8.31.2020

NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Color in Go Garnet

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Color in Go Garnet. Deep Garnet Red Creme.

I haven't gone dark in forever, so I thought it was time to switch it up a bit.

Go Garnet is a deep garnet red creme that toes the line into black territory. Do I like it? Yes. Do I love it? No. This bad boy doesn't break any molds, and is pretty been there done that in terms of color; however, it does build beautifully.

My one qualm, as always with Sally Hansen Insta Dri is the brush. It causes tons of dripping if you're not prepared, and can be disastrous; so wipe that brush on the lip of the bottle again. and again. and again.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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8.29.2020

8.27.2020

jaded

ASTR THE LABEL Jaded Stripe Crochet Crop Sweater in BLACK TEAK MULTI STRIPE

That open-stitch aesthetic is so perfect for year-round wear!


xx
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8.25.2020

BOOK REVIEW: Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer


I didn’t find myself in the world of Twilight due to Edward Cullen and Bella Swan’s forbidden vampire/human romance; far from it, in fact. What intrigued me about the series from the jump was the ambience created by Stephenie Meyer {necessary for rainy day re-reads - especially that illustrious baseball scene}, coupled with the Native American folklore and werewolves that accompanied the character of Jacob Black. So when I learned of Midnight Sun’s August release back in May, my pre-order was placed, and the countdown began.

Midnight Sun is very much Edward’s story. And by that I mean that the very things that kept my interest piqued in previous books were no mas {sad face}. Yes, I knew going into the book that we would be inside Edward’s mind; but I suppose that the true ramifications of that never occurred to me until halfway through the tome when I felt that something was missing.

Gone are Jacob’s tales of the Quileute Tribe; the awkward yet endearing interactions between Bella and Charlie {come on y’all, I know I’m not the only Charlie fan!}; and Bella’s brain {her worries about her parents, her insecurities, her thoughts about the Cullen’s, her self-deprecation}. In their place, however, is welcome insight into each and every one of the Cullens. Does it replace Jacob and the Quileute’s story? As Team Werewolf, absolutely not; but I loved reading the Cullen origin stories.

When told through Bella’s eyes {a la Twilight}, we truly only catch a surface glimpse of the Cullens. A highlight reel, if you will, of their ethereal, no-mortal-can-compare beauty; but through Edward’s version in Midnight Sun we go so. much. deeper. We finally see how each Cullen came to vampire fruition - an element that creates understanding for all of us who have always been curious about Rosalie’s rage, Emmett’s hunting preference for bears, Carlisle and Esme’s creation, and Jasper and Alice’s unbreakable bond. For longtime readers this insight is everything.

One of the highlights of Midnight Sun is one I didn’t expect: the constant telepathic communication between the Cullens {especially Alice and Edward}. There’s something unexpectedly charming about all of their silent exchanges that I, for one, loved. What I didn’t love: Bella and Edward.

Believe it or not, Edward’s mind is even sappier and more sentimental than Bella’s. In fact, at times {ahem, Chapter 17}, the mush was too much that I actually had to skim in order to make it through. Keep in mind though, I never read Twilight for the romance; so the fact that I wasn’t fond of this aspect holds virtually no bearing – but def something to keep in mind.

Perhaps most obnoxious about Midnight Sun as a whole is something that many may be able to overlook - unfortunately, I am not one of those many. Dying to know? The stumbling. When I say that Edward described Bella as stumbling, tripping, slipping… at least once on every. single. page. I am not. kidding. Like dude, I get that she’s clumsy, but that description goes way overboard when we’re talking about a 658 page book. But I digress…

Midnight Sun will satisfy the cravings of those who have missed the Twilight universe, while breathing new life into some of the lesser characters. Not gonna lie, I kiiiind of preferred Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined because it was a full retelling; but my quick read of Midnight Sun definitely tells me that I wouldn’t mind taking another trip to Forks in the very near future. Perhaps from Jacob’s POV next time?


Star Rating: ****


xx
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8.22.2020

8.20.2020

dad jeans

Topshop Ripped High Waist Ankle Dad Jeans in MID STONE

Feeling the edginess of these bad boys!


xx
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8.17.2020

NOTD: China Glaze Trolls World Tour Collection in It's All Techno

Three coats of China Glaze Trolls World Tour Collection in It's All Techno. Chartreuse Creme.

Hmmm...this color is a bit of a conundrum. Part of me likes it due to its lemming quality; while the other part feels ho hum for the very same reason.

It's All Techno is a Shrek of a color - bridging the gap between yellow and green to bring you a chartreuse that feels fitting for Halloween given its sliiight brown undertone. Despite the depth of the color, the formula is pretty thin, so you do need to swipe 3 times for full coverage. Would I recommend? Tbh, I'm on the fence - if the color tickles your fancy though, go for it!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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8.15.2020

8.13.2020

forget me not

Free People Forget Me Not Floral Minidress in CHARCOAL COMBO

The perfect summer to fall transition frock!


xx
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8.11.2020

BOOK REVIEW: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins


“I think there’s a natural goodness built into human beings. You know when you’ve stepped across the line into evil, and it’s your life’s challenge to try and stay on the right side of that line.”

Can I just say that it is hard reading a Hunger Games book in the midst of a global pandemic? I mean, so many of the plot points that have been popularized by prior Hunger Games novels are actually taking place now; so what was once fictional fodder is now all. too. real. But I digress…

I was never a diehard Hunger Games fan. While I read all of the books, I never warmed up to Peeta, or Gale, or even Katniss. TBH, Cinna was the only person I truly cared about – and, perhaps, the Avoxes. So why I was so excited for this release is beyond my comprehension. That said, what. a. letdown.

The best way to describe The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is lost. Confused. Useless. Ridiculous. An entire book about President Snow. This had promise. Collins really had the chance to paint the teenage version of this tyrannical monster in a way that made you empathize with him; but she didn’t. She just made you loathe him more with his arrogance, conceit, and preoccupation with himself. Seriously, his level of narcissism is out of this world. Like how?!

We meet Coriolanus Snow as an 18-year-old overachiever. Poverty-stricken due to the war {but keeping it on the dl from his pampered peers}; Coriolanus is eager to improve his social standing and score a full-ride to University {and, as we all know, President-ship} through hard work {or conniving behavior masked as hard work}, and above-average intelligence. His shot? The 10th Annual Hunger Games.

Coriolanus will serve as mentor to District 12’s very own Lucy Gray as she competes for victor of the Games – an opportunity that would allow Snow to land on top. But as he and Lucy Gray each strive for their own victories {which slowly become intertwined}, the two find themselves embroiled in a budding {gag-worthy} romance that slowly morphs into a vessel for Snow’s personal gain.

I respect Suzanne Collins as a writer; but, if I’m being honest, this book was beyond boring. It legit took forever to finish; and there was nothing enjoyable about the process. TBH I finally skimmed the last 250 pages; and only found a bit of intrigue in the last 40 or so.

As a character, Coriolanus is exhausting as he thinks only of himself, and truly believes that he’s better than everyone else. That said, the character of Lucy Gray was just as bad. Boring, underhanded, full of herself, and borderline sneaky, I could never figure out if she was pulling the wool over Coriolanus’ eyes, or if that was just her. Regardless, I never warmed to her. Their relationship was stilted and strange and felt out of place from the getgo.

I actually liked the character of Tigris; but since she was really only trotted onto the pages to bail the blithering dolt otherwise known as Coriolanus out of trouble, I can’t give her too much credit. Overall, as a whole, I was disenchanted by it all, and will strongly hesitate before treading into the world of The Hunger Games again. Womp womp.


Star Rating: ***


xx
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8.08.2020

8.06.2020

salty

Free People Becket Lace-Up Cutoff Denim Shorts in SALTY

Feeling that lace-up, boho detailing!


xx
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8.03.2020

NOTD: China Glaze Trolls World Tour Collection in Pink-In-Poppy

Two coats of China Glaze Trolls World Tour Collection in Pink-In-Poppy. Pink Iridescent Glitter.

OMG babes, I'm crying over how pretty this pink is!

Pink-In-Poppy is packed with hot pink and lavender microglitter that creates a subtle blue shift in sunlight. Prior to adding topcoat this one has a gritty, Liquid Sand-inspired feel {y'all remember Liquid Sand, right?!}; but once top coat is applied {as it has been here}, you are left with smooth, glossy goodness! This one will be in my collection for a v, v long time. Loves it!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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8.01.2020

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