 


 Thanks for hosting this boutofbooks!