brand new you

Lulus Brand New You Sequin Long Sleeve Body-Con Minidress in SILVER.

The Serena van der Woodsen vibes are strong with this one.

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NOTD: NAILS INC. Girl King Nail Polish in Bosses Be Like

Two coats of NAILS INC. Girl King Nail Polish in Bosses Be Like. Rose Gold Metallic.

Can we just take a moment to bow down to this total b-o-s-s? Like seriously!

Bosses Be Like is a romantic rose gold metallic that legit gives new meaning to the term neutral. Babes, this color is phenomenal! It applies like a dream {no brushstrokes here}, and catcches the light like whoa! This beauty is long-lasting, fast dry, and an absolute essential for your collection - especially as we approach NYE. Get. It. Ladies!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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happy christmas angels!

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."

—Calvin Coolidge
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BOOK REVIEW: The Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Alan Milne

"Somehow, not only for Christmas but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing the poor and lonely and sad, the more of your heart’s possessing returns to you glad."
John Greenleaf Whittier
Kevin Alan Milne's The Paper Bag Christmas has held a spot on my Kindle Wish List for the last year or so, and I so wish I would have added it to my download list sooner because this one...y'all, this one made me cry. We're talking tears-streaming-down-my-face-snotty-nose cry. Though simple in its words; this tale has such a powerful message that our world needs now more than ever. Trust.

Nine-year-old Molar "Mo" Alan and his eleven-year-old brother, Aaron, are convinced that they're too old to believe in Santa Claus. Nevertheless, that doesn't stop them from adding anything and everything to their Christmas lists while waiting in line to see the mall Santa Claus the day after Thanksgiving. The two boys, however, are quickly informed by the mall Santa that they will be receiving none of the items on their hastily scrawled wish lists. Why? Because the mall Santa just so happens to be one Dr. Chris K. Ringle, a pediatric oncologist who has an important job for Mo and Aaron for the holidays: to volunteer in the children's ward acting as his personal elves.

Though the two boys will be visiting all of the children in the ward; each has been given a special assignment. Aaron will buddy up with Madhu, a boy on the organ transplant list who is fast-talking and insatiably curious about Christmas due to the fact that he, himself, is not Christian. Despite his lack of knowledge, Madhu is determined to play a Wise Man in the hospital pageant, and will stop at nothing to succeed.

Mo's charge, however, is a little more difficult. Katrina is a vibrant yet lonely girl who has been severely scarred after multiple surgeries, resulting in her hiding beneath a paper bag, refusing to allow anyone to see who she is. It is up to Mo to bring her out of her solitude, befriending her, and helping her to see the true spirit of Christmas at work.

This is a very quick read, but one that will remain with you long after the final page is turned. Character-driven and brimming with Christmas beauty, The Paper Bag Christmas will become a cherished, read-every-year tome for families. Never preachy or lecture-fueled, The Paper Bag Christmas espouses the importance of kindness, compassion, love, and friendship in the face of differences; while bring forth the fact that the gift of love and friendship is far more important than receiving the hottest new video game or toy for the holidays. Bravo Mr. Milne; I look forward to sharing this one with my family for years to come.


Star Rating: *****


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NOTD: OPI Holiday 2021 Celebration Nail Lacquer Collection in Paint the Tinseltown Red

One coat of OPI Holiday 2021 Celebration Nail Lacquer Collection in Paint the Tinseltown Red. Holographic Red with Red and Silver Metallic Flecks.

Y'all, I don't typically go gaga over reds; but this bad boy right here slays. See what I did there?

Paint the Tinseltown Red is a dreamy red holo that isn't your classic Christmas creme; yet still manages to bring all of the festive to your fingertips! This one was so easy breezy to work with. One coat and you. are. golden. Highly recommend this beauty for soiree season!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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run free

Free People Run Free Print Shirt in CHOCOLATE COMBO.

Feeling all swoony over this cutie!

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Essie Winter Market 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review

Y'all, I have had zero Essie in my life this year; so when I spotted the Winter Market 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack at Ulta you best believe I snatched that bad boy up in 2.3 seconds. Does it contain new shades? Negative; but it does contain four shades that were new to me, and totally necessary for my collection. Plus, they happen to be perfect for the holidays. Enjoy!

Off Tropic is a Grove Green Creme. The polish world is seriously slacking when it comes to green polishes, but this beauty def makes up for it! Off Tropic is a lush grove green creme that will add a little holly jolly to your holidays. Y'all, this bad boy is a one. coat. wonder. NGL, it's a teensy tiny bit flirty with cuticles; but as long as you wipe the brush on the lip of the bottle well-enough, it's easy to control. The shine here is unreal, and will make your tips the talk of the town. Highly recommend if you're looking for something diff this December! This is 1 coat.

Wicked is an Oxblood Creme. Le sigh. Y'all, this color is so. good. Wicked is a deep, dark, sinister oxblood creme that is legit mandatory for your winter polish rotation. Babes, this beauty is 100% opaque in one coat and lasts through everything! Craft projects, holiday decorating, cooking...you name it and it is a survivor. Bonus: I experienced zero staining upon removal, so this one is a winner for sure! This is 1 coat.

Blanc is a White Creme. Is it even winter if you're not rocking white creme polish on your tips? Blanc is a brilliant white creme that makes me think of all of the winter things {sleigh rides, marshmallows, snow}. There's just something about a white mani that is all things dreamy and magical and perfect! This one applies beautifully and lasts. for. days. Bonus: my second grade babes complimented the color so. many. times. Thus, total winner! This is 2 coats.

Summit of Style is a Gold Glitter in a Clear Base. Swoon...so in love with this playful topper for December! Summit of Style is a gorgeous gold glitter in a clear base loaded with both hexagonal glitter pieces and microglitter. Though it could easily be worn on its own; to give it a Rudolph vibe I layered it over OPI's aint the Tinseltown Red which proved to be a stellar combo! This one is a total glitter bomb that applies evenly, without requiring manual manipulation of the glitter pieces. Grab this one if you're seeking a little extra sparkle! This is 1 coat. 

  AVAILABILITY: Ulta. 

  PRICE: $12.99 for the 4PC Mini Set; $9.00 for each full-size bottle.


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NOTD: Essie Nail Polish Collection in Off Tropic

One coat of Essie Nail Polish Collection in Off Tropic. Grove Green Creme.

The polish world is seriously slacking when it comes to green polishes, but this beauty def makes up for it!

Off Tropic is a lush grove green creme that will add a little holly jolly to your holidays. Y'all, this bad boy is a one. coat. wonder. NGL, it's a teensy tiny bit flirty with cuticles; but as long as you wipe the brush on the lip of the bottle well-enough, it's easy to control. The shine here is unreal, and will make your tips the talk of the town. Highly recommend if you're looking for something diff this December!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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carrie

WAYF x Emma Rose Carrie Sequin Long Sleeve Minidress in BERRY.

An all sequin dress? I'll take it!

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NOTD: OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Art Walk in Suzi's Shoes

Two coats of OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Art Walk in Suzi's Shoes. Crimson Red Creme.

Babes, I have found the only red you need for the holiday season!

Art Walk in Suzi's Shoes is a charming crimson red creme that was 100% made for the holidays. This beauty is rich and creamy with a TDF formula that applies like a dream, dries in minutes, and lasts forever. True story. I wore this polish for over a week, including five days spent in a classroom with second graders completing multiple art projects, and experienced zero chips or tipwear. Highly recommend for the holidays and beyond!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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BOOK REVIEW: Twelve Slays of Christmas {A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery} by Jacqueline Frost

NGL, I have struggled with finding the Christmas spirit for the last few years now, so I'm always on the hunt for a book that will add a little merry to my step. Enter Jacqueline Frost's Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery. This one appeared on my radar a few weeks before Thanksgiving for $1.99 {gotta love those Kindle deals!} and I loved every second of it. You guys...this literally made me so excited for Christmas!

Despite hailing from Mistletoe, Maine, twenty-six-year-old Holly White is not experiencing a holly jolly Christmas. With less than two weeks left until her Christmas Eve wedding in Portland, Holly's fiance cancels their nuptials {having been swayed by a bendy yoga instructor}, sending her packing back to Mistletoe to mend her broken heart with a little help from her parents at their Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games. Not to mention a large dose of snickerdoodles, peppermints, and rich cocoa from the Hearth...the very location where all of Holly's troubles begin.

As Holly's family gears up for the Twelve Days of Christmas event, wherein the entire town of Mistletoe, along with out-of-towners, converge on Reindeer Games for shopping, games, and sweets leading up to Christmas Day, unheard of tragedy strikes the charming town. After an altercation with Holly's father at the Hearth, Margaret Fenwick, President of the Mistletoe Historical Society, is found bludgeoned to death. Her body left in a sleigh display on Reindeer Games' property. The murder weapon? A wooden stake used to identify trees at the farm.

The first murder Mistletoe has experienced in 40 years, Holly's father, Bud, is the prime suspect, and Holly is not having it! Reeling from her recent breakup, Holly resolves to clear her father's name and bring the true murderer to justice. An investigative feat that places her toe-to-toe with Sheriff Evan Gray, a handsome newcomer to Mistletoe hailing from Boston who vows to keep Holly safe at all costs. But as Holly continues her line of questioning with the residents of Mistletoe, she finds herself moving towards the murderer's naughty list. If she doesn't solve this mystery soon, she just might not make it to Christmas Day.

Oh, how I loved this one! The characters within the pages of Twelve Slays of Christmas really drive the story, and keep you captivated. Sheriff Evan Gray is charming and someone you'd love to find standing under the mistletoe. Holly, though she oftentimes acts younger than her twenty-six years, making her come off as a Nancy Drew-esque character, is BFF material, and someone you would love to make jewelry with IRL. Then there's Cookie and Caroline, and their fondness for cupcakes, cocoa, and other sweets; not to mention Holly's adorable parents, and a slew of other characters you wish you would encounter in the everyday. I will admit that I pinpointed the killer very quickly; but Frost peppered the story with enough red herrings to keep you guessing. A truly charming tale to be devoured by a roaring fireplace in your coziest pjs, a steaming mug of cocoa in hand. I cannot wait to pick-up book two, Twas the Knife Before Christmas!


Star Rating: *****


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OPI Downtown LA Fall 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review

So...I legit dragged my feet in buying OPI's Downtown LA Fall 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack because the colors didn't look too intriguing; but I am so glad I pulled the trigger because this quartet literally became one of my favorite polish purchases of 2021...not to mention that it was phenomenal for all of November!

Espresso Your Inner Self is a Coffee Brown Creme. Ladies, I have said it before and I'll say it again...there are not enough brown polishes in the nail world, and I am so glad that I caught this cutie before Thanksgiving! Espresso Your Inner Self is a scrummy coffee brown creme that gives you the perfect shot of energy on sight. This is a nice middle ground if you're not daring enough for black, but want something more unique than deep blue or red. The formula here was brilliant. Easy application, fast dry, and zero chips despite how many times I use my tips for a variety of tasks. Highly recommend for Turkey Day! This is 2 coats.

Metallic Composition is a Rose Gold Shimmer. 'Tis the season for girly shimmers! Y'all, I live for shimmers during the winter season and this one is so. good. Metallic Composition is a romantic rose gold shimmer that literally screams ice-skating-and-cocoa-in-the-park date, amiright?! The formula here is so brill! It's not streaky, it applies flawlessly, and I didn't see a single chip or signs of wear for all of the 8 days that I wore it. It even survived helping 140 second graders make thumbprint turkeys, and that's saying something. Grab this one fast ladies! This is 2 coats.

Art Walk in Suzi's Shoes is a Crimson Red Creme. Babes, I have found the only red you need for the holiday season!Art Walk in Suzi's Shoes is a charming crimson red creme that was 100% made for the holidays. This beauty is rich and creamy with a TDF formula that applies like a dream, dries in minutes, and lasts forever. True story. I wore this polish for over a week, including five days spent in a classroom with second graders completing multiple art projects, and experienced zero chips or tipwear. Highly recommend for the holidays and beyond! This is 2 coats.

Abstract After Dark is a Blue Purple Shimmer. Le sigh...I do love a vampy blurple shimmer for the holidays. Abstract After Dark is a sultry blue purple shimmer reminiscent of OPI's iconic Lincoln Park After Dark with the bonus of...sophisticated glimmer. This one showed signs of tipwear on a few of my fingers within 24-hours; however, aside from that, it held up well for the week that I wore it. Bonus: one of my students complimented it a week after wear. With a 7-year-old's seal of approval you know it's a w-i-n-n-e-r. Recommended for all of your chic soirees this season! This is 2 coats. 

  AVAILABILITY: Target. 

  PRICE: $16.99 for the 4PC Mini Set; $10.50 for each full-size bottle.


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NOTD: NAILS INC. Girl King Nail Polish in Fearless Female

Two coats of NAILS INC. Girl King Nail Polish in Fearless Female. Khaki Green Creme.

Y'all, I had a feeling I would like this color when I saw it in the bottle, but I legit l-o-v-e it.

Fearless Female is a kick butt khaki green creme that doesn't fall into the dreaded muddy brown-esque trap that many shades fall into it. This bad boy is fierce, strong, and has phenomenal staying power. Legit experienced zero chips in the full week that I wore it. Loves this one for October and November!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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check me out

Free People Check Me Out Pullover in WINTER FOG COMBO.

This cutie is giving me all the cozy up in a cabin until January vibes. Seriously need it in my life!

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NOTD: OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Espresso Your Inner Self

Two coats of OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Espresso Your Inner Self. Coffee Brown Creme.

Ladies, I have said it before and I'll say it again...there are not enough brown polishes in the nail world, and I am so glad that I caught this cutie before Thanksgiving!

Espresso Your Inner Self is a scrummy coffee brown creme that gives you the perfect shot of energy on sight. This is a nice middle ground if you're not daring enough for black, but want something more unique than deep blue or red. The formula here was brilliant. Easy application, fast dry, and zero chips despite how many times I use my tips for a variety of tasks. Highly recommend for Turkey Day!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

ashby

Free People Ashby Blazer in NAVY COMBO.

Don't mind me, I'm just over here swooning over this striped beauty.

xx

NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Rated Pea-G

One coat of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Rated Pea-G. Fresh Green Creme.

Y'all, I am a firm believer that there is a shortage of gorgeous green polishes, so thank goodness for this beauty!

Rated Pea-G, aside from having one of the greatest names ever, is a gorgeousgorgeousgorgeous shade that may legit be my new all-time favorite green. This beautiful babe is beyond brilliant to work with, applying in one easy coat, and standing out in my huge polish collection! I don't typically gravitate to greens for November, but this one feels so perfect for pumpkin patch outings and giving thanks. Obsessed!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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milo

Free People Milo Tunic Sweater in MOONLIT ORCHID.

Kind of want to hibernate in this cutie for the entire winter season!

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Daisy Dukes

Two coats of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Daisy Dukes. Sunflower Yellow Creme.

Flawless yellow nail polish check.

Daisy Dukes is a stunning sunflower yellow creme that I'm kind of obsessed with for the season of giving. This one is absolutely perfect for fall fun; with a formula that keeps. on. giving.. Chips? 0. Tipwear? 0. Long-lasting? Most definitely. If you dig yellows, you need to add this one to your rotation!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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NOTD: OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in El Mat-adoring You

Two coats of OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in El Mat-adoring You. Tan Caramel Creme.

Okayokayokay, so I get that this color originated in a summer collection; but I am feeling. it. for. fall.

El Mat-adoring You is a tan caramel creme that is legit the shade of the perfect iced coffee. The moment I swiped this one on my fingers all I could think about was Thanksgiving, and piles of leaves, and riding boots and...you get the picture. Formula here was a breeze to work with. I wish it would have dried slightly quicker {I accidentally indented the polish on my pointer finger}; but dry time aside, it was long lasting and stunning to look at for the week that I wore it. Love and highly recommend!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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NOTD: OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in The Sound of Vibrance

Two coats of OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in The Sound of Vibrance. Purple Shimmer.

Shimmer, shimmer cocoa pop...I had to do it. #sorrynotsorry.

The Sound of Vibrance is a purple shimmer that 100% put a spell on me and made me think of all of the spooky, Halloween, Hocus Pocus things. I mean, I get that it's a shade from a summer collection, but it is just as killer for spooky season. Just saying. Formula was flawless. I do recommend using a heavier hand, or adding a third coat to ensure that no VNL is visible; but, other than that, it's bril. Highly recommend if purples are your poison.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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celestial

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish Collection in Against the Grey-In

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish Collection in Against the Grey-In. Dove Grey Creme.

Gorgeous greys ftw, yes?

Against the Grey-In is a decadent dove grey creme that I allowed to sit in my polish pile for far too long before finally trying it on my nails. Ladies, this bad boy is gorgeous. Subtle hints of lavender undertone give it such an unexpected touch that will make it a standout in your collection. Obsessing over this one for year-round wear!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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#mood

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NOTD: Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in One Dream

Three coats of Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in One Dream. Egg Yolk Yellow Creme.

OMG how have I gone this long without yellow polish in my rotation? It's legit one of my favorite nail color shades and I have been slacking!

One Dream is a flawless egg yolk yellow creme that is my favorite type of yellow for fall because it leans darker than a spring or summer yellow, making it feel fresh for autumn shenanigans! As expected with yellows, this one did require three coats to level correctly; but it is super fast dry, which makes up for the extra coat work. This one dries matte {which I rarely love}, so keep top coat close by for shine.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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sunkissed

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NOTD: Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in Victory Lap

Two coats of Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in Victory Lap. Muted Teal Creme.

NGL, I am obsessed with these Defy & Inspire polishes because at $2.99 a bottle, they are the perfect get-me-to-free-shipping add-on - plus, they're def diversifying my polish collection!

Victory Lap is a fall fantastic muted teal creme. TBH, I was disappointed when this color first arrived, as I was expecting a bright ocean blue for summer; but I held onto it for a couple of months, and it wound up being the perfect shade for pumpkin spice latte season. This one appears thin on coat one; but it builds to a gummy, plush opacity with just two coats, and is super long lasting. Word of advice: give it at least 30 minutes to dry as I had unexpected movement after 15 minutes which is no bueno.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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vampy

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in You're the Zest

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in You're the Zest. Pastel Yellow Creme.

Le sigh...loving pastel yellows is such a pain because they give me lobster hands; but I digress...

You're the Zest is a pretty pastel yellow that would legit make a splash in any season, but I think I may like it best for winter/spring. Though the color and staying power of this cutie is perfection, the formula is a bit of a pain. Seriously. Wipe the brush off on the lip of the bottle excessively, or you will wind up with a huge, gloppy mess. Trust.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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eyes

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pembrook

Free People Pembrook Oversize Sweater in MOODY PINK COMBO.

Obsessed with the preppy feel of this cutie!

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NOTD: SOPHi by Piggy Paint Nail Polish in Fearless

Two coats of SOPHi by Piggy Paint Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Fearless. Burnt Sienna Creme.

Y'all, out of all of the SOPHi polishes I received, I never thought that I would love this one as much as I do; but I'm obsessed!

Fearless is a burnt sienna creme that is the quintessential shade for fall due to its rusty undertones and resemblance to cinnamon, spice, and everything nice. This one had a beautiful formula, applying smoothly and drying lightning fast. While the other shades I received from SOPHi dried matte, Fearless dried down to a satin finish; however, I added top coat for shine. Highly, highly recommend this beauty for autumn!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. This product was received complimentary; however, all opinions are my own.

check

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moonchild

Free People Moonchild Denim Shirt Jacket in MOON DUST.

Absolutely adoring the edginess of this beauty!

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NOTD: OPI Shine Bright Nail Lacquer Collection in Heart and Coal

Two coats of OPI Shine Bright Nail Lacquer Collection in Heart and Coal. Black Glitter.

So...while I am so here for the name of this shade, I can't say that I love the color itself. Womp womp.

Heart and Coal is a glamorous black glitter that is so perf for NYE; but the formula just got to me, and not in a good way. Though it builds beautifully, the first coat was thin, and a little too attracted to my cuticles. That said, it is a pretty color {especially if you're looking for a starry night sky vibe}; just make sure you OD on top coat because this bad boy needs tons to truly bring it to life.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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classic

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meant to be

Free People Meant To Be Floral Cotton Blouse in BLACK COMBO.

Is it just me, or is black floral one of the most perfect prints for the cooler months?

xx

NOTD: NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in St. Christopher's Place

Two coats of NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in St. Christopher's Place. Neon Pink Crelly.

Can we just take a moment to admire how juicy this shade is? Please!

St. Christopher's Place is a watermelon-inspired neon pink that was made for playful afternoons spent beachside. Though I'm not typically a neon pink fan; the plump, juicy look of this one {all attributed to the fact that it's a crelly} make it a standout for me. NGL...it was a nightmare to photograph; but the formula was phenom, which more than makes up for it. Next time I may try layering it over underwear {white creme polish} to make it even more electrifying!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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floral

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BOOK REVIEW: Cat About Town {A Cat Cafe Mystery} by Cate Conte

“Cats were my weakness. I’d never met one I didn’t love instantaneously.”
Amazon has been recommending Cate Conte's Cat About Town to me for at least a year now; and finally, since we have officially reached my favorite time of year for mystery reading {fall!}, and I've come to the conclusion that I desperately want to open my own cat cafe, I decided to give it a whirl. Long story short: there was something missing; but I'm down to give the sequel a shot.

Maddie James is back in her quaint Massachusetts hometown of Daybreak Island for her beloved Grandmother's funeral. Though she bailed for the West Coast to open Goin' Green, an organic juice bar, years ago; her reappearance in the New England nook has left her with all of the feels and memories of her past {aided by encounters with her BFF Becky Walsh and ex-high school sweetheart turned local police officer, Craig Tomlin}. Planning to merely stick around briefly to comfort and grieve alongside her Grandpa Leo, former Daybreak Island police chief, Maddie feels her plans start to shift when she encounters a stray tabby she dubs Orange Guy {later named JJ}, who captures her heart, and subsequently leads her to the dead body of one very powerful Frank O'Malley.

Though merely a wealthy resident, Frank O'Malley has the type of pull in Daybreak Island reserved for those holding political office; and as the President of the Chamber of Commerce, O'Malley is convinced that he runs the quaint town. From bullying new business owners to excluding less-profitable businesses from joining the Chamber, to badgering Grandpa Leo to sell his home - a residence that has been in the family for generations...you name it, and Frank O'Malley can state guilty as charged. So when JJ leads Maddie to Frank's dead body during the annual Food Stroll, there is no shortage of suspects. Unfortunately, the police appear to be targeting Grandpa Leo for the crime - an assumption that does not sit well with Maddie. So she does what any good granddaughter would...she decides to uncover the true killer, with JJ's help, to clear Grandpa Leo's good name. But the deeper she digs, the closer she is to losing her life - and she definitely doesn't have eight more to spare.

This book left me feeling unsettled upon turning the last page. Not because I knew who the murderer was the second they appeared in the book {though I did}, or because there wasn't a strong enough cat presence; rather, it was the characters themselves {barring JJ, who I would die for}. I can't figure out whether I liked or disliked the characters because they all felt very one-dimensional - like I knew them, but I didn't know them, if that makes any sense. They were just there; not doing anything to enchant me or leave me worrying about their well-being - including Maddie. I also found the love triangle between Maddie, Craig, and newcomer Lucas Davenport to be incredibly juvenile, trite, and obnoxious - perhaps because I felt no connection to any of them. Please keep in mind that there is no cat cafe in this book, that is planned for the sequel, Purrder She Wrote, which I do expect to purchase, as I'm eager to see if the addition of more cats and perhaps another chance at fleshing out the characters will win me over.


Star Rating: ***


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