Okay, but wouldn't this look so adorbs paired with high top Converse for the warmer months?!
4.14.2022
moon city
Okay, but wouldn't this look so adorbs paired with high top Converse for the warmer months?!
4.11.2022
NOTD: OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Trading Paint
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!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
4.07.2022
BOOK REVIEW: Changeling {Sorcery and Society # 1} by Molly Harper
Ages ago I read Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer's Cecelia and Kate Novels - a trilogy about magic in high society Victorian London. My fondness for those books has remained with me to this day; so when I spotted Molly Harper's Changeling {Sorcery and Society # 1} I surmised that it would enchant me in much the same way as the former. While the time periods are practically spot on, and there is magic involved; I found this one to be lackluster in comparison, and quite trying to make my way through. Though it picked up towards the end; it failed to do so enough for me to be interested in continuing on with the series in Book 2. Womp womp.
Fourteen-year-old Cassandra Reed wasn't born into glamorous Guardian society; rather, she was strategically placed there by one Mrs. Winters following an incident wherein she accidentally displayed her long-dormant {and unbeknownst to her} magical abilities.
Born to a family of {supposed} non-magical Snipes as Sarah Smith; Cassandra has lived her entire life in the Warren serving the magical Winters family as all Snipes do. You see, as per law, Snipes are to pander to Guardians as servants, completely powerless; while Guardians provide them with shelter. A Snipe displaying magical abilities, like Sarah, is taboo, and must be concealed. Thus, Cassandra is born. Though Sarah's family is none to pleased to see their child ripped from their arms; creating a new identity for her in the form of Cassandra Reed is the only way to keep her family, and herself, not to mention the Winters family, safe.
While most young women in Guardian society have trained their entire lives on the ins and outs of society, etiquette, magic, and magical families, Cassandra is given a crash course in all of the above by Mrs. Winters just weeks before her admission to Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies. It is here that Cassandra must be on her guard - proving to her classmates that she is every bit as posh and well-trained as the rest; while at the very same time working to uncover how, exactly, an ordinary girl such as she became the host of such strong magic.
Le sigh...all of the rave reviews of Changeling have left me dumbfounded, because I felt the complete opposite. In fact, I contemplated returning it a few times, but elected not to as I paid only $0.99 for it on Kindle. This book was a chore to get through. For one, the Harry Potter comparisons have got to stop, because they are false. Two, the extremely poor editing needs to be corrected as it completely disrupts the flow of the story and stifles fluency. And three, the characters are positively boring. Though I had a slight soft spot for Cassandra's friends, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel; their presence wasn't enough to keep me engaged. While I applaud any author for being able to pen a novel; I can 100% guarantee that I will not be returning for the sequel, and will likely not try Molly Harper's work again.
xx
4.04.2022
NOTD: OPI Nail Lacquer Collection in Complimentary Wine
Y'all I know that it's the time for spring and summer colors, but I was just feeling in the mood for a little vamp so I had to whip this beauty out.
Complimentary Wine is a bold burgundy creme that feels posh and sophisticated and I am l-o-v-i-n-g it. NGL, dark shades freak me out a little because once they hit your cuticles, you're done for; but this one applies perfectly, doesn't run, and dries fast. I was concerned that I would have staining, but 6 days later, no chips, no stains, and I am obsessed! Babes, I stan - and you will too!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
3.31.2022
daydream
This bad boy is giving me all the summer vibes!
3.28.2022
NOTD: NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Sugar House Lane
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?
3.24.2022
BOOK REVIEW: Premeditated Myrtle {A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery} by Elizabeth C. Bunce
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
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!
xx
3.21.2022
NOTD: OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Achievement Unlocked
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?
3.17.2022
fluffy
Seriously feeling the fluffy aesthetic of this fabulous frock. So stunning for spring celebrations!
3.14.2022
NOTD: OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Can't Ctrl Me
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?
3.10.2022
OPI XBox Spring 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review
AVAILABILITY: Ulta.
3.07.2022
NOTD: NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Treat Street
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?
3.03.2022
BOOK REVIEW: The Golden Compass {His Dark Materials Book 1} by Philip Pullman
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.
xx
2.28.2022
NOTD: Essie Nail Polish Collection in Wicked
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!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
2.24.2022
extreme
Not usually a fan of menswear, but this look is serving. Obsessed!
2.21.2022
NOTD: NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Peppermint Place
Y'all know that red isn't my favorite nail color; but can we take a moment to talk about how ridiculously perfect this seductress is?
Peppermint Place is a ravishing dark red creme that works for V-Day, holiday soirees, or everyday wear. Babes, this one has a flawless formula that is long-wear, super shiny, quick-dry, and a one. coat. wonder. I'm over the moon for this one, and know that you will be too. Grab it girls!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
2.17.2022
BOOK REVIEW: Warcross by Marie Lu
When I say that I began a long-term relationship with Marie Lu during the pandemic, it is #realtalk y'all. Not in the romantic sense obvi, but in the literary sense. It started with Legend in April 2020 and brings us to the present featuring Warcross. You guys, this book is so. good. It's dystopian science fiction with virtual reality and gaming all rolled into one; and it's done in such a perfect fashion that the entire concept feels 100% feasible. Like I can legit see this happening in the future, and that is equal parts exciting and terrifying. Just saying.
Emika "Emi" Chen is many things: liar, orphan, bounty hunter, college dropout, prodigy, rainbow-haired hacker with daddy issues. Like I said...a lot. The one thing she isn't is a quitter. Take her current sitch, for example. On the verge of being evicted from her home, Emika puts the pedal to the metal to take down an elusive criminal with a major bounty that would save her - at least for the month. And when it doesn't go her way? She decides to veg out on her couch and hack into the annual Warcross Championship event. A move seen around the world; and the very thing that pushes her into her current predicament.
For more than a decade Warcross has been a mainstay in the lives of millions upon millions of users. Though debuted as a virtual reality game, it has become more reality than reality itself, with users entering the world daily to escape their actual lives or turn a profit. For Emika, it's a bit of both, so when she sees an incredibly tempting power-up appear in the annual Warcross Championship, she does what any down-on-her-luck-eviction-facing hacker would do...she tries to anonymously steal it. Emika's plan backfires almost immediately when, instead of stealing the power-up, she hacks her way into the game, thereby exposing her identity to the world, putting herself on billionaire Hideo Tanaka's radar, and transforming her into an overnight celebrity. Random, right?
Though the Warcross Championship is shutdown immediately after Emika's stunt, she is 100% convinced that the next bounty will be for her; so when, instead of being arrested, she's offered something irresistible by Hideo, she is flabbergasted, to say the least. The creator of Warcross, Hideo Tanaka is a tech genius who is young, reserved, rich, and brilliant. He is now also Emika's boss {and love interest}. You see, Emika's hacking move was impressive, to say the least. So impressive, in fact, that Hideo hires her to go undercover as a Wild Card player in the Warcross Championship. Her reward? A possible ten. million. dollars. Oh, and new friendships, a little adventure, and insta-celebrity. Not to mention l-o-v-e. But when Emika's investigation uncovers a plot far more sinister than expected, with consequences that are major to humanity, she needs to rethink where her loyalties lie, and what she needs to do to protect the people.
I went into this book with zero expectations because: 1) the reviews were all over the place {either strongly adored or hard pass}; and 2) I legit loathed the last Lu book I read, The Young Elites. That said, I am so glad I read this one because, le sigh, it was amazing! NGL, I knew the true identity of Zero immediately; but that did not detract my love of the characters and storyline. I will say that I am thrilled that the romance between Hideo and Emika took a backseat to everything else going on because, maybe I'm in the minority here, but I didn't come for a romance. #sorrynotsorry. I did, however, come for incredible characters {Asher and Roshan were personal faves of mine}, bomb world-building, and a virtual thrill ride...the very things I left with. Bravo Lu - bring on Wildcard!
xx
2.14.2022
NOTD: OPI Holiday 2021 Celebration Nail Lacquer Collection in Big Bow Energy
'Tis the season for pinks to dominate, amiright?!
Big Bow Energy is a bold classic pink creme that gives off all of the Barbie vibes. This one leans a little bit deeper {almost fuschia-esque} than your bubblegum pink, making it a good choice if you're torn between pink and red for V-day. Formula here was fab - depending on how heavy-handed you are during application, you may even be able to make this beauty a OCW.
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
2.12.2022
get together
Never met an off the shoulder top I didn't love. Obsessed with the lipstick pink shade of this cutie!
2.10.2022
NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy 4-Piece Scented Nail Polish Set Swatches + Review
PRICE: $17.60 for the 4PC Full-Size Set.
2.07.2022
NOTD: OPI XBox Nail Lacquer Collection in Pixel Dust
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!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
2.05.2022
parka
The faux fur trim hood and snow white shade have me craving a snow day!
2.03.2022
BOOK REVIEW: Good Girl, Bad Blood: The Sequel to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Besties, I was obsessed with Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder when I first read it a couple of years ago, so I knew I needed to get my hands on Good Girl, Bad Blood: The Sequel to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and you know what? It let me down. The Pippa Fitz-Amobi I loved in book one seemed different; and the mystery, though intriguing in its own right, felt far too simple to unravel, not to mention a bit overreaching and, dare I say, unfeeling. Nevertheless, I did stick it out to the end; but I'm fairly certain I won't be visiting Pip's world again. Womp womp.
One month has passed since Pippa Fitz-Amobi {aka Pip} released her podcast, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, divulging all of the secrets she unearthed while investigating Andie Bell's murder, to the world. Sal Singh, though deceased, has been exonerated on all charges; his brother, Ravi, who acted as Pip's partner in crime during the investigation, has been upgraded to Pip's boyfriend; and Pip? Well, she's no longer a detective. Yep, you read that right...Pip has hung up her sleuthing hat and bid adieu to solving crimes. Primarily due to the amount of enemies she has made in town due to her snooping and subsequent release of the viral A Good Girl's Guide to Murder; but slightly caused by the sudden onset of PTSD. So when Pip's friend, Connor Reynolds, approaches her to look into the sudden disappearance of his older brother, Jamie, during the town's Singh-Ball Memorial, she finds herself conflicted.
Twenty-four-year-old Jamie Reynolds has a history of disappearing acts; and with a father who refuses to see his latest retreat as anything to take seriously, the police are reluctant to treat Jamie's vanishing as anything sinister. Connor and his mother, however, 100% feel that foul play is a factor; and when the police refuse to investigate, Pip makes the executive decision to put her fears aside, and take on the case to help Connor - and begin A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Season Two. But as she begins investigating, Pip comes to the realization that Jamie is not what he seems. In fact, while combing through his online activity, she finds that Jamie has all the makings of someone leading a double life - the question is, did that double life get him killed, or is he responsible for his own disappearance due to fear?
Pip has changed since book one - and for good reason. She has experienced a lot. That said, the Pip I loved in A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is not the same Pip I encountered within these pages. She is hardened, somber, slightly depressed, and not as lovable as her former self. Was it organic growth due to everything that happened with the Andie Bell/Sal Singh investigation coupled with the Max Hastings trial? Most likely yes; but it was a growth that made it feel like I didn't know her anymore - and didn't love her the same way. On top of that, I found myself uninterested in the characters within; and disengaged with the mystery itself, which felt a bit all over the place. I did adore the case notes and Podcast transcripts; but found it very hard to muddle through everything else. It took me over a month to finish this book because I kept needing breaks from it; leading me to the conclusion that my interest in Pip ends here.
xx
1.31.2022
NOTD: NAILS INC. Sweet Nail Candy Scented Nail Polish in Noel Street
Hey girl, hey. Babes, can we puh-lease take a moment to swoon over this bad boy?
Noel Street is a ravishing candy apple red creme that would seamlessly make a splash for all seasons - but feels most apropos for Christmastime or the fast-approaching Valentine's Day. The formula here is absolutely brilliant! Super fast dry, easy to apply, and absolutely stunning to look at. Tipwear was minimal, and there were no chipping issues. Absolutely adore this one and cannot wait to add it to my rotation for the holidays this year!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
1.27.2022
jasmine
LOVING the one-shoulder aesthetic of this cutie - so perfect for date night!
1.24.2022
NOTD: OPI Holiday 2021 Celebration Nail Lacquer Collection in Turn Bright After Sunset
This color was very ho hum to me in the bottle; but on the nail it quickly turned va va voom!
Turn Bright After Sunset is a sophisticated holographic black shimmer that feels suitable for the holidays and beyond. At times it appears black with standard silver shimmer; at others it reads black with holographic explosion - either way is a stunner! This one dried in a flash, and had brilliant staying power. I'm absolutely obsessed with this beauty and highly recommend for year-round wear!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
1.22.2022
arden
Kinda want to lounge in this cutie for eternity. #sorrynotsorry
1.20.2022
BOOK REVIEW: Willodeen by Katherine Applegate
If you know me, you know that I rarely pass up a book penned by Katherine Applegate. She has held a presence in my reading repertoire since I was teeny tiny; so hearing of the release of her latest, Willodeen, sent me into a spasm of can't-hardly-wait excitement - and for good reason. Willodeen is neither a forgettable fable for children nor a tree-hugging tale for earth lovers; rather, it is a masterfully crafted ode to nature, diversity, and the ecosystem, spotlighting the interconnectedness of the universe through a cast of lovable characters and creatures you wish you could meet in the real world.
Orphaned as a young child when her parents and brother were consumed by a wildfire, eleven-year-old Willodeen has not had an easy go of it. Taken in by kindhearted Mae and Birdie, Willodeen, who has never easily fit in with her peers, is content with her station in life. Though she misses her biological family, she is dearly loved by Mae and Birdie, has food and a roof over her head, and, the best yet, has free reign of the woods surrounding her home, where she spends her days seeking out the elusive {and now endangered} screechers.
Screechers, known for being foul-smelling, odd-looking creatures with tusks, tails, a snout, and quills, have been a favorite of Willodeen's for ages. Due to the town of Perchance's new bounty on Screechers, however, their numbers are quickly dwindling. You see, the town's residents feel that Screechers mar the village with their unsavory smell and appearance and want to be done with them; therefore, hunting them to extinction is their primary goal. Willodeen, who was taught to love all creatures great and small by her Pa, disagrees with this sentiment, believing that Screechers play an important role in nature's web, and proceeds to stretch herself thin trying to save the Screechers because she has noticed something of the utmost importance...with the Screecher population drastically dropping, so has the Hummingbear population.
Hummingbears, if you've yet to have the pleasure of meeting one, are winged creatures whom craft shimmering bubble nests atop blue willow trees. A source of income for the people of Perchance, the presence of Hummingbears during the annual Autumn Faire have brought tourists to the town for years, bolstering their wealth. This year, however, not a single Hummingbear has appeared. In their place is nothing but devastation in the form of mudslides, fires, droughts, and fevers that continue to ravage Perchance. When Willodeen receives an unexpected birthday gift brimming with magic from a new friend named Connor, she feels that she holds the key to save the Screechers, uncover the truth about the missing Hummingbears, and restore peace, harmony, and balance between nature and townspeople.
I literally cannot with this book y'all. It was so. good. Relevant, timely, and unforgettable. Applegate has woven a tale that is equal parts heart-wrenching and wondrous. Willodeen, as a character, is relatable and lovable. Her compassion is catching; and response to adversity within her life is admirable. Connor, on the other hand, is a friend we would all love to have by our side. Then there are the Screechers and the Hummingbears - the former known for being beastly, the latter known for being charming; yet both hold a place in my heart, along with a secret desire that they were a part of the real world. Cheers, Mrs. Applegate, for yet another magical adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages - and perhaps inspire more to respect and love nature, along with the animals around us.
xx
1.17.2022
NOTD: OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Abstract After Dark
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!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
1.15.2022
rainier
Legit swooning over these cuties for the past two months. I'm convinced I need them in my life!
1.13.2022
OPI Celebration 2021 Collection Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review
AVAILABILITY: Ulta.
1.10.2022
NOTD: OPI Holiday 2021 Celebration Nail Lacquer Collection in Snow Day in LA
I've never met a white polish I didn't like so y'all know I went a little crazy when this one entered my life.
Snow Day in LA is a sparkling pearlized opaque white that lives up to its title. Did I know it was pearlized when I first picked it up? I did not. Nevertheless, my pearlized-disliking heart was a-okay with this cutie because the pearlized effect is subtle, sophisticated, and surprising {in the best way}. I struggled a little bit with the formula here because it was slightly streaky; but after three coats it reached full glamorous opacity. If you dig whites and want one that marches to its own beat, you need this baby in your life!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
1.08.2022
mei
Seriously obsessing over this beauty! How perfect is it for chilly California days?!
1.06.2022
BOOK REVIEW: When Lightning Strikes {Missing Book 1} by Meg Cabot
I first read Meg Cabot's When Lightning Strikes years ago, when it was published under the pseudonym Jenny Carroll as part of the 1-800-WHERE-R-U series. I remember being obsessed with the books {though, sadly, I lacked cable so was never able to check out the TV adaption, 1-800-MISSING}, so when I was recommended the series on Kindle I thought I'd dive back in. Was it as fantastic as I remembered it being? Negative. Did I still enjoy it? Totally!
Sixteen-year-old flute-playing sophomore, Jess Mastriani, has a history of trouble. Fistfighting with members of the school football team, mouthing off to members of the school faculty, serving daily, after-school stints in detention. Jess doesn't mind 'fessing up to her crimes. After all, they all stem from her fierce love of her friends and family, and determination to defend them at all costs. Case in point, her older brother, Douglas, diagnosed with schizophrenia; and her overweight BFF, Ruth Abramowitz. But what Jess most definitely doesn't mind is the extra time her misbehavior earns her with bad-biker-boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks-and-guy-of-her-dreams, Rob Wilkins, a senior who also happens to spend more time than not in detention. The thing is, Jess is used to causing trouble; so when she falls into trouble, through no fault of her own, during one of her more innocent activities, things get a little topsy-turvy.
You could blame it all on Ruth. After all, if she hadn't insisted on walking home from school to get a little exercise {read: trying to slim down after being called fat by a jock}, Jess would have simply hitched a ride home on the back of Rob's hog. And if Jess hadn't agreed to walk home with Ruth, she wouldn't have been caught in the rain. And if she wouldn't have been caught in the rain...well, she wouldn't have been struck by lightning. Don't get me wrong...she's totally fine. But now she can look at the face on the back of a milk carton, and tell you exactly where that missing person is. Which sounds pretty awesome, but kind of bites considering the FBI is on her case. Like literally.
Now, Jess is residing on a military base where she's being researched on; and she's come to the conclusion that her new superpowers aren't all that thrilling. For one, they sometimes lead to the discovery of missing persons who are no longer among the living; and two...sometimes the people she finds don't need or want to be found. Take the 12-year-old boy she thought she was helping. He was actually hiding out with his protective mother from an abusive and powerful father. Now Jess is determined to help him out of the mess she created and bust his mom out of jail. But she'll need all of her bad boy buddies to help her complete her mission.
I was obsessed with this series when I was younger; but grown-up me? Not so much. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun romp; but many of the things that occur within the pages are downright ridiculous and far-fetched. Rob is still crushable; and Jess is fun {at times}, but the overall feel of the story is over the top. If you're looking for a serious fiction YA, this isn't it. If you're looking for humor with a dash of sci-fi, you may enjoy this one.
xx
1.03.2022
NOTD: Essie Nail Polish Collection in Blanc
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!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
©
cat eyes & skinny jeans | All rights reserved.