Nisim F.A.S.T Shampoo and Conditioner

I have always had a difficult time growing my hair past a certain length.  When I heard about  Nisim looking for bloggers to try their shampoo and conditioner I jumped at the challenge.  The first time I tried Nisim F.A.S.T Shampoo and conditioner was after attending a concert at a casino in early August.  I came home smelling like an ashtray. We were there for four hours and there were many smokers in attendance.  The very next day I washed my hair with Nisim F.A.S.T Shampoo and Conditioner.  It made my hair feel really clean and smell great!

Nisim F.A.S.T Shampoo and Conditioner have no sulfates, parabens or DEA.  It is fortified amino scalp therapy for maximum length in a short amount of time.  Since that first time in August I have used the Fast Shampoo and Conditioner several times.  I notice that my hair feels stronger and has less breakage. My hair usually gets a certain length and starts to break off.  It's not doing that this time. I will definitely start using it more often to have more significant growth.  Find out more about Nisim F.A.S.T here:

Be sure to visit Nisim's website at Nisiminc.ca to find out about their other products.  You can also like them on  Facebook and follow them on  Twitter.



Disclaimer:  Nisim sent me free full size bottles of F.A.S.T Shampoo and Conditioner.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary.

Brown Sugar Bakery Chicago Review

For months I wanted to go to Brown Sugar Bakery.  The pictures of their cakes on Facebook had me salivating every time they would post them.  I finally got my chance my last week in Chicago.  When I entered I marveled at the selection and how large the cakes were.

Huge cake a Brown Sugar Bakery!

The Menu

I decided to try the cupcakes.  Unfortunately the cupcakes were not marked.  So I had to ask the lady behind the counter what some of them were.  There were so many I didn't want to ask about each one.  I think that's a waste of  the customer's time and the staff's time as well not to have the items identified.   I decided on three of them.  The lemon, vanilla caramel and the chocolate.

Cupcakes!

The cupcakes were so delicious!  All of them were large, bigger than cupcakes I've had from other bakeries.  They all had a thick layer of frosting on top.  The cake was moist.  A melt in your mouth moist.  It was definitely worth the wait.

The only other complaint that I have is that they put my cupcakes in big styrofoam containers.  I didn't drive there and I didn't go straight home after buying the cupcakes.  The cupcakes moved around and most of the frosting ended up on the stryrofoam.  That was really disappointing.

My cupcakes after traveling around Chicago for 2 hours.

Despite the bakery items not being marked and the styrofoam containers I would highly recommend Brown Sugar Bakery.  The cakes were worth the wait! Follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook! Brown Sugar Bakery is located at 328 E 75th st Chicago 773-224-6262.

Flecks Coffee Review (Chicago)

My last week in Chicago I tried to fit in some places I've been wanting to go to for a long time and Flecks Coffee was one of them.  On the South Side of Chicago there aren't many coffee houses.  I was really happy when this one opened up.  I wanted to make sure I went there to support it.

White Chocolate Frappe

I loved the decor. It's bright, clean, modern and has some beautiful artwork on the walls.  I ordered the White Chocolate Frappe. The person behind the counter seemed to be unsure on how to make it low cal.  The drink was very good. Rich, creamy and chocolatey!  I felt comfortable sitting there sipping my drink.  I didn't feel rushed.  I'm hoping to go there again next time I'm in Chicago.  I would love to try some of the other items on the menu.

 

Flecks Coffee has free Wi-Fi and a new expanded menu. It is also a great place to host a small event. Find out more information about Flecks Coffee on Twitter and Facebook. 343 East 79th St. Chicago, IL

Trending Authors of Summer iPad Mini Event!

When it comes to summer reading indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers. Here’s a list of ten titles from trending indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook.

 Legends Lost: Galdin by Nova Rose

In a time of uncertainty, Nova Rose created a fantasy epic of high adventure spanning 1500 years with its unique mythology and characters--of which Galdin is the final book--where the lowliest of people overcome impossible odds to save the land they love. 

Reviewer Comments
This book had me hooked right from the beginning and kept me going through to the end. You find yourself quickly immersed in an intense new world and the characters are both compelling, identifiable, fresh, interesting, and mysterious enough to keep your attention. The plot is exciting and does a good job of creating an intricate believable world while keeping up the action. Very well crafted story.

Be sure to follow the author on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest publications.

Special Price Cut Book was $5.49 and is now available for $0.99. 

 Time Killer by Todd M. Thiede 

A top-ranked Amazon thriller sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

More About The Book 
A fast-paced thriller centered on a brutal, time-obsessed serial killer. The expression "killing time" rarely means murder, but here, the victims of a serial killer must pay for time they've wasted, often with both their money and their lives. In a brutal scene from the opening chapter, an entire family is murdered after a stranger invades the family's home and accuses the patriarch of wasting his time. Veteran cop Max Larkin is on the case. Unfortunately, he's also been assigned a new partner; though she's green in the field--she has "very sad eyes" and prays upon arriving at the first crime scene--she gives the hardened old detective a new perspective he never knew he needed. But as the serial killer claims more victims, a pattern emerges that neither Max nor his new partner can ignore. With brisk pacing, Thiede's debut brims with action, violence and, occasionally, emotion. Though the book takes a while to find its heart, procedural fans will feel right at home. Larkin feels like a guy worth rooting for, despite filling the shoes of the beaten-down, grizzled, old loner cop trope a little too well. His interactions with his new partner, plus the twists and revelations regarding his past, give him enough of a pass to get readers invested in the story and looking forward to his next outing. Larkin's story doesn't break any boundaries, but it'll keep crime and thriller fans wrapped up in its twisting plot, fast pace and memorable detective. Plenty of shock value and a charismatic, if formulaic, male lead. - Kirkus Reviews

Read more about the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Edge of a Dream by Lee Fishman

Lee Fishman has written an action-packed thriller that's a story for our times, a story of America the hard way! 

More About The Book
What’s it like to be on your own in a new country? While Rija, a young wife and mother, confronts the challenges of her new life in America with gritty determination, her husband, the charming Josef, takes off. Falling into a life of crime, he hooks up with the Russian mafia and turns up with piles of cash and trouble at just the wrong time. The action starts early and keeps building. This is a great beach read!

Reluctant Gods III- Reset by A.J. Aaron 

If you don't like just plain old vanilla and want something different, read, Reluctant Gods III - Reset from the series that transcends fiction fantasy by crossing genres into romance, humor, science fiction, and mystery and is sure to entertain while you enjoy the best of summer.

Reviewer Comments
I loved Reluctant Gods III-Reset! As a science fiction fan, I couldn't have asked for more. It covers so much of what I enjoy reading about, with a story that keeps you interested through the end. My husband didn't want to read it by the description at first, but I urged him to just try it. It's now one of his favorites! He's even gone back and read the first two in the series, although you can keep up even if you haven't. I did read them first and am glad I did. Personally, I like to know the in's and out's of the stories that I read, so I just had to read the others first. - 5 Star Amazon Review

Slum by Dan Carroll

Slum is a page-turner that's been called an intoxicating love story and a tale of hope for a dying child, played out by a wealthy New Yorker and a poor ex-stripper from a Caribbean slum. 

Reviewer Comments
From Clarion Reviews: "Enticingly entertaining... Julianna and Robert are well-drawn, credible characters... descriptions of the slum are evocative, realistic, and insightful... safe to assume that the realism in the novel emanates from Dan Carroll's firsthand knowledge and experiences in the slums."

Special Price Cut .99 cents on Kindle, iBookstore, Nook 

The Mormon Candidate – A Novel 

by Avraham Azrieli

“Powerful novel … extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense … sure to keep you up late against your better judgment - don't say I didn't warn you.” Norm Goldman, Bookpleasures/The Examiner 

More About the Book
“Author Avraham Azrieli wades into controversial waters with his fifth novel, "The Mormon Candidate." His main character, Ben Teller, is a photojournalist who, with his motorcycle has joined the Marine Corps Veterans' Annual Ride in Washington, D.C. when a terrible accident results in the death of one of the bikers. Suspicious by nature, he senses that Hinckley's death was not an accident. His investigation leads directly into the political nest of the man running for president of the United States, Joe Morgan, a successful businessman and active LDS member. Throughout the novel, details are revealed about the daily practices and social beliefs of members of the Mormon Church. A well-written page-turner, this is an entertaining novel.” Kel Kanady,Mercury News

You can also find Avraham Azrieli on Good Reads and Library Thing.

Special Price Cut E-book is now $2.99. Paperback is $13.49.

The Big Empty by Ritch Gaiti

For the first mystery from Ritch Gaiti he has attained some excellent reviews on a socially significant mystery that is far more than a casual read. (Amazon 4.7 –23 reviews) 

Reviewer Comments
 “…masterfully conceived, dramatically atmospheric…Highly recommended.” Literary Aficionado “…a home run with fiction lovers… keeps the reader guessing until the very end.” Pacific Book Review

 Being a Go-To-Tech by Warren Zabloudil

The book provides much needed insight into how to manage a long and successful career in the Information Technology field from an author who has spent twenty-four years working as an IT tech in many environments. 

Reviewer Comments
Being a go to Tech by Warren C. Zabloudil is a great how-to and self improvement that should be read by not only anyone going into the IT (information technology) field but any service-based career. Mr. Zabloudil uses a common sense approach pointing out the ins and outs that will make you the individual (or team leader) that everyone looks to when their computer systems are down. The book brings up several good points that we may have heard before but not in as clear and precise as Mr. Zabloudil puts it in this book. He points out how different types of attitudes can affect performance and steps that should be taken to change your outlook when going into a job or dealing with management. You will be shown the importance of listening, documenting, understanding, communication and time management. - J. Wallace 5 Star Amazon Review

Night Chill by Jeff Gunhus

In his debut novel for adults, bestselling MG/YA author Jeff Gunhus (known for his Jack Templar Monster Hunter books) has won outstanding reviews for his supernatural thriller which has drawn comparisons to Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Come see why this novel is consistently on the Amazon horror bestseller lists. 

More About The Book
Gunhus deliver a taut supernatural thriller...the powerful Nate Huckley terrifies, and the assorted cast of human antagonists add to the white-knuckle tension. All the chops of an action-packed horror tale. - Kirkus Reviews

Special Price Cut The book is now on sale for 99 cents. 

Up, Up and Away by Richard Corbett 

When Richard Corbett bought a modest flight school at the Modesto, California airport in 2007, he thought his dreams had come true. This from a man who’d made a career out of fulfilling his life’s admittedly lofty ambitions. 

More About The Book

Up, Up, and Away is an interesting story about a man who wanted to participate in free enterprise, and worked hard to make his business dreams a reality, but what he got instead was simply un-American. Running up against blatant corruption holding hands with Modesto government (no surprises there), Richard Corbett did all that he could to play by the rules. Unfortunately for him, the rules only apply to those who don't already have city officials in their pockets.

 Special Price Cut $9.99

Now that you've ready about these wonderful authors, make sure to place your vote today for a chance to win an iPad Mini from Reader Spoils!

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My Kind Of Foodie Town-Chicago

Took this pic on the way to Streetfood Artistry from the L train

As many of you know I'm from Chicago.  I love Chicago.  For me it's the perfect city.  So when I knew I was going home this summer, I made it a point of making sure to try some new foods.  I tried to get to as many places as I could. The weather was perfect this summer.  Not too hot or cold.  Made traveling around the city quite easy.  Unfortunately time got away from me and I ended up not going as many places as I would have liked.

Jerk 312 Fries

Puffs of Doom Puffs

I won a ticket to StreetFood Artistry.   I was excited to go because I wasn't able to make it to the Taste of Chicago this year.  I was a little disappointed that the free ticket didn't include a wristband so I could partake in drinking alcohol and that there weren't more food trucks.  One of the food trucks I did like there was Jerk 312.  I tried the delicious spicy jerk fries.  They were spicy, but not so spicy that I couldn't enjoy them. The Fat Shallot had a a grilled cheese with caramelized onions and spinach.  That was really good.  I only got a half and wished I had gotten a whole sandwich.  The lemon gelato from Gelato D'Oro was refreshing.   Puffs of Doom is a great idea, but I wish I liked them more.  I tried the maple bacon vanilla and peach cobbler.  The peach cobbler wasn't sweet enough for me.  The maple bacon vanilla was ok. I think they would have tasted better warm too.

The Fat Shallot Grilled Cheese

Before my husband and I went to see Book of Mormon which was awesome, we went to an old favorite My Thai. I had the pineapple curry shrimp.  It was delicious. Lots of flavor and plenty of shrimp.  What I love about My Thai is that it's never difficult to get a seat, the food is served quickly, it's inexpensive and good.

Gelato D'Oro Lemon Gelato

Of course I did have some deep dish pizza.  I went to my favorite place Giordano's where it's called stuffed pizza.  I had the stuffed spinach.  It's like eating a piece of heaven.  Giordano's is my favorite place to have pizza.

My favorite pizza stuffed spinach from Giordano's!

I took the kids to Home Run Inn after the last day of camp.  The kids had chicken and burgers.  I had the Wild Rice Orzo salad.  It has wild rice, orzo, nutty wheat berries, cranberries, corn niblets, toasted almonds and bell peppers dressed in a red wine vinaigrette sweetened with Stevia.  It was good, but I think it would have been better served warm.  

I managed to catch one food truck in the Loop.  Flirty Cupcakes never lets me down.  The kids had the oreo cupcake.  I had the Beached Coconut.  It had a thick layer of sweet coconut frosting.  The cupcake was moist.  Loved it.  

Beached Coconut Cupcake

Went to lunch with my friend Paula at Kikuya Japanese restaurant in my favorite neighborhood Hyde Park.  I had the combination platter with salmon teriyaki and California roll.  The salmon was a bit charred the way I like it.  The teriyaki sauce was perfect.  I wish it included more vegetables. California roll was delicious. 


Summer isn't over.  If you are a foodie and are coming to Chicago there are still many foodie events to attend.  Just check out The Local Tourist events calendar.  Also Chicago Gourmet is September 27-29.

Not sure if we will be going home next year. The next time we go to Chicago I want to try more restaurants and food trucks.  I would like to spend all of my time doing that!  A Foodie's dream!

My thoughts about BlogHer13

I know BlogHer13 has been over for weeks, but I was very busy visiting family and friends in Chicago and now that I'm in Vancouver I can formulate my thoughts about the conference.

When I got off the bus in front of McCormick Place I thought I would see a big banner welcoming us to the conference.  Or at least someone out front telling us where to go.  There wasn't any of that.  I followed some arrows and ended up interrupting a commercial shoot. Embarrassed I finally found my way.

I was intimidated because this was my first blogging conference.  Immediately I realized that going to BlogHer by yourself is a bore.  I saw a lot of people meeting and greeting.  I knew no one! I had to force myself to make small talk which did bring me out of my comfort zone.  Met some very interesting people,  The sessions were good, but I noticed that more often than not there would always be two sessions that I wanted to attend happening at the same time,

I liked a lot of the brands.  Although I was hoping to see more beauty and health brands.  There was a ton of food and after sampling for a couple of hours I had no room for lunch.  The first day lunch was awesome.  I believe it was Greek food.

When I handed someone my card I wonder did they take me seriously or just took the card because I offered it? Did they sense that I really didn't know what I was doing or notice that I wasn't as forceful as some of the other bloggers?  I was glad I brought extra bags with me because it was true about the amount of swag.  I was happy I had three weeks in Chicago to either use it up myself or give it out to family and friends. 

My favorite bag of swag from CVS

BlogHer was great and I would go again especially if it was in Chicago or NYC. I have realized in the past few weeks what I want to do with my life.  I want to do social media marketing.  I really enjoy developing a strategy of how to inform others about a brand and introducing brands to other brands via social media.  Hoping to make that dream a reality within the next year!

Crochet Cowl / Headband 2-in-1

Crochet Cowl/Headband

Yes, it's a cowl and headband in one item!  Ashley the owner of Handmade aj sent me the item for review.  I'm looking forward to wearing it when the weather gets colder.  Very nice as a cowl and can be used as a neck warmer.  To me it seems a bit large for my head to be a headband.  I could see wearing it over the ears in the winter to keep your ears warm.

Mason Jar Koozie Cozy

Ashley has many handmade items in her Etsy shop including mason jar sets, headbands, hats and cute items for babies.  Please check out her Etsy shop Handmade aj to see more of her items.  You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook!  And check out her blog!  She's having a back to school sale!


Disclaimer:  Handmade aj sent me a item to try and review.  I am no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary.