Animorphs 30 Day Challenge: Day 17 - Three heartwarming moments

Day Seventeen: Three heartwarming moments.

1. The characteristics of Pemalites
    - As much as how heart wrecking their end might be, Pemalites, as how they were, are heart warming. When I read the part where their story was being told, I was all 'Awww, I want to meet one.' Their chosen innocence is sweet it makes my heart melt and makes me want a dog so much.

2. Aftran and Cassie's deal
    - To be introduced to a Yeerk who didn't like the war they started for the first time is so good for my Yeerk-hating heart. Applegate had done a great job here in demonstrating the gray areas of life. The Departure should be read not only once.

3. Rachel, crying over Cassie's caterpillar incident
    -  I've just reread book 19: The Departure after reading books 50-54.  They've changed a lot because of the war, and inevitably, relationships suffered. So I was deeply touched by Rachel, crying over Cassie.in book 19 because from feeling so down due to the Animorphs' doubts with each other's motives from the last books, here comes a refreshing part of their story: when their friendship was so fresh that it would truly devastate the hard, cool Rachel to lose Cassie. I imagine, if Rachel would lose Cassie on the last parts of the series, she would return to her memories, of how deep their friendship was, because so much strain had happened to them that their recent encounters would only count Cassie as the 'valuable part of their team'. 

Book Tour, Review and Giveaway: Tantric Storm by Kali Willows

Title: Tantric Storm

Series: 1 Night Stand

Author: Kali Willows

Genre: Paranormal, Interracial Romance, Erotic,

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Format: Ebook

Length: 63 pages

Buy Links: Decadent Publishing | Amazon |

Book Description:

Therapist Laura Wellington is eager to end her sexual dry spell. Her skill of helping couples achieve personal happiness is illusive in her own life. Through the services of 1NS, she jets off to a small island in Spain for a spectacular night of mind-blowing pleasure, but her match has a challenge that might make her goal unreachable.

Declan Tempest hasn’t had a climax in years. Not because he can’t, but because he won’t; his dire fear over the consequences of fulfillment deter him. Declan turns to the aid of Madame Eve to create a match that can allow him the satisfaction he desperately needs, despite the challenge he deems a dark curse.

Can the two of them find release while they battle a tantric storm?

Excerpt:

“Wait a second. You’re saying you could tell things about me just by looking?”

“Yes, I can.” She crossed her arms and stared him down.

“Okay.” He faced her. “Give it your best shot.”

“Well, let’s see.” She considered his appearance. “You dressed in casual attire, so you wanted to appear relaxed and confident for our date, but you’re particular about your clothing. Silk, white, button down shirt, the first few buttons are open, and chino dress pants, so you aren’t uptight, but still somewhat conservative.”

Declan arched his brows. “Go on.”

“You shave your head, but from the looks of your five o’clock shadow, it’s more for convenience than esthetics. You have a solid build, but wear loose clothing. You don’t go out of your way to show your defined muscles, but you have an exceptionally competitive nature. I would say you’re a professional athlete. A full contact sport of some kind.”

“Wow.”

“You’re engaging and kind. The thin detailed line of facial hair framing your jaw suggests to me you like to have some mystery and can be a very private person, but you don’t hide. If people ask your opinion, you’re honest and open, sometimes more than you intend to be.”

“You’re good.”

“It’s a gift. What can I say?” She relaxed. Not everyone was as receptive to her “gift.”

“I’m speechless.”

“Do you want to try and figure me out?” What will he say?

“Sure I may not be as good at it as you are, but I’ll give it a try.”

“Ready.” Laura dropped her arms to her side and lifted her chin with a smile.

“Let’s see, you’re sweet, intelligent, and sexy as hell.”

She stifled a giggle. “Be serious.”

“I am.” Declan reached up and smoothed a stray tress from her cheek. She leaned into his touch.

“All right, more detail. You wore a soft, shell patterned dress, strapless, with a little glimpse of paradise, but not too much.” With a valiant gleam in his gaze, he traced his finger along her dipping neckline, causing a stir deep inside.

Review:

Disclaimer: The review copy was received for free for an honest review.

Never tried anything like this before (first time to be in a tour/promotions), so forgive me for a rough review. 

First off, I would like to say that 1NS series is such an ingenious move for a compelling series. Not having to deal with too many character backgrounds - it's not as enjoyable as it is in other books genres. I've read novels of this type, and the plot twisting and lengthening is not my thing. When erotica is concerned, I like it best in novella/short story form. 1NS is an awesome way to go with it because your setting would be perfect and there's an extra hotness in knowing that the characters are stranger to each other at first.

I'm glad that Tantric Storm as my first 1NS, because I enjoyed it a lot, and I want more! I love the chemistry of the pair. The female protagonist has a perfect background for a story like this. 

I also love the way the sizzling parts of the story was handled. Kali Willows has a way with [erotic] words. :)

It may have a little grammar errors but it can be fixed easily. 

About the Author:

When Kali Willows isn't busy being the married mother of two, certified trainer or counselor extraordinaire, she is shadowing worlds of paranormal passion & intrigue.

Her goal in life? She has many, but her writing goal is creating emotional, compelling stories and characters you can't help but love, hate and cheer for.

A good cup of tea with the crackling fire gets her creative juices flowing in the wee hours of the night, when the house is quiet and she can type away to her heart's desire. Learn more at: www.kaliwillows.com

Website | Blog | Facebook | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Google+ | Goodreads | LinkedIn | Canadian Romance Authors | Bookstrand | Manic Readers | Night Owl Reviews |

Decadent Publishing

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For more information about Decadent Publishing authors, books, and their submissions guidelines, visit www.decadentpublishing.com.

Decadent Publishing is current accepting submissions in all sub-genres of romance, including their ongoing series'.

There's also an on-going giveaway along with this tour! :)

Prizes are:

• 1 E-Book copy of Tantric Storm by Kali Willows
• 1 E-Book copy of Designing Passion byKalu Willows

Enter the giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Bonne Miracle Spa Milk Facial Foam: Review and 7-Day Challenge

Last April, Pinay on the loose (FB Page) ran a generous giveaway (picked 15 winners) and I joined and won! Thankslovelots A Bonne (their FB Page)! :)

Here's the loot:

Yogurt Milk Cream Soap

A Bonne Miracle Spa Milk Facial Foam

FACIAL WASH PRODUCT REVIEW:

The easy squeeze packaging

Applied facial wash on skin

PROS:

• easy-squeeze packaging
• one of the most good-smelling facial wash ever. I really love its milky rosy smell. 
• foamy 
• cheaper than alternatives which offers these three benefits too:

  

  
  

CONS:

• have to wash twice because it's too mild (but this could be a pro too)

7-DAY CHALLENGE:
Along with the giveaway is the option to join the seven-day challenge, and I did.

 I took a picture of my face before ang after the challenge and here's the result:

It's effective in lightening the skin! :)
I must say that I enjoy using it because of its lovable smell, it's not harsh on the skin and it's easy to use (squeeze-rub-wash).

SUMMARY:
Packaging: ★★★★☆
Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
Smell: ★★★★★

This is a must try! :)

Quezon: Padre Burgos and Borawan Photos

Padre Burgos Photos

Calming sight at Padre Burgos

Padre Burgos sand

View from Tamarind Tree Resort

View from Tamarind Tree Resort

Padre Burgos sand

On the way to Borawan

On the way to Borawan photos

Extraordinary trip to Borawan + Tamarind Tree Resort Review

You know you had good last days of the year when you spent it travelling. It's definitely better when you're with your loved one. I did/have both, and it went from better to best because we were the only people who booked (on at in) the resort those two days.
[We were the only people who island hopped to Borawan too.]

My boyfriend J booked a one night/two days accommodation in Tamarind Tree Resort (they met at Makati for reservation) two weeks before.

I was rather doubtful of the dates because I feared that there would be lack of transportation, but thankfully it was all in vain. Apparently Dec 30 - Jan 2 are some of the busiest days of drivers.

So on December 30, I rode the legendary non-aircon Supreme bus from Batangas City grand terminal to Aria, Quezon, then rode another bus there to go to the Lucena Grand Terminal,where I would meet J, who came from Cavite naman. The Batangas - Lucena trip took more than 3h because  too many passengers loaded and unloaded the bus.

J reserved a hut for two near the beach for P2040. It has aircon, two foams and pillows, and a bathroom. I wouldn't say it's a comfort room because it is made simple - just for bath room needs. It lacked hooks for clothings, nice flooring, and it's not inside the hut; we should go outside of the hut first to have an access to it, which is rather a hassle during the night.

We paid extra P550 for three meals. It may sound too expensive and I did think it was when I didn't see the food yet, but believe me, it's not. They remembered the GoGrowGlow of 90s DOH in every meal that they served, and the servings are for totally hungry people.

We also paid P800 to the resort person for our morning trip to Borawan. They took charge to hire a boat person at the barangay.

So we then put down our things on the windows-turned-cabinets in the hut and immediately went to the beach after.

Outside our hut

Reminders

Inside

The name of our room. Very appropriate.

It was cloudy but it was still a nice sight. It was a calm high tide. We didn't swim that time; we just enjoyed the sand, the quiet surroundings and each other.

Padre Burgos sand

They served the dinner at 7:00 pm, with Celine Dion songs. There's about 5 songs on loop, and they played it every meal, thus the theme song of the trip - "My Heart Will Go On".

Dinner: Some fish that looks like a white tilapia, pinakbet, pineapple slices (not in the picture), a mound of rice.
With my pogi friend.

After a heavy and hearty meal, we stayed near the pool. I intended to swim but because the pool was not cleaned (we saw insects swimming there), we just talked until we couldn't take the mosquito bites anymore.

Candlelight drinking session FTW

We then decided to drink, because what good is a getaway without drinking? We set up the table overlooking the sea. J asked the resort person if it's possible to light the torches but he said that there's not gas so he just gave us a candle. And viola, we had a candlelight drinking session, while Jack Johnson sang through J's phone. We were also waiting for the sky to clear up because when J first went there (2010), he was amazed by the Milky Way.

But alas, the weather did not cooperate so we went to bed early (around 9 pm). But we read 100 Love Poems: Philippine Love Poetry Since 1905 (my Christmas gift to him) first because we're romantic like that. :)

THE book for romantics.
From http://flipreads.com/image/cache/data/100%20Love%20Poems_cover-600x600.jpg.

We woke up at past 7 am, so our breakfast was ready when we went at the dining area. I was so hungry that time that I forgot to bring my camera, but the breakfast consisted of bananas, instant coffee, and silog (I forgot what silog it was).

We then had our morning trip to Borawan (more pics here!).

Walking towards the bangka. It was lowtide so  the boat was parked far from the resort.

It was still cloudy but we were a bit lucky to have glimpses of the sun during the trip.

But look, a rainbow! It's a lucky day after all.

Borawan viewed from the boat.

We had the island for ourselves. We only saw people riding boats and 'harvesting' shrimps.
It rained there. Good thing we found a 'lair' so we stayed there during the rain. Jack Johnson sang for us again. His voice is totally made for beach-bumming background.

Ako sa Borawan! Yee!

Borawan panorama

Borawan sand

We stayed there till 10:30 am.
It was raining during our boat ride to P Burgos but that didn't stop Manong from touring us around the two islands which can be viewed in P. Purgos shores.

The two islands: viewed from Tamarind Tree Resort

One of the islands: Up close 

Still that one island. It rained a little harder when we got near the other one so I didn't have a photo of the island with a house on top of it.

We then had our lunch, still hearty as ever, with two viands and softdrinks.

Then we took pictures of ourselves using the tripod initially intended for the Milky way.

That's our first shot. Trial session for the tripod+cam. XD

After the camwhoring, it's time to say bye-bye to the resort. We definitely had a good time. (Though it could be improved by a little general cleaning by the resort.) :) I would love to go there again with friends, to visit the other islands, Dampalitan and Puting Buhangin. :)

Mini bus from the resort to Lucena terminal

Here are the other photos of the breathtaking Quezon.

Tamarind Tree Resort Review Summary:
Service - ★★★★☆
Ambiance - ★★★★☆
Cleanliness - ★★☆☆☆+1/2
Price - ★★★☆☆

Ang Aking Reaksyon sa Pelikulang 'Ang Nawawala'

You know what’s a must-see movie? A free one! And that I did.

I was just lucky to have no class on a Thursday and NCCA Film Showcase had a free screening of the movies they funded. The list of movies are in here: http://ilminstitute.upd.edu.ph/?page_id=23.

from http://www.myxph.com/photos/21884-Ang%20Nawawala.jpg

I was actually curious to see Ang Nawawala during the Cinemalaya days because of the good reviews, but I had a loaded schedule last sem and I was so broke that I hadn't actually watched even just one film from the said film fest (though I watched the controversial non-cinemalaya film MNL 143 and it was SO GOOD). So I was fortunate this time to have the time to take advantage of the free screening. And free aircon. Because it is a weirdly hot Christmas season here in the Philippines.

I had no company when I watched it and it was all good because I could not cry freely if I had one. Not that it was filled with heavy drama; I just easily cry in movies. I was also lucky that I didn't know anything about the story of the movie so even the slightest detail shocked and/or amused me as I was watching.

[SPOILERS AHEAD]

'Ang Nawawala' is all about how Gibson and his formerly-perfect family coped up with a tragedy that happened to them ten years ago. It was focused on Gibson, who never talk[ed] again after the accident. He’s depicted as a music lover (with musically inclined friends) who always carries a camera around so the movie was a feast for the ears and eyes. 

Moreover, the actors in the movie – Mercedes Cabral (first actor who popped in my biased brain), the Roco brothers, Dawn Zulueta (she’s shining here. If it’s not Dominic Roco’s film, it’s hers.), Boboy Garovillo's happy happy face, Annicka Dolonius to name a few, are definitely pleasing to MY eyes. 

Plus the bands who played in the movie - Pedicab, Itchyworms!, Ciudad, Sugarfree, Pedicab, Flying Ipis - and the song selections are almost perfect. If I am not an OPM fan when I watched it, I would be converted to one after. Alas, I’m already a fan, and I definitely enjoyed the OST. 

Apart from these, I also enjoyed its storyline. I enjoy stories that dwell on psychology (coping on traumatic incidents is part of psych right?) so this movie’s for me.

I exited the movie house looking sad and elated at the same time: sad because of my puffy eyes and elated because I found the movie really awesome.

It’s one of the things that made me feel human, and less of a human because of not experiencing life as the characters of the movie experienced it, simultaneously