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BOOK: The Song Rising & Giveaway

Posted February 10, 2017 By LadyJai

I know, it’s been a great long while since I’ve posted. I’ve been busy. There are never enough hours in a day to do everything I want to do, let alone NEED to do. I’ve not forgotten my passion. I wish to get back to writing, everyday. But, you know…life.
In the mean time, the 3rd installment of The Bone Season  is going to be getting underway, entitled The Song Rising.

From today through March 6th, anyone in the US who pre-orders The Song Rising and sends us proof will receive a button and tattoo set. (See the photo below.) The full details can be found here.  And honestly, who wouldn’t want to wear a rad Underqueen button?

Displaying image001.jpg

Click the image above to pre-order your copy.

For those who have yet to have heard of this series, I have a treat for you.
The repackaged paperbacks for The Bone Season and The Mime Order headed out into the world on February 7th. 

And that means I am allowed to give away, not one…but TWO copies of The Bone Season! That’s two winners that can experience Paige’s journey!

The Bone Season Blurb:
Enter the world of Paige Mahoney, a gifted clairvoyant, a “dreamwalker,” in the year 2059. Her natural talents are considered treasonous under the current regime. Snatched away to a secret prison, she encounters another race, the Rephaim, creatures who wish to control the powers of Paige and those like her. One in particular will be assigned as her keeper, her trainer. But his motives are mysterious. To regain her freedom, Paige must learn to trust, in the prison where she is meant to die.

· Start date: February 9th

· End date: February 23rd

· Eligibility: USA/CAN participants only (Advocates in other territories will be running their own giveaways)

· Prize: Two copies, one per winner, of The Bone Season paperback repackage

· Shipping: We will ship from the Publisher’s office to the winners

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

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BOOK: Awaken from Death Release

Posted October 15, 2016 By LadyJai

Awaken from Death

Born from Death book 2

by M.S. Kaye

Will they discover the truth of their ancient connection before it destroys them both?

Ilona continues to struggle with loss, as well as trying to find where she fits in with other people, if she ever really will. She starts taking dangerous risks.

Archer is desperate to protect Illona and discovers more about himself in the progress. When Ilona is in danger of being mauled by a dog, he desperately tries something that shouldn’t be possible. And yet he succeeds.

This is just the beginning of his discovery of who—what—he truly is.

awakenfromdeath-v3amazon

Release date 10/15/16 from Inkspell Publishing.

Amazon   |  Barnes & Noble  |   iTunes   |   Kobo

Add to your to your to-read on Goodreads.

Strong as Death, Born From Death book 1

Ilona discovers what it means to have a mother who is a modern woman and a father who is a 19th-century gentleman ghost.

After being hit by a car and taken to the hospital, Ilona starts to realize she’s different from other people, and that her mother has hidden the truth from her. She sneaks out of the hospital in order to discover the truth.

A mysterious boy named Archer guides her through Brooklyn and introduces her to Hendrick, the man who claims to be her father—though he died in 1890.

Ilona must discover not only what she must do to rid the city of Soll, a sadistic and powerful spirit, but also what it means to be half ghost. She proves what her mother told her—love is stronger than death.

Sneak Peek at Awaken from Death:

The blond boy didn’t walk up to a urinal or into one of the stalls, or even up to the mirror. He stood in the middle of the room.

Invisible, Lettie watched curiously.

Something moved backward away from him. Out of him.

She recognized Archer’s shiny black hair and strong frame even before she could see his face.

She gasped. But ghosts can’t inhabit people.

The blond boy shook his head and looked around. “Fuck.”

“I’m sorry,” Archer murmured so the boy wouldn’t hear.

Lettie stared at both of them.

The blond boy turned, leaned his hands on the counter, and looked at himself in the mirror…not the way people usually looked at themselves. It was more like he was trying to see something more than was in the reflection.

Archer watched him, as if waiting for him to see something.

Then Lettie understood. Archer hadn’t merely inhabited the boy—he’d possessed him. But there were only a couple ways that’d be possible—if he were half ghost, or if he…

A memory struck Lettie like a horse galloping across a battlefield. An ancient memory. Lettie had been around since the beginning of time on Earth, but most of those thousands of years she let slink around the crevices of her mind. It was mostly just walking the bridge with the newly deceased. There were a few memories, though, that burned into her every time she let herself pull them forward. And burned was precisely the right word.

She knew—or rather, remembered—why Archer would never leave Ilona.

Author Bio:

M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.

To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Google+  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  TSU  |  Pinterest  |  LinkedIn

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Strong As Death – Releases Tomorrow!

Posted July 27, 2016 By LadyJai

Strong as Death

Born from Death book one

by M.S. Kaye

cover art StrongAsDeath.v6Ilona discovers what it means to have a mother who is a modern woman and a father who is a 19th-century gentleman ghost.

After being hit by a car and taken to the hospital, Ilona starts to realize she’s different from other people, and that her mother has hidden the truth from her. She sneaks out of the hospital in order to discover the truth.

A mysterious boy named Archer guides her through Brooklyn and introduces her to Hendrick, the man who claims to be her father—though he died in 1890.

Ilona must discover not only what she must do to rid the city of Soll, a sadistic and powerful spirit, but also what it means to be half ghost. She proves what her mother told her—love is stronger than death.

Amazon | Kobo

Add to your to your to-read on Goodreads.

Release date 7/28/16 from Inkspell Publishing.

Awaken from Death, Born From Death book 2AwakenFromDeath.v3

Will be released 10/15/16 from Inkspell Publishing.

The truth of an ancient connection threatens to destroy Ilona and Archer. As they struggle to understand, Lettie discovers, or rather remembers, their history, as well as the punishment Archer bore as a result. She comes to accept Archer will never leave Ilona, but will that cause his destruction?

 

Excerpt from Book 1:

Another twenty yards and she’d be out of the darkness of the trees and almost to the sidewalk, within reach of the light from the streetlamps.

A figure stepped out from behind a large oak, directly into Ilona’s path.

Ilona stopped and searched for a way around.

“What are you doing?” a rough voice growled.

Ilona recognized it immediately, even before she registered Archer’s face.

“It’s none of your business what I’m doing,” she said.

He moved closer. “You’re making it goddamned impossible to protect you.”

“You can’t protect me.”

His jaw tightened, and he glared. “What in the hell do you think I’ve been doing?”

“I’m honestly not sure.”

His voice rose. “You’d be lying frozen dead in a gutter right now if it wasn’t for me. You saw what happened in the shelter—you’d have been attacked by now if I hadn’t been around.”

Her tone was quiet, calm. “I know how you scared them away.”

“I told you I have a talent for creating fear. It comes in useful.”

“But you don’t like it.”

He said nothing.

“And I know you’ve been around,” she said.

He raised his eyebrows as if she was being slow.

“Before you asked me if I was lost,” she said. “You were there—when the car hit me.”

His expression sobered.

She waited for a response.

Finally, he said, “I’ve been around.”

“Will you answer one question? And be honest?”

“I give as much honesty as I can.”

Her lips curved a little. That was perhaps the most honest response he had yet given.

She moved closer, and he backed away.

“No,” she said.

He stopped.

“When you turned the corner and asked if I was lost,” she said, “you leaned your shoulder on the wall. How did you do that?”

His eyebrows pulled together.

“You’re really good at it,” she said. “It took me awhile to realize you never actually touch anything, that you stay out of the light, that you don’t get cold, your breath doesn’t come out in puffs in the cold like everyone else’s, you never let anyone close, near enough to realize you have no scent, to feel the static when you get too close.”

He took a step back, as if in self-defense.

“Don’t try to lie anymore,” she said. “I know what you are.”

MSK.v1Author Bio:

M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.

To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Goodreads | Amazon | TSU | Pinterest | LinkedIn

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Happy Book Birthday to HYBRID by KT Hanna

Posted November 10, 2015 By LadyJai

HYBRID (The Domino Project #2) goes out into the world today.

We’re celebrating with an excerpt reading, and a giveaway!

 

If you haven’t read CHAMELEON – it’s on sale until the end of 11/12/15 for $0.99

IMG_4057

K.T. Hanna reads an excerpt

Blurb

As Sai recovers from her life-threatening injuries, she struggles to piece together her damaged relationship with Dom. He fights the parasite within, suddenly freed from the interference of the other Dominos in his head.

Inside Central, Bastian’s Shine dosing has become a dangerous dance. Enhanced security protocols and endless meetings have him on a tightrope, with little room to move without revealing himself.

When the GNW release the Damascus to begin their systemic hunt of the Exiled, the noose closes around the rebels and their allies. If they can’t disable the threat, the Exiled won’t be the Damascus’ only agenda.

~

Praise for Chameleon – The Domino Project #1

“Wow! A fast-paced, science fiction delight with fabulous action, a seamless world, and the most unique characters I’ve read in a long time.”
Elana Johnson, Author of the Possession Series.

“Nikita-like post-apocolyptic novel with a heroine that would give Katniss a run for her money.”
Alina @ Unfazeable.com

Psionics is wicked cool and I wish a meteor would give me some super-secret powers. The logistics of the abilities are many, and normally would have been a nightmare to follow. Hanna handles it with enough subtle description laced through the opening chapters that you’re able to grasp their powers naturally.
Heather @ Aussie Owned and Read

A seriously great sci-fi. Dark, edgy and complex. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a gripping read because of the author’s tense voice; the characters are well defined, believable and likeable, despite all of their flaws; the story flows well; and the ending leaves you on edge to read more. If you like sci-fi, you will love this book.
Kate Foster – Author of Winell Road

HYBRID is available at the following retailers

AMAZON | INDIEBOUND

Watermark Books – Signed Copies!

Celebrate HYBRID’s release with us!

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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HYBRID Cover Reveal

Posted October 8, 2015 By LadyJai

Hybrid is finally almost ready for release. S.P. McConnell worked magic again here.

Hybrid (The Domino Project #2) is the sequel to Chameleon. It’s set in the wasteland of earth after a meteor shower causes ecological disaster, damages the atmosphere, and gives the gift of an alien parasite to the world. Book two furthers Sai, Bastian, and Dom’s journey in their fight to live free from GNW imposed rules.

The goodreads blurb is as follows:

As Sai recovers from her life-threatening injuries, she struggles to piece together her damaged relationship with Dom. He fights the parasite within, suddenly freed from the interference of the other Dominos in his head.

Inside Central, Bastian’s Shine dosing has become a dangerous dance. Enhanced security protocols and endless meetings have him on a tightrope, with little room to move without revealing himself.

When the GNW release the Damascus to begin their systemic hunt of the Exiled, the noose closes around the rebels and their allies. If they can’t disable the threat, the Exiled won’t be the Damascus’ only agenda

Without further ado – here’s a teaser of the cover by the amazingly talented S.P. McConnell.

TDP211

Go see the full cover at YA Interrobang!

Isn’t it GORGEOUS!?!?!

Sit back and bask in this for a moment.

It’s available for pre-order for $3.99 and will be available on November 10th, 2015!

Amazon Link

t will also be available in print via CreateSpace, Amazon, but best of all, the local indie store is being really supportive and already has it available for pre-order in print there!

Watermark Books

 

Haven’t read Chameleon? There’s still time to catch up!

Get it HERE!

About the Author

Me

KT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.

Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.

When she’s not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, interns for a NYC Agency, and chases her daughter, husband, corgi, and cat. No, she doesn’t sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.

Note: Still searching for her Tardis

Celebration!

To celebrate, we’re giving away a copy of books 1 & 2! With an Amazon e-card, and a SWAG pack!

Winners will be announced on Monday October 19th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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#CoverReveal – CLOUDED by MS Kaye

Posted August 17, 2015 By LadyJai

Clouded.v2

Clouded

By M.S. Kaye

A Sumerian water and sky god myth collides with a modern high school.

Ayanna is a math nerd, logical and rational, even cold, but Calder makes her feel things she never had before. Somehow, she’s able to accept it when she discovers he’s a reincarnated Sumerian water god. Will she be able to accept the full truth, that the story of Enki and Inanna has been reborn in a modern Ohio high school?

Release Date: 9/12/15

Inkspell Publishing

About the Author:

M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.

To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

Contact M. S. Kaye at:

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Goodreads  ~  Amazon  ~  TSU  ~  Pinterest  ~  LinkedIn

 

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Blog Hop: Chameleon by K.T. Hanna

Posted August 5, 2015 By LadyJai

Chameleon Releases Today!

CHAMELEON Domino Project Front with Text 2

“Wow! A fast-paced, science fiction delight with fabulous action, a seamless world, and the most unique characters I’ve read in a long time.” Elana Johnson, Author of the Possession Series.

 

What I learned writing Chameleon:

Taking on criticism and separating what will enhance your story and what will change it

Taking criticism is always a delicate balance. You need to juggle what you want your story to be with what others suggest to enhance it. It’s sort of like going outside of the story in your head, and looking down on it with as fresh eyes as possible.

For me, I always found it easiest if I digested the feedback for about twenty-four hours, or at least over night. Sleeping on it, always gave me a better perspective. Because, let’s face it, upon receiving even constructively critical feedback the instinctual reaction is to say: NO! It’s my story! Never!

Now I’m pretty good at taking feedback. I do one of two things after processing it.

1) I either go: damn, they’re right, it would be so much better if a, b, c…

Or

2) I go – hmmm that’s wrong, they read it wrong. So, what can I do to make sure that what I intended this section to convey comes across?

Both 1 & 2 lead me to improving my story. Taking on feedback and incorporating it in my world because I know it will improve it, is a great thing. And because that world lives in my head, I know it better than anyone else. Sometimes this means that I haven’t communicated what I know in the right way and so it’s very possible (and probable) that others may misread, or just be confused. These parts also need fixing, but not necessarily changing.

In a nutshell – taking criticism has become a balancing act for me. Between knowing what will make my story stronger, and what portions of my writing I need to strengthen in order to better express the book I’m aiming to put out there.

The Blurb:

When Sai’s newly awoken psionic powers accidentally destroy her apartment complex, she’s thrown into an intensive training program. Her only options are pass or die.

Surviving means proving her continued existence isn’t a mistake–a task her new mentor, Bastian, takes personally. Her abilities place her in the GNW Enforcer division, and partners her with Domino 12, who is eerily human for an alien-parasite psionic hybrid.

After eliminating an Exiled scientist, she discovers nothing is what it seems. With each mission more perilous, Sai must figure out who to trust before her next assignment becomes her last.

Available at:

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | IndieBound

If you’d like a signed physical copy, Watermark Books has them in stock.

CELEBRATION!

We’re having a blog hop, and an e-card & mega swag Rafflecopter giveaway!

The blog hop stops are noted below. Each day has a different theme and you can find out about the process, the idea, and the evolution of Chameleon, and even a bit about K.T. by visiting each blog, when their posts go live.

4-Aug 5-Aug 6-Aug 7-Aug 10-Aug
Fun facts about the book What I learned writing Chameleon Author Interviews The world of Chameleon The Evolution of Chameleon
Manuel Soto Marlo Berliner Leatrice McKinney Rebecca Enzor Patricia Lynne
J Elizabeth Hill Stacey Trombley Dawn Allen Sharon Johnston Bex Montgomery
E.L. Wicker JC Davis Suzanne van Rooyen Mandy Baxter Madelyn Dyer
Jessie Mullins Andrew Patterson Heather Rebel Jessica Therrien Carissa Taylor
Emma Adams Lady Jai Elyana Noreme Kendra Young

I’m giving away e-cards of your choice from B&N, iTunes, & Amazon – one to the value of $25, and three to the value of $10! Each prize includes a swag pack of a magnet, sticker, bookmark, postcard, and mousepad!

Just follow the options listed on the giveaway and you’ll be entered!full swag pack

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Me Squared

KT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.

Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.

When she’s not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, interns for a NYC Agency, and chases her daughter, husband, corgis, and cat. No, she doesn’t sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.

Note: Still searching for her Tardis

MUG

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#BookReview: CHAMELEON By KT Hanna

Posted July 31, 2015 By LadyJai

Chameleon

(The Domino Project #1)

August 4, 2015

CHAMELEON Domino Project Front with Text 2

When Sai’s newly awoken psionic powers accidentally destroy her apartment complex, she’s thrown into an intensive training program. Her only options are pass or die.  

Surviving means proving her continued existence isn’t a mistake–a task her new mentor, Bastian, takes personally. Her abilities place her in the GNW Enforcer division, and partners her with Domino 12, who is eerily human for an alien-parasite psionic hybrid.  

After eliminating an Exiled scientist, she discovers nothing is what it seems. With each mission more perilous, Sai must figure out who to trust before her next assignment becomes her last.

Available for purchase from:

Amazon Link

kobo

ibooks

Watermark Books

**********************

Chameleon (The Domino Project, #1)Chameleon by K.T. Hanna

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was one of the lucky ones to see this novel evolve over time. Even as a rough draft, this was an incredibly strong story. I was also blessed to be able to read the final product before it was released. Oh how I love ARCs! 🙂

By far one of my favorite YA SciFi novels of all time. KT Hanna has a way of getting into the head and the heart of both her characters and her readers. Her story. Her words. Her strong plot. Her strong and diverse characters. All leave the reader feeling all the emotions and craving more. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series…and more from KT Hanna!

Sai wasn’t born a leader. It was thrust upon her and she is learning how to handle that on top of learning how to control her powers. Her interactions with Bastian and Dom are strong without the need to be saved by a guy. Sai is truly a model heroine. More girls need to strive to be like her, including me.

View all my reviews

LadyJai

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Get Your Swag On – Pre-Order CHAMELEON And Win

Posted July 7, 2015 By LadyJai

In addition to having her book on the day of its release, you’ll also get a beautiful postcard with the cover art, and a bookmark!

swag

How? Just email her a screenshot or photo of your pre-order along with your address, and she will send you a bookmark and personalized SIGNED postcard!

She will run the giveaway right up until release.
It’s open internationally.
Email:  kthannaAuthor@gmail.com
Visit her website:  http://www.kthanna.com/

I hope you love her books as much as I do!! Stop by and let me know. Leave a review on Amazon, GoodReads to let her know! Spread the word! Share the love!

LadyJai

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Cover Reveal – CHAMELEON (The Domino Project #1)

Posted June 12, 2015 By LadyJai

I am so so so excited to share with you the cover reveal for a very dear friend of mine and her debut novel! I’m also excited to get the book out there in the world. Let me tell you, I’ve read it (before it was edited) and it is something I fell in love with. I love this woman! I love her words, her brain, and her stories. I hope you will share in that love! It’s available for pre-order on Amazon and there’s a giveaway! (links at the bottom of the page)

Chameleon (The Domino Project #1) is a YA futuristic science fiction story. It’s set in the wasteland of earth after a meteor shower devastates landmasses, makes seas rise, introduces the psionic gene into the human race, damages the atmosphere, and gives the gift of an alien parasite to the world.

The goodreads blurb is as follows:

After Sai’s newly awoken psionic power accidentally destroys her apartment complex, she’s thrown into an intensive training program. The only grades are pass or die.

Surviving means proving her continued existence isn’t a mistake–a task her new mentor, Bastian, takes personally. Her abilities place her in the GNW Enforcer division, which partners her with Domino 12, who is eerily human for an alien-parasite and psionic hybrid. When her assassination duties are revealed, Sai understands the real reason for her training.

On a mission to dispatch a dangerous Exiled scientist, she uncovers truths she never thought possible. Sai is unsure who to trust as her next mission might be her last, and a double agent seems to be manipulating both sides.

Without further ado – here is the cover, by the amazingly talented S.P. McConnell.

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

It’s finally here

CHAMELEON Domino Project Front with Text 2

Isn’t it GORGEOUS!?!?!

Sit back and bask in this for a moment.

It’s available for preorder for a special price of $2.99 from

Amazon Link

About the Author

Me

KT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.

Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.

When she’s not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, interns for a NYC Agency, and chases her daughter, husband, corgi, and cat. No, she doesn’t sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.

Note: Still searching for her Tardis

Celebration!

To celebrate, we’re giving away 2 x $10 Amazon e-gift cards (open to anyone who can receive and use an Amazon e-card) Just click on as many options as you like and enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review of Jamberry Nail Wraps

Posted June 10, 2015 By LadyJai

I’m a little late to the game because I really enjoy painting my nails and coming up with some really cool artwork for them. However, I decided to try them last month. And let me tell you, it was amazing, actually. While they don’t have a lot of my type of designs, I did find that they went on easy and lasted a long time. But most of all is my thumb nail.

10 years ago I dropped a 100 pound server on my thumb. My cuticle really. Little did I know I damaged my nail matrix. After a few years a line started forming in the center of my thumb nail. Just a few millimeters long. But as time went on, that line grew until it reached the end of my finger. My nail started splitting at that line and I could no longer grow my thumb nail long. Half my nail would grow slower than the other half and it would always split down that line. I’ve tried nail polish, nail glue, and fiberglass wraps. Nothing worked to allow them to grow again.

 

Last test was these nail wraps. So I gave it a shot. A month later and they were still on. Very impressive. But the most impressive, they allowed me to grow and protect my thumb nail. It gave it strength. Thank you.

Now, if only I can have a whole sheet of thumb nail sizes just for this purpose!

LadyJai

PS: If any of my writer friends would like to keep up with my writing and how my life is progressing, I’ve moved over to “Caring for My Veteran“. Please subscribe there, too. Thank you.

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Review of TEMPTATIONS SNACKY MOUSE™ Cat Toy

Posted April 17, 2015 By LadyJai

 

***I received my Temptations Snacky Mouse  complimentary to test and/or review from Influenster.***

Honestly, this is such a cute little thing. I have tried my hand at something similar, though nowhere near as cute as this. I took a small water bottle, cleaned and dried. Then cut random holes in is so the kitties could get their brain exercise, their prey and puzzle solving instincts going. It didn’t look as fancy but it worked. The cats loved it so much that they ATE. EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE.

I haven’t done that in a long time. And when I received this in the mail, it was quite interesting, to say the least.

NOTE TO SELF: Don’t attempt to set it between 3 kitties at the same time!



Of course, after I turn off my camera and leave the area, Sofie goes to town batting at it and eating all the treats.

This item is that it did not come with instructions on how to open it in order to fill it, so I could see it breaking before anyone could get a chance to use it. The other thing I found was that my cats still eat it all gone in one setting. The way to combat that is not to fill it up all the way. They all love it, though. So in my book, this product is a win!

LadyJai

PS: If any of my writer friends would like to keep up with my writing and how my life is progressing, I’ve moved over to “Caring for My Veteran“. Please subscribe there, too. Thank you.

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How Blue Fashion Hair Dyes Fade – Review

Posted March 3, 2015 By LadyJai

Ever wonder how those fashion hair colors fade over time? Me too! I looked at a lot of pictures before I took the plunge, trying to determine exactly how I wanted my hair. I did find a couple that I wanted. REALLY, REALLY wanted. But, they were either too radical for me and my dayjob or I just didn’t have my grey hair yet.

blue hair

The perfect blue. The perfect length. The perfect braid.

Alas, the stylist does not want to do this one because it’s just too damaging to my hair. I love this stylist for his honesty! I’ve not had one quite like him, ever.

This is why I want my silver/grey to come in! <3

And this one, well, I’m only now seeing a few strands of silver in my hair. Only a few. Why does it take so long to have them come in. Yes, I am weird. I WANT grey hair! Because…look at that picture! Oh and to be able to do that flower bun thing would be cool too! But the color!! TheHubs has been going grey since his 20s. Now he has a touch of his natural color left throughout his head. Me, I am just now finding a few strands. Ugh. How long do I have to wait? I want my grey! If my father is any indication what type of grey I will have, I can’t wait. It came in silver and turned to pure white. Not that dingy grey or yellowed grey. Please grey hair fairy, hurry up! 😛

Anyway, last July I went to a stylist and had a few streaks of blue put in my hair. She used N Rage Demi Cobalt Blue

‘N Rage Cobalt Blue Not bad for freshly done.

It really is a nice color when freshly done. Of course, I had to have her bleach the streaks first. Then she added the color. If you notice the color is not even across all strands. Some are darker than others, which is fine really. And I did not have any expectations except blue seeing as this was the first time. It was nice. But not gorgeous nice.

I knew, since this was a demi-permanent color, that a little color would wash out with each wash. The very first wash had me petrified, though. So much color came out, my tub was left stained. I quickly learned, as well, that I needed to get a dark pillow case. I put a t-shirt over my pillowcase in the mean time to keep it from bleeding as I slept. Eventually that stopped after a few washes, but I still sleep with a dark pillow case, just in case.

Now, the question was, how long will my blue last?

Everything I read and even the bottle said, 6-8 weeks. I wash my hair every 3 days and use a sulfate free/color friendly shampoo. I think it held my color mostly well. It faded, yes. And by September, you could hardly see the teal mingling with my natural hair.

By October/November, it started turning green. I was not happy with it by this time. I know, I know, you’re probably telling me that I needed to re-do it. In all honesty, I knew that was what I needed to do and I was too chicken to do it myself. Plus I didn’t want to go back to where I had it done. So, I waited. I wanted to go to my friend’s stylist but I had to get his info from her. Once I had that, then I had to wait until it wasn’t the holidays.

This is my hair after 5 months. It really looks green and very faded.

This is my hair after 5 months. It really looks green and very faded.

The end of December I had my hair consult. That’s when he told me that I shouldn’t get the all over blue because it’s too damaging. He doesn’t recommend it unless you are doing a photo shoot…no matter what color it is. He also tried to talk me into getting purple done, only because when it fades, it turns silvery and he knew how much I wanted the silver and blue one pictured. But purple is not my color. Blue is. So blue it was.

On January 2nd, he bleached more of my hair and applied a new type of blue dye. Pravana Chromasilk Vivids Blue. PravanaVividBlue

This time, I thought to take a picture after every washing to see how this one fades. (Should have done it the first time, too, but didn’t think about it. Oopsie.) So, below is a slideshow of my pictures after every wash. There’s no touch ups, no filters. It’s all natural and me. You can see the progression and how it fades for yourself.

Personally, I like how this one fades, much better than the ‘N Rage brand. I like the Pravana’s silvery blue fade versus ‘N Rage’s green. I’ve had several people tell me I should get the Manic Panic, but I’ve read so many reviews about that and how it fades to green. I think I will stick with Pravana. And it’s very easy to apply at home. I will only need to go back to my stylist for root bleaching and cuts. I can color the blue at home. Easy Peasy. 🙂

Hope this has helped you. It was so very hard when I was researching it myself since I couldn’t find any pictures or blogs or anything that showed me how certain brands faded. Let me know what you think.

LadyJai

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#BookReview: HENGE By Realm Lovejoy

Posted February 20, 2015 By LadyJai

Henge (Le Fay, #1)Henge by Realm Lovejoy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this ebook from the author for an honest review. Thank you so much. I love being introduced to new authors and stories and love the opportunity to share my opinions.

While I love alternate universes and Arthurian legend, this was a bit hard for me to grasp. Some YA books are just not for me.

There were copy editing errors but even big publishing houses still miss on that every now and again.

The overall story was good.

The plot, a few issues. I understand this to be a series so I probably don’t have everything I need to form a proper opinion. But when someone takes your fire magic abilities away from you early in the book, and then you’re practicing magic in your room only to have another person take your fire magic abilities away from you a little later…well, I scratch my head.

The flow of the story was good. However, the flow of sentences I found a bit redundant. I got really frustrated when I was told A then B then C happened. When C generally follows A, B is a given. Say for instance, “I was in the shower. Then after I dried off I got dressed.” This type of telling bored me.

I read Ms. Lovejoy’s CLAN and didn’t find it that way. So I am wondering if this book was meant for a younger audience?

View all my reviews

 

LadyJai

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Review of @Influenster’s #FrostyVoxBox

Posted February 4, 2015 By LadyJai
Influenster VoxBox

Apparently, TheoKat loves the box more than I do.

I received the Influenster #FrostyVoxBox products to test and review. Everyone loves free things, right? Who could pass up on this awesome endeavor? So here’s my review of my latest box. And if you’re interested in signing up for your own, please visit Influenster and sign up today!

In this box I received the following:

  1. NYC Expert Last Lip Color In Sugar Plum
    I don’t normally wear makeup. But lately, I’ve been getting girly in my old age, I guess. With these two Vox Boxes I’ve received I’ve gotten a few bits of makeup and I’m learning. This lipstick is not overpowering, outrageous, or bold. It is nice and subtle and looks perfectly natural. What do you think?
  2. Rimmel Scandeleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner In the picture above, you can also see my eyeliner.  I’m learning how to put it on. I’d love to be able to do the smokey eyes, but I’ve been failing horribly with that. Though, with my limited abilities, I really like this stuff. It’s easy to glide on and stays on all day.
  3. Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
    20150112_194228
    This is definitely a nice, gentle makeup remover. However, it states that it will even remove the waterproof mascara. Well, I had the darnedest time trying to get the Covergirl Bombshell mascara I got in my last VoxBox off as well as the Rimmel Scandeleyes Waterproof Eyeliner off. After several minutes of “gently” wiping, I had the black smudged all over my eyes. I couldn’t get it off very easily at all. I would not recommend this for any black waterproof anything. But I did like it for the regular eye shadow.
  4. Fruit Vines Bites
    20150111_173121    We’ve never tried the Fruit Vines Bites before and I have to tell you, I had to fight TheBoy for this! So I will definitely give this an A! Yummy, chewy, and good!
  5. EcoTools Hair Brush
    I tried this brush and it’s not for me. I like a brush that massages my scalp when I brush my hair. This will NOT get through the thickness of my hair to get to my scalp. I don’t usually blow dry my hair and I think this is for that use. It may be good for that. It’s nice and light weight and it does allow the air to pass through, so I can see that working. However, because I like that massaging scalp action, this brush has been tested on TheKats and they have now claimed it.
  6. McCormick Gourmet Thyme
    I normally buy McCormick spices anyway. But the Gourmet Thyme. Well, that’s a first. I opened it up and the scent and the spice was much crisper than the normal McCormick spices. I used it in my TexMex Chili and just yum.
  7. Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Tea. I love tea. Always have. And green tea and mint are one of my normal teas to drink. Celestial Seasonings always has lovely seasonal teas and this one was no different. Mint has always been a good tummy soother for me. So I tried this on a day I needed it. It did not fail.
  8. No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Serum
    The last thing I tried in this box was a sample of this Anti Aging serum. In reading the instructions, it goes to say that you will notice a difference in fine lines and wrinkles after two weeks. While I liked how I liked how it felt on my face, I did not receive enough to go the full to weeks to complete this trial and see if it lives up to its word. It was very smooth and non-oily. I wish there was a bigger sample to test.

Hope you all enjoyed the quick look and review of this Influenster Vox Box as much as TheoKat and IttyBitty love the box itself!

LadyJai

 

*****”I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

 

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