AVAILABILITY: Ulta.
7.02.2020
China Glaze Trolls World Tour Collection 6 Piece Mini Kit Swatches + Review
6.30.2020
BOOK REVIEW: Prodigy by Marie Lu
Give me a moment to digest what I just read because after turning the final page of Marie Lu’s Prodigy, all I can say is mind. blown.
He is the silver lining in a world of darkness.
He is my light.❞
We meet up with Day and June nine days after escaping from the Republic. John, Day’s older brother, has been executed in his place. Eden, Day’s plague-ridden younger brother, is missing. Los Angeles is on lockdown; Day is severely injured; and the two lovebirds are seeking asylum and assistance from the Patriots in Las Vegas. But there’s one thing I failed to mention: the Elector Primo is dead, leaving his early-twenty-something son Anden with the title.
New to the Elector Primo throne {figurative}, but familiar with the political scene, Anden is heavily disliked by the Senate due to his desire to do away with the Republic’s archaic systems, including the rigged tests that determine each person’s future. While his stance will likely please the oppressed people of the Republic, it may never come to fruition. At least, it won’t if the Patriots have anything to say about it.
Overseen by Razor {aka Commander Andrew DeSoto}, the Patriots are working from the inside of the Republic; but they’re more than happy to help Day and June…for a very high price. The Patriots {with Kaede and Tess in tow} are willing to make Day as good as new as long as he and June assist in assassinating Anden. By placing June in Anden’s hands {and a gun in Day’s}, Razor is convinced that he can eliminate the Elector Primo and overthrow the Republic for good. The question is: who are the bad guys and who are the good?
NGL here…this one started out very slow for me {we’re talking almost-abandoned-it-for-something-else slow}, and I didn’t feel the same love for some of the characters I adored the first time around; but overall it was a solid sequel.
My main qualm with Prodigy was the love square. Yeah, you read that right; Prodigy goes beyond the typical love triangle {which I am not a fan of}, and introduces an angst-filled love square involving Day, June, Anden, and Tess {how Tess went from endearing little sister to potential love interest within the course of a few weeks - book time - is completely beyond my comprehension, but whatevs}. I found the whole situation awkward, fumbling, and unenjoyable. In other words…it was cringey. In fact, that term could also be used for much of Day and June’s interactions.
The two narrators, whom I adored in book one, really lost a lot of their spark this go round. Speaking of spark…it was lacking in Tess as well. Tess, Tess, Tess. I loved her in Legend and legit loathed her in Prodigy. Nevertheless, I found other characters to fill the void: shockingly, Kaede won a huge place in my heart; as did Anden. And while Day and June did little for me for a good 75% of the book; they lit up the pages for those last few chapters, and left me eager to see how their story will end in Champion.
xx
6.27.2020
6.25.2020
georgia peach
Legit the sweetest little romper for summer!
6.22.2020
NOTD: China Glaze Trolls World Tour Collection in No-Holds Barb
This shade is on fire! Babes, I don't usually clamor over crimson, but I could not pass up this pretty for the summer season!
No-Holds Barb is a glooorious coral-meets-red hue that is desperate to deck your tips and toes for summertime! While this is a jelly, making it perfect for those sparkly jelly sandwiches, it can easily be donned alone, as you see here, as long as you apply an extra coat to prevent VNL. As a jelly, it is thinner and stickier than your standard creme; however, it doesn't cruise for the cuticles, applying beautifully with minimal effort.
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
6.20.2020
6.18.2020
6.16.2020
BOOK REVIEW: Left Fur Dead by J.M. Griffin
Gimme allllll the telepathic bunny books, ya hear?
Twenty-five-year-old Juliette ‘Jules’ Bridge is the proprietor of New Hampshire-based Fur Bridge Farm, an ultra-charming sanctuary-style rescue that rehabilitates bunnies; while providing community education on the proper care and keeping of rabbits. Oh, and did I mention Fur Bridge Farm also houses a beyond quaint gift shop brimming with bunny-raising supplies, along with the softest yarn on. the. planet. Yeah, kinda wanna go there pronto!
While Jules adores all of the bunnies who come into her care, she has a soft spot for Bun. Rescued from a physically and mentally abusive environment {his former owners were legit convinced that sweet Bun was in league with Satan}, the two share a bond like no other. No, really. You see, Bun communicates with Jules telepathically. Go ahead, read that again. Telepathic communication with. a. rabbit. Bun speaks to Jules in her mind, and Jules responds verbally {when no one’s around that is; wouldn’t want to be dubbed the crazy lady}. It’s a little secret the two share that not even Jess Plain {Jules’ friend, employee, fellow rabbit lover, and veterinarian-to-be} is aware of.
So how does this duo find themselves immersed in mischief and mayhem? Well…during one of their early morning outings in a nearby park, Jules and Bun happen upon the dead body of Arthur Freeman – aka Arty the Mime. Known for his stupendous performances around the local birthday party circuit {oftentimes alongside Jules and her bunnies}, Arty is somewhat of a local celebrity. And once Jules learns that he kicked the bucket not due to natural causes, but murder, she and Bun decide to put on their detective hats and crack the crime – much to the chagrin of Sheriff Jack Carver. The question is…will Jules and Bun solve the case, or be next in line for an untimely demise?
Oh. My Gosh. I loved this book! NGL, it took me 60 pages or so to really get into Left Fur Dead, but once I did I was hooked!! Bun is the cutest character ever. He actually reminded me of a British butler for some reason {kinda getting Alfred from Batman vibes}. And Jules and Jess are gems – I would love to hang out with these girls IRL. Though he was aloof, I found something endearing about the character of Andrew Stone, and I truly hope that he returns in the sequel {perhaps as a love interest?}.
Truth be told, I was able to pinpoint the killer the moment they appeared on the pages {intuition}; but that didn’t stop me from loving the story. Part of the appeal of cozy mysteries is an assemblage of lovable characters, and an endearing setting – both of which J.M. Griffin created fabulously here. I truly cannot wait to get my paws on book two, Who’s Dead, Doc?
xx
6.13.2020
6.11.2020
magnolia
Love this sweatshirt dress is strong.
6.08.2020
NOTD: China Glaze Trolls World Tour Collection in Delta Darlin'
Soooo... I seriously wish that this shade would have photographed better because it. is. smokin'.
Delta Darlin' is a dreamy orange creamsicle-esque shade that feels fit for spring through summer {but would also work as a winter pastel}. The formula here is a little bit thicker to work with; however, upon application, it's a bit thin. Meaning? Either apply 3 thin coats, or 2 thick coats for full coverage. This one is a total keeper!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
6.04.2020
OPI Mexico City Mini 4 Pack Swatches + Review
AVAILABILITY: Ulta and Amazon.
PRICE: $17.00 for the 4PC Mini Set; $10.50 for each full-size bottle.

6.02.2020
BOOK REVIEW: The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Years ago I remember reading C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, followed by a few other tales of Narnia, but I’ve forgotten the titles since then, and overall have v little recollection of the series as a whole; thus, I decided to explore the Chronicles again.
Though published as book six in the series, The Magician’s Nephew is to be read first, as a prequel of sorts, to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
The Magician’s Nephew introduces us to Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, two neighbors who become fast friends, and spend their summer days seeking adventure – which is how they come to find Uncle Andrew’s study. Uncle Andrew is Digory’s supposedly mad uncle who is convinced he’s a magician. But Digory and Polly soon learn that Uncle Andrew may actually be a magician.
While in Uncle Andrew’s study, the mad magician manages to trick Polly into touching a magical yellow ring that results in the young girl vanishing. With Polly gone, Uncle Andrew blackmails {I know, right?!} Digory into testing another magic ring in order to be reunited with Polly. In addition to the yellow ring, Uncle Andrew provides Digory with two green rings {green for returning home}; just in case the two children are able to jump back into their current world. It’s getting freaky now, mmm’kay?
Once Digory touches his yellow ring, he finds himself with Polly again – resting within a wooded area that connects the two worlds. And surrounding them? Pools - many, many pools. Each pool leading to a different universe.
Obvs, given the current circumstance, Digory and Polly elect to explore the different worlds before returning to England; which is how they uncover…Charn. Abandoned and desolate, the children shortly discover what they presume to be an ancient palace filled with statues of Charn’s former kings and queens. And smack dab in the middle of those breathtaking statues? A bell, a hammer, and the following words:
Strike the bell and bide the danger
Or wonder, till it drives you mad
What would have followed if you had.”
And thus, the story of Narnia officially begins; for once Digory and Polly take it upon themselves to ring that enticing bell many things are set in motion. From the creation of Narnia and the animals who reside within, to the origins of the lamppost {so prevalent in the pages of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe} and the presence of the {evil} White Witch. But, above all, we are introduced to Aslan - the overseer and creator of all things Narnian; and learn much about the spectacular Wardrobe, and its ability to transport the chosen to Narnia.
The Magician’s Nephew was entertaining, no doubt about it. In under 150 pages it packed a whole lot of action and magic, and did a brilliant job of setting the stage for future adventures in Narnia. The characters are engaging and likable from the jump; while the world-building is perfection. I will certainly be back for more!
xx
5.30.2020
5.28.2020
5.25.2020
NOTD: OPI Mexico City Nail Lacquer Collection in Telenovela Me About It
Ooh all you pink ladies out there must be swooning over this beauty because I know I am!
Telenovela Me About It {that name tho!} is a glam hot pink that has allll the drama of a true telenovela due to that hidden blue shimmer that peeks out occasionally when you wiggle your tips. Formula here was bomb. I found it to be sliiightly on the thin side {hence the three coats}; but it's such a dream to apply {not to mention fast-dry} that it's truly no big. Highly recommend!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
5.23.2020
5.21.2020
5.19.2020
BOOK REVIEW: Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
When it comes to Diana Wynne Jones’ Howl’s Moving Castle, I am in the minority for two very big reasons: 1} I wasn’t led to the tale after viewing Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle anime film {still haven’t seen it, in fact}; and 2} I can honestly say that, as much as I tried, I just didn’t enjoy this book. Don’t get me wrong, I truly felt that this tale started out strong, but it failed to engage me after the first thirty or so pages.
Sophie, the main character, is a timid girl who has lost all hope, and convinces herself that she is content watching those around her move forward in life, as she toils away as a hatter {as someone else claims success for her work}. When Sophie draws the attention of the {wicked} Witch of the Waste, she is transformed into a cantankerous old woman, and knows there is only one place to seek solace – and perhaps a cure for the spell: Wizard Howl’s elusive Moving Castle.
Which brings us to Howl himself. Howl is a…quirky fellow, to say the least. He’s showy in style and short in language. Though I tried to find a redeeming quality about him, I came up empty-handed every. single. time. Yes, I liked that he accepted Sophie into his home as a housekeeper {despite her frequent mishaps involving his assorted powders}; and I appreciated his overall kindness to his apprentice Michael. But barring those two things, he was fairly forgettable.
Though some may enjoy the banter that takes place between Howl and Sophie, perhaps even find it humorous, I found it obnoxious and hard to take after a time. So much so that the only character I found even remotely interesting was Calcifer, the fire demon. Had the book been shorter, I may have rated it higher; but when you have a 400+ page novel wherein many occurrences keep repeating themselves, the storyline becomes tired and lackluster. Points for originality most certainly go to Wynne Jones; but this one served as being far from magical for me. Womp womp.
xx
5.16.2020
5.14.2020
wild pursuit
How perfect are these cuties for days spent beachside?!
5.11.2020
NOTD: OPI Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Nail Lacquer Collection in Charged Up Cherry
Not gonna lie ladies, I was 100% expecting a cherry red shade based on the name of this bad boy; but, upon application, I ended up with this perfect pink!
Charged Up Cherry is a lush, tropical pink creme that feels fresh for summer! The formula here was a dream; however, it was a little thinner than I expected - not enough to require more coats; but something to keep in mind during application. This one would be adorbs as a pedi shade!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
5.09.2020
5.07.2020
meant to be
Loving the simplicity of this bad boy for the warmer months!
5.05.2020
BOOK REVIEW: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Let me preface this review with a slow clap because Holly Jackson has crafted a work of art with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. This teen tome right here will take you on a topsy-turvy roller coaster ride that will leave. you. breathless.
Pippa. Oh Pippa…I love her. Seventeen-year-old Pippa Fitz-Amobi {Pip to her pals} is a heroine for the ages; a modern-day Nancy Drew with a healthy sprinkling of Veronica Mars and the brains of one Miss Hermione Granger. When Pippa elects to investigate the murder of a years-old homicide/suicide/missing persons’ case involving former classmates Andie Bell {body never recovered} and Sal Singh for her senior Capstone Project, she has no clue where it will take her. The one thing she does know, or feel, is that Sal Singh is innocent. But try telling that to the rest of the town.
The case may be closed, but Pippa is determined to uncover the truth, while earning herself an A+. To do so, she enlists the assistance of an unlikely ally to find justice: Ravi Singh. Yes, the 20-year-old brother of the accused who has been ostracized by the community since Andie’s disappearance. Did I mention that he and Pippa have an irresistible, albeit innocent, chemistry that sparks off the pages? Don’t worry…it never overshadows the whodunit? at hand; but it does serve as a sweet, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it development.
Told in a mix of first and third-person narrative, along with…drumroll please!…production logs, interview transcripts, diary entries, and a murder map {Yaaasss! go. off. sis! Detailed documentation and research is. my. weakness. and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is packed with it} this is one juicy work of fiction that will delight suspense readers of all ages.
NGL there are moments when Pippa’s investigation does reach unbelievable territory {meaning why would anyone comply with her line of questioning?!}. And Pippa herself can be sliiiightly invasive/overwhelming at times {not to mention ultra-hardcore when it comes to hitting the books - not that that’s a bad thing}; but all of the amazingness outweighs any faults presented, and makes me ridiculously excited for book two! Bring it on Ms. Jackson; bring. it. on.
xx
5.02.2020
4.30.2020
4.27.2020
NOTD: Ciaté London Mini Paint Pot in Red Hot Chili
Y'all, red will never be my go-to nail color; but this shade is fire!
Red Hot Chilli is the hue for summa-summa-summatime. Babes, I am obsessed with this shade! The color is bright and brilliant and oh-so necessary for your next tropical vacay! Formula is a dream. Two swipes and you are good. to. go. Even better? It's fast-dry and reaches opacity lickety-split. Grab it girls!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
4.25.2020
4.23.2020
4.21.2020
BOOK REVIEW: LEGEND by Marie Lu
There is only one word to describe this book: unputdownable. I’m sorry, is that even a word? We can pretend, m’kay?
Y’all, I haven’t read a dystopian in a few years now; but I used to devour them like Doritos. The Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched, The Selection…you name it, I read it. Then there was my dystopian dry spell; and then…there was LEGEND.
I. absolutely. love. this. book. As Marie Lu’s debut, LEGEND is in a class of its own, telling the story of a world set 100 years in the future, where the United States is now divided into two separate peoples: the Colonies and the Republic. As you may have guessed, the Republic (armed with biological warfare, arrogance, and corruption) calls the shots; and the Colonies are riddled with various strains of a plague resulting in a rapidly diminishing population, and an angrier-than-thou lower-class fighting for survival.
Within the pages of LEGEND we meet two characters: Day (aka Daniel Altan Wing), and June Iparis, who share their POV in alternate chapters. The former, a criminal on the run with a home-base in the Colonies; the latter, a recent graduate from the Republic academy with a mission to capture the elusive Day, and a desire to prove herself to her heartless Commander.
Aside from Rachel Cohn and David Levithan’s Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, I don’t think I have ever enjoyed two different POV’s as much as I adored Day and June’s. These are two characters whom. you. love. And they’re surrounded by other characters whom you kinda can’t get enough of. Tess {btw... if anything happens to Tess, I will never forgive Lu}, John…heck, even Kaede. While I never felt connected to characters such as Tris in Divergent or Peeta of The Hunger Games, Lu’s characters are people whom I was emotionally vested in, and that makes this debut all the more amazing.
Book 2 is in my shopping cart as. we. speak.
xx
4.18.2020
4.16.2020
4.13.2020
NOTD: Ciaté London Mini Paint Pot in Fly Away
...Spread your wings and prepare to fly for you have become a butterfly... Idk, the name of this beauty just makes me think of that MC song. #judgeme.
Babes, Fly Away is a spring necessity. The purple shade is ideal for that winter-to-spring transition - being both pastel but bright at the very same time. Formula here is dreamy - you can reach almost complete opacity in one coat; but I used two to deepen the color. Highly recommended!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
4.09.2020
night after night
Feeling the sparkly stud detailing.
4.06.2020
NOTD: Morgan Taylor Rocketman Professional Nail Lacquer Collection in Bedazzle Me
Le sigh...I am so loving how smoky yet sparkly this bad boy is - it gives it a hint of edginess.
Bedazzle Me is a glamorous hue that can be layered over a bold shade as a top coat, or worn on its own {as I have here}. The formula is v simple to work with, and builds fast. My only qualm: I don't love the hexagonal glitter. I definitely would have preferred the microglitter on its own; but I'm still a fan. Necessary if you dig sparkle.
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
4.04.2020
4.02.2020
match maker
The obsession is real.
3.30.2020
NOTD: Ciaté London Mini Paint Pot in Antique Brooch
Ooh babes can we just take a moment to drool over this shade?!
Antique Brooch is a sparkling gold w/ blush hexagonal glitter that is drop. dead. gorgeous. The gold is more of a flaky glitter in consistency as opposed to a shimmering metallic which legit makes your nails glow; while the blush/rose gold glitter gives the color a fresh feel, and makes it look as if you've dipped your nails in sequins! Formula is fab! It's self-leveling, and quick-dry; and a heavier hand could easily make this beauty a ocw!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
3.28.2020
3.26.2020
tie-strap
Legit the cutest cover-up I have ever seen!
3.23.2020
NOTD: OPI Nail Lacquer in Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
Ooh babes, I had forgotten how much I l-o-v-e yellow polish; but this bad boy just brought back all of the memories!
Exotic Birds Don't Tweet is a glowing yellow creme that is absolutely gorgeous to look at. Formula is amazing. Not gonna lie, it can be a little patchy during application; but overall levels to the brilliant density you see here in just two swipes. Loves it!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
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