3.31.2022

daydream

Free People Daydream Indigo Denim Button-Up Shirt in LIGHT INDIGO.

This bad boy is giving me all the summer vibes!

xx
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3.28.2022

NOTD: NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Sugar House Lane

Two coats of NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Sugar House Lane. Pale Pink Creme.

Hello surprise superstar! Y'all, I didn't think I would love this shade as much as I did, but it. was. fab!

Sugar House Lane is a pretty pale pink creme that is perfect if you want a shade more colorful than white without entering bright pink territory. I am amazed at the quality of this polish! This one held up for more than a week with zero chips or tipwear, and looked just as stunning on day 8 as it did on day 1. Bonus: I subbed for a fifth grade class, and a few of the students told me how much they liked it. #winning!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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3.24.2022

BOOK REVIEW: Premeditated Myrtle {A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery} by Elizabeth C. Bunce



"It is hard to describe loss to someone who has never experienced it, impossible to explain all the ways it changes you. But for those who have, not a single word is needed."

Having grown up devouring the likes of Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Boxcar Children, Enola Holmes, and Harriet the Spy, I was quick to find myself intrigued by Elizabeth C. Bunce's Premeditated Myrtle. Though, at times, a bit verbose and dragged-out; my overall impression of Premeditated Myrtle is a positive one due to the incredible cast of characters, and entertaining excerpts from Principles of Detection at the start of each chapter.

The year is 1893. Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle isn't your typical Victorian England preteen. For one, she is forever forgetting the maddening expectations set forth to be considered a Young Lady of Quality. For another, she is grossly obsessed with crime, criminal science, and toxicology - a fact that shouldn't surprise you given the fact that she is the daughter of a prosecutor father, and a {now-deceased} medical student mother. Myrtle's ultimate dream is to be an investigator much like Sherlock Holmes; so when murder comes knocking in her sleepy Swinburne, England village in the form of the suspicious death of her elderly next-door neighbor, Miss Wodehouse, she appoints herself lead investigator. Or rather, the only investigator, save for her governess, Miss Ada Judson, as the unanimous opinion of local officials {including her father} is that Miss Wodehouse died of natural causes in the form of a heart attack. Myrtle, however, knows better. And Miss Judson trusts Myrtle's investigative sixth sense.

To some, Miss Wodehouse may have been considered a wealthy spinster. But Myrtle, having spent much time spying on Miss Wodehouse's home from her window, knows that there is more to Miss Wodehouse than just money. Namely that she was an eccentric breeder of rare flowers. Rare flowers that any number of people would go to great lengths to obtain. Even murder. As a duo of conniving so-called heirs quickly make their way onto the scene, Myrtle is convinced that it is her public duty to thoroughly investigate their ulterior motives and possible hand in Miss Wodehouse's untimely death; but in so doing, she places herself and loved ones in grave danger.

If I'm being honest, I have to say that I found this book to be a little bit too long. Don't get me wrong, I do love a mystery I can truly sink my teeth into; but, at times, I found myself growing bored with the storyline, and just wanted to see the mystery wrapped up once and for all. That said, the cast is incredibly well-drawn, and one of the greatest I have ever encountered in MG fiction.

You have the MC, Myrtle, who is both clever and witty, and would serve as a brilliant BFF. Then there's the ever-patient and encouraging, Miss Judson, who is remarkably reminiscent of Ole Golly from Fitzhugh's timeless classic, Harriet the Spy. Special mentions to both Mr. Blakeney, an entertaining solicitor-in-training; and Cook, who proved her muscle time and again throughout the tale. And it would be wrong of me not to mention the indomitable Peony, Miss Wodehouse's cat who has since been adopted by Myrtle, and went to great {brave} lengths to assist in the investigation. I have already purchased the sequel, How to Get Away with Myrtle, on Kindle, and cannot wait to reacquaint myself with this fabulous cast!


Star Rating: ***1/2


xx
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3.21.2022

NOTD: OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Achievement Unlocked

Two coats of OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Achievement Unlocked. Lavender Creme.

Y'all, after experiencing the beauty of this bad boy, all I can say is gimme all the pastel purples, lavenders, and lilacs, puh-lease!

Achievement Unlocked is a lush lavender creme that was made for all of the spring things. Opacity is fantastic! With a heavy hand you can easily achieve OCW status. And formula? Unmatched. Nine days with zero chips and no visible tipwear. Take this one along on your next vacay!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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3.17.2022

fluffy

ASOS DESIGN Fluffy Cutout Midi Dress in LIGHT BLUE.

Seriously feeling the fluffy aesthetic of this fabulous frock. So stunning for spring celebrations!

xx
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3.14.2022

NOTD: OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Can't Ctrl Me

Two coats of OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Can't Ctrl Me. Pastel Blue Creme with Silver Microshimmer.

It has been a minute since I last used a baby blue, and after seeing this shade, I have so many regrets about it.

Can't Ctrl Me is a brilliant pastel blue creme with silver microshimmer that is giving me all of the spring vibes. NGL, the microshimmer is so micro that it's barely discernible {except in direct sunlight}; nevertheless, this color is still stunning! Formula is a tiny bit thin; but overall covers and levels spectacularly. Highly recommend if pastels are your jam!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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3.10.2022

OPI XBox Spring 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review

NGL here, when I saw that OPI had partnered with Xbox for Spring 2022, I knew that I needed the XBox Spring 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack in my life pronto! I'm a huge gamer on the weekends {Fortnite fan here!}, and have actually been able to form such strong relationships with my second and third grade students through our mutual love of gaming, so scooping this quartet up was a total no-brainer! Let me just say that, partnership aside, this collection is fire! Not only all the colors so good for spring; the formula is absolutely incredible - being both long-lasting and chip free. Obsessed does not even begin to describe my love for this collection - I know you'll adore it too!

Pixel Dust is a Light Pink w/ Pearlescent Shimmer. NGL here y'all...I legit gasped when I saw this one on the nail. It is absolutely mesmerizing! Pixel Dust is a sparkling light pink loaded with pearlescent shimmer that is truly out of this world! Tbh, I don't think I have ever seen a pink as unique as this one! Formula is super simple to work with; and opacity is easy to achieve in just two coats. What really clinched this one for me was how fast the dry time was. Highly recommend if you're looking for a playful new shade for your collection! This is 2 coats.

Trading Paint is an Apricot Creme. Y'all, I live for a good juicy shade, but they are few and far between, so major props to OPI for releasing this gem for spring! Trading Paint is a ripe apricot-meets-peach creme that was made for the playful vibes of spring. This cutie is fruity and fun with a formula that is TDF, and vacay-perfect staying power - we're talking 6 days, no chips, no tipwear. Seriously obsessed, and highly recommended! This is 2 coats.

Can't Ctrl Me is a Pastel Blue Creme with Silver Microshimmer. It has been a minute since I last used a baby blue, and after seeing this shade, I have so many regrets about it. Can't Ctrl Me is a brilliant pastel blue creme with silver microshimmer that is giving me all of the spring vibes. NGL, the microshimmer is so micro that it's barely discernible {except in direct sunlight}; nevertheless, this color is still stunning! Formula is a tiny bit thin; but overall covers and levels spectacularly. Highly recommend if pastels are your jam! This is 2 coats.

Achievement Unlocked is a Lavender Creme. Y'all, after experiencing the beauty of this bad boy, all I can say is gimme all the pastel purples, lavenders, and lilacs, puh-lease! Achievement Unlocked is a lush lavender creme that was made for all of the spring things. Opacity is fantastic! With a heavy hand you can easily achieve OCW status. And formula? Unmatched. Nine days with zero chips and no visible tipwear. Take this one along on your next vacay! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: Ulta

 
PRICE: $17.00 for the 4PC Mini Set; $10.50 for each full-size bottle
.



SHOP THE POST



xx
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3.07.2022

NOTD: NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Treat Street

Two coats of NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Treat Street. Bright Pink Creme.

Barbie called, she wants her color back. Corny, I know, but I had to do it. #sorrynotsorry.

For reals though, Treat Street is a Barbie-esque bright pink creme that is sending me! It's described as a neon pink by Nails Inc., but I def don't get that vibe from it. This color works for all of the lovey-dovey holidays, spring, or everyday wear. Color aside, the formula is top tier. This one can be a OCW if you apply with a slightly heavy hand; and the staying power is out of this world. No chips, no tipwear, even after seven days of wear - in a classroom full of third graders, mind you. Highly recommend if you dig a good girly shade!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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3.03.2022

BOOK REVIEW: The Golden Compass {His Dark Materials Book 1} by Philip Pullman



"The powers of this world are very strong. Men and women are moved by tides much fiercer than you can imagine, and they sweep us all up into the current."

Le sigh...this book took me on a journey. And I don't mean merely the adventure found within its pages; rather, I'm referring to the emotional journey I encountered during my reading. There were times when I took a full week break; others when I questioned whether I would finish it at all; and still others when I could not put it down. Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass gutted me; yet took me awhile to reach that point. In fact, it wasn't until Part Three, and my love for Iorek Byrnison and Serafina Pekkala, coupled with my growing fondness of Lyra, that I finally came to the conclusion that I was, in fact, grossly invested in this tome, and eager to see how it would unfold.

Eleven-year-old Lyra Belacqua seemingly has no one championing her on in life. A parentless orphan with no knowledge of her true family, Lyra has grown up untamed by the scholars at Oxford's Jordan College who ensure that she is fed, clothed, and taught {to the best of their ability}. Her few constants are her Daemon Pantalaimon, aka Pan {more on him later}; her best friend, Roger, the son of a kitchen worker employed at Jordan; and her so-called uncle, Lord Asriel, who appears in her life from time to time to check on her progress. It is during one of these impromptu visits from Lord Asriel that Lyra's adventure is set on course.

While hiding away, Lyra and Pan overhear a conversation between the scholars and Lord Asriel about something called Dust. Dust is directly correlated with the Gobbler appearances that have been sensationalized in the community. Gobblers are evil ones stealing children away from their homes for the purpose of studying Dust {which, FYI, is way more sinister than you would think}. Roger has recently been swept away by Gobblers; therefore, Lyra is determined to rescue him.

Before I continue, let me circle back to the concept of Daemons. Each individual is born with a Daemon by their side - a shape-shifting creature of the opposite sex {e.g., if you're female, your Daemon is male and vice versa} that is, essentially, one's spirit; however, it is presented outside of the body. Once a child reaches puberty, the Daemon settles into one animal form, and lacks the ability to shapeshift. Daemons are close, personal confidantes who speak to, and guide their human host. With that description out of the way, I shall move on.

With Roger on her mind, Lyra is wracked with an interest in leaving the grounds of Jordan College and recovering her one true friend; so when Mrs. Coulter presents herself to the scholars, requesting that Lyra accompany her on a quest of a lifetime, Lyra is more than happy to oblige. Mrs. Coulter is glamorous {draped in furs and beauty}, brilliant, and has an intriguing Daemon in her continual presence: a long-haired Golden Monkey who is every bit as glamorous as she, if not a bit devious and cunning. According to Mrs. Coulter, Lyra will be her assistant, collecting notes and measurements to aid in her studies of Dust.

Before embarking on her quest, however, Lyra is gifted an alethiometer {golden compass} by the Master of Jordan College, with a warning to keep it hidden from Mrs. Coulter, and to look to it for truth. With no further guidance on how, precisely, to read the device; Lyra has an innate ability to do so within, which is how she comes to realize, after a short time, that Mrs. Coulter is working with the Gobblers. Narrowly escaping from her clutches, it is now up to Lyra to recover the missing children from the Gobblers, thereby rescuing them from imminent death - a task she will accomplish only with a band of unlikely allies, including Gyptions, witches, polar bears, and a Texas aeronaut.

I was in the midst of Bible Study the other day and saw mention of Dust multiple times in Ecclesiastes, which immediately transported me back to these pages. This book is brilliant. Though it took me a time to become fully vested in the story, it is one that continually returns to my mind. The characters are unforgettable; the world-building is phenomenal; and the story itself, while a bit out there, is a true masterpiece. I am so glad that I took the time to read this tale; and am excited to delve into the sequel, The Subtle Knife.


Star Rating: ***1/2


xx
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