1.29.2024

NOTD: ZOYA Magical Collection 2023 Nail Lacquer Collection in Vixen

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Vixen. Blackened Cherry Creme.

I seriously thought I would love this color, but it just didn't do it for me. Womp womp.

Vixen is a blackened cherry creme that gives off deep chocolate brown vibes. I typically dig an oxblood-meets-merlot shade, but this one was far darker than that, and didn't feel as chic as I thought it would. If you dig blacks, you'll probably like this one; but if you prefer a more red-leaning blackened cherry, Vixen isn't it. Cute name though.

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
SHARE:

1.25.2024

BOOK REVIEW: Rebel: A Legend Novel by Marie Lu


"You rarely regret the things you do, but always the things you don’t."

I bought Marie Lu's Rebel: A Legend Novel back in February of 2022, but didn't pick it up until April 2023 because there was something about it that made me uneasy. You see, I felt a sense of closure when the final page of Champion was turned. Though I was excited at the prospect of a book told from Eden's POV; Day and June were done for me. Been there, done that. I wanted nothing more to do with them and their tawdry back and forth. Yes, at one point in time I shipped them like mad; but eventually they grew to bore me, and I felt that their relationship was satisfactorily put to rest. Sadly, I feel that the two of them managed to steal Eden's thunder in this installment - not too difficult tbh, because he was quite boring himself once given the power to carry his own tale; but still unfair to Eden in its own right.

For as long as he can remember, Eden has lived in the shadow of his hero brother, Daniel 'Day' Wing. And for good reason. It was Day, street rat Day, who singlehandedly led a revolution that ultimately saved the Republic of America. Clearly no small feat, amiright? Though Eden has a laundry list of accomplishments all his own {incredible inventor at the top of his class, anyone?}, it likely will never top Day's achievements - a sentiment that is never far from Eden's mind. Day, on the other hand, is done. Years of living on the edge, and risking his life, have placed him in a mindset of keeping Eden safe. Period. He's not interested in fame, nor fortune; and while he would love to play a leading role in June's love life, that too is part of the past.

Neither Day or Eden can really claim true happiness. While they live comfortably in Ross City, Antarctica; they merely go through the day to day motions as expected of them. But things aren't as...cozy as they seem - for the brothers, a chasm growing between the two that once did not exist; and for the uppity Ross City itself. Because you see, Ross City, for all of its posh airs and pretentiousness, hides a dark underbelly, one where illegal drone races run rampant; residents turn to all manner of crime to survive or make ends meet; and a truly bizarre level system holds some down and boosts others far higher than they deserve. When Eden becomes deeply involved in Drone Racing, and, in turn, Dominic Hann, Day resolves to save the brother he has slowly been moving away from; but sometimes people have to save themselves.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Marie Lu is a very hit and miss author. Her talent is exponential, but sometimes it's simply not executed well, and you wind up disliking it, or growing bored; and maybe that's exactly where I started with Rebel. The June/Day storyline has run its course; and, unfortunately, IMO, Eden could not carry a book on his own {despite once being one of my favorite characters}. The fact that he had such trite secondary characters surrounding him {Dominic Hann, Pressa...} didn't make it easier on him. The secondary characters used to carry this series when June and Day became tiring. Gone are the Tess', and Pascao's, and Kaede's...characters who you rooted for alongside our MCs. Rebel lacked that, and it was stifling to the story as a whole.

This is me hoping that this is the end of the Legend series. And, if for some reason it isn't, I don't plan on returning to the world of Day, or Eden, or June. For those of you who have not yet gone beyond Champion, I encourage you to stop here and give Warcross a try instead. Another Marie Lu book, yes; but one that actually tops the Legend series hype. You're welcome.



Star Rating: **1/2


xx
SHARE:

1.22.2024

NOTD: Nailtopia Nail Lacquer in Oh Kale Yeah!

Two coats of Nailtopia Nail Lacquer in Oh Kale Yeah!. Deep Green Creme.

I actually found this shade in my stash just before Christmas last year, so it became my Christmas mani, and it. was. stunning.

Oh Kale Yeah! is a deep green creme that gives out of the woods vibes, what with its rich, outdoors-y tone. This one surprised me because it's fairly sheer after coat one; but definitely reaches opacity after two coats. I personally loved this color, and will definitely be pulling it out again during fall/winter 2024. If you love a good deep green, you need to add this beauty to your collection!

xx
SHARE:

1.18.2024

decorate my amazon kindle paperwhite signature edition with me!



Decorate my Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with me!🩷 I’ve been obsessed with this #Bookstagram trend, but not until I found this CoBak Case (which has a protective cover AND clear back to collage) did I finally try it out - and I love! Linking everything I used (including these cutie Taylor Swift stickers)!


SHOP THE POST
xx
SHARE:

1.15.2024

NOTD: ZOYA Magical Collection 2023 Nail Lacquer Collection in Bisoux

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Bisoux. Opal Pink w/ Rose Microflakes and Gold Holo.

This color 100% lives up to the collection name because it is simply magical.

Bisoux is a pale opal pink w/ rose microflakes and gold holo that is giving me unicorn vibes. If you're a fan of whites, you will definitely dig this beauty because the pink is so subtle that it's almost not discernible when it's on the nail. This one had an amazing wear time with zero chips. I literally assembled 5 pieces of furniture while wearing this shade, and my mani still looked flawless. Talk about a testimony, amiright?

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
SHARE:

1.11.2024

BOOK REVIEW: A Court of Thorns and Roses {A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1} by Sarah J. Maas


"He smiled at me still, broadly and without restraint or hesitation. Isaac had never smiled at me like that. Isaac had never made my breath catch, just a little bit."

It's probable that Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses had caught my eye prior to the end of September 2023; in fact, I'm sure of it. Perhaps it simply wasn't the right time, however, for me to discover it; therefore, it didn't officially enter my world until that fateful day. But that's the way all good book love stories begin. They enter your life when you need them most; and perhaps I needed a good, strong romance just then. But I digress...

Feyre is just nineteen-years-old when she kills a wolf in the woods. The killing itself isn't an anomaly - far from it in fact; after all, Feyre is a huntress. An illiterate, yes; but the only individual able to keep her family afloat with a skill learned all her own. Unfortunately, this kill is unlike the others; for unbeknownst to Feyre, this is no ordinary wolf. The wolf in question is none other than an immortal faerie occupying the land between the mortal realm, and Prythian, a magical land where High Lords roam amongst ethereal faeries, shapeshifters, and frightening creatures one want not even to dream of.

Though at first things seem fine following the killing, Feyre is soon visited by Tamlin, another faerie {this one the High Lord of the Spring Court wearing the mask of a beast} who arrives at Feyre's doorstep to take her to her fate. You see, by killing the wolf, Feyre has broken a centuries-old treaty between the mortals and the faeries. Feyre must now give her life in exchange for the one she took in coldblood. Though another might have demanded Feyre's blood; Tamlin has just one request: that Feyre live out her days on his estate in Prythian. And so she bids her family farewell, and heads over the wall.

Upon arrival, Feyre is convinced that this is a prison sentence come to life. After all, wouldn't it be easier to be dead than to live out one's days surrounded by a literal beast as well as the emissary and best friend of said beast, Lucien? As time passes, however, Feyre's heart begins to thaw towards both members of the Spring Court. Soon she has developed feelings for Tamlin, and can't picture herself separated from him even for a day; but the more time she spends in Prythian, the more she realizes that all is not right in the land of Fae. In fact, with each passing second, an ancient wicked blight is spreading further across Prythian; and if Feyre, as someone with a human heart, doesn't do something to stop it, Tamlin and his world will be doomed forever.

Originally I picked up A Court of Thorns and Roses because I had heard that it was a retelling of my favorite fairytale, Beauty and the Beast; and while it shares elements of that wondrous romance, it is not, by any means, a retelling. Rather it is its own tale that, at times, feels like two stories woven into one: Feyre in Prythian, and a fiercer version of Feyre returning to the magical lands to save Tamlin and the Spring Court once and for all. Yes, there are times it feels as if the two halves don't make a whole; but they are done well enough to keep one invested in reading. And, in all honesty, are very necessary in order to pave the way for Rhysand.

Yes, some of you will fall head over heels for the supposed Prince Charming, Tamlin; whilst others will be drawn to the quintessential bad boy, Rhysand. While Rhysand makes a brief appearance in the first half of the book, he does so in a manner that makes him instantly unlikable. It is only when he returns as an MC in the second half that he redeems himself in his unique fashion, making him swoon-worthy. Who I am rooting for in this love triangle remains to be seen; but I will be picking up A Court of Mist and Fury sooner rather than later to explore further. After all, bad boy vs. beast is never an easy decision to make.



Star Rating: ***1/2


xx
SHARE:

1.08.2024

NOTD: ZOYA Magical Collection 2023 Nail Lacquer Collection in Adara

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Adara. Lapis Blue Shimmer w/ Scattered Rose Gold and Blue Holo.

This color! Insert all the heart eyes here!

Adara is a lapis blue shimmer with scattered rose gold and blue holo that brings serious ice queen vibes. While the color is brilliant, however, the formula is not. Womp womp. I had a lot of chipping and tipwear right off the bat with this one; so it's definitely best reserved for a weekend wear as opposed to week long or more. Still recommend for the unique shade!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
SHARE:

1.04.2024

ZOYA Magical Collection Nail Polish Swatches + Review

When I say that ZOYA has been slaying the holiday polish game, I am 100% not lying! Enamored Group A, Enamored Group B, and now...Magical. Pinch me! For reals though. Y'all, this collection is so, so pretty. While Enamored Group A and Enamored Group B were kind of like an even split of reds, and glitters, and darks, leaving you to select the bundle that was best for you; Magical is basically a blend of all of the colors, so you get, to quote Hannah Montana "...the best of both worlds..." Swatches in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Cherri is a Blue-Toned Red Creme. Y'all know that I'm not huge on reds, but this one? Chef's kiss. Cherri is a blue-toned red creme that brings about visions of Rudolph's nose and mistletoe - yes, it is a perfect Christmas red! The formula for this one is breathtaking! Not only does it apply flawlessly, but its weartime is phenomenal! If you love reds, you need to add this one to your collection immediately! This is 2 coats.

Fairleigh is an Oyster Shell Holo. Le sigh. This color is just giving me all of the festive feels! Fairleigh is an oyster shell holo that is equal parts sophisticated and sassy. For those of you who typically gravitate towards whites and creams, this color will have you in a chokehold. The scattered holo is just stunning. Formula here was fantastic. This could easily act as a top coat to another shade; but when you apply two coats you get the gorgeous opacity you see here. Highly recommend for the holidays, or as an amped up neutral!
This is 2 coats.

Adara is a Lapis Blue Shimmer w/ Scattered Rose Gold and Blue Holo. This color! Insert all the heart eyes here! Adara is a lapis blue shimmer with scattered rose gold and blue holo that brings serious ice queen vibes. While the color is brilliant, however, the formula is not. Womp womp. I had a lot of chipping and tipwear right off the bat with this one; so it's definitely best reserved for a weekend wear as opposed to week long or more. Still recommend for the unique shade! This is 2 coats.

Bisoux is an Opal Pink w/ Rose Microflakes and Gold Holo. This color 100% lives up to the collection name because it is simply magical. Bisoux is a pale opal pink w/ rose microflakes and gold holo that is giving me unicorn vibes. If you're a fan of whites, you will definitely dig this beauty because the pink is so subtle that it's almost not discernible when it's on the nail. This one had an amazing wear time with zero chips. I literally assembled 5 pieces of furniture while wearing this shade, and my mani still looked flawless. Talk about a testimony, amiright? This is 2 coats.

Vixen is a Blackened Cherry Creme. I seriously thought I would love this color, but it just didn't do it for me. Womp womp. Vixen is a blackened cherry creme that gives off deep chocolate brown vibes. I typically dig an oxblood-meets-merlot shade, but this one was far darker than that, and didn't feel as chic as I thought it would. If you dig blacks, you'll probably like this one; but if you prefer a more red-leaning blackened cherry, Vixen isn't it. Cute name though. This is 2 coats.

Inez is a Magenta Creme w/ Rose Gold Microflakes. Never have I ever fallen in love with a magenta polish; but I guess there's a first time for everything. Inez is a magenta creme with rose gold microflakes, and let me tell you right now...those rose gold microflakes make all the difference. Y'all, this color is stunning - it's rich and lush, but girly at the same time. For me this is a total lemming, and I am obsessed. NGL, I did have a bit of flaking while wearing {towards the end of the 6 days}, but a quick touch-up fixed it immediately, so not a dealbreaker. Highly recommended! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

PRICE: $72.00 for the full-size, 6-piece collection; $12.00 for each full-size bottle



xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
SHARE:

1.02.2024

january is january

people put so much stress and anxiety into the concept of january, but here’s the sitch: january is january. you’re still going to feel feelings once the clock strikes midnight. you’re still going to cry; you’re still going to laugh; you’re still going to hope; you’re still going to dream. it’s all just going to occur in another year. 2023 is out, 2024 is in; but it’s still just january, and everything is going to be fine. i promise. that said, here are 19 reminders for 2024 ♡

1. you can read every in/out list there is, but you still have to figure out what works for you because there is no one size fits all when it comes to human emotion.
2. you don’t need a new year to start over. not happy where you are in 3 months? begin again.
3. things don’t happen overnight, including transformation. if you seek results too soon, you’re going to wind up disappointed.
4. you are the only person who decides what is significant to you.
5. choose your people wisely. it’s not about distance - it’s about who’s ‘there’, and who loves you.
6. overthinking is every bit as dangerous as not thinking at all - balance is key.
7. being lonely and being alone are not one and the same.
8. you won’t always get the closure you need or deserve; sometimes you just have to give it to yourself.
9. it’s easier to process things when you take a step back and separate yourself from them for awhile.
10. there’s nothing wrong with therapy. sharing your feelings, and talking your way through them is iconic. period.
11. when forgiveness is too hard to muster up acceptance is fine.
12. reality is multifaceted.
13. so is emotion.
14. curiosity is a power. be curious. always.
15. there will always be a song lyric to describe exactly how you’re feeling at this very moment, you just have to find it.
16. write it down. your thoughts, your feelings, your hopes, your dislikes…all of it. self talk is real and it’s spectacular.
17. the right person for you probably isn’t a replica of the dream person you thought up in your mind - that’s okay.
18. it’s also okay if you make mistakes. we’re human. mistakes are a part of life. don’t beat yourself up over them.
19. long story short, you’ll survive.

xx
SHARE:

1.01.2024

NOTD: ZOYA Magical Collection 2023 Nail Lacquer Collection in Fairleigh

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Fairleigh. Oyster Shell Holo.

Le sigh. This color is just giving me all of the festive feels!

Fairleigh is an oyster shell holo that is equal parts sophisticated and sassy. For those of you who typically gravitate towards whites and creams, this color will have you in a chokehold. The scattered holo is just stunning. Formula here was fantastic. This could easily act as a top coat to another shade; but when you apply two coats you get the gorgeous opacity you see here. Highly recommend for the holidays, or as an amped up neutral!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
SHARE:
© cat eyes & skinny jeans | All rights reserved.
Blogger Templates by pipdig