BOOK REVIEW: Chain of Gold {The Last Hours, # 1} by Cassandra Clare

"We do not get to choose when in our lives we feel pain,” said Matthew. “It comes when it comes, and we try to remember, even though we cannot imagine a day when it will release its hold on us, that all pain fades. All misery passes. Humanity is drawn to light, not darkness."
I first discovered Cassandra Clare in 2012, when I began reading The Mortal Instruments - a series which I could not get enough of, and devoured in far too short a time. Somehow, once finishing that six book series, I read nothing more from Clare - until recently, when Chain of Gold {The Last Hours, # 1} popped up during a Kindle sale. And thank goodness that it did because it was spectacular, and has made me question why I didn't keep up with Clare over the years. Chain of Gold is a gut-wrenching, soul-shaking introduction to an action-packed trilogy brimming with Shadowhunter goodness set in the early 1900s, and driven by an impeccable cast of characters. Mark my words...you'll be purchasing the sequel, Chain of Iron {The Last Hours, # 2}, after finishing just the first chapter. Trust.

As a born and bred Shadowhunter, Cordelia Carstairs has been trained as a warrior to battle demons since she was just a tyke; but no training could have prepared her for the demons found within her very own family. When her father is implicated as being the mastermind behind a terrible crime that resulted in the deaths of many, Cordelia and her older brother, Alastair, along with their mother, are sent off to London to save face and, hopefully, prevent the ruination of their beloved family. While Cordelia's mother has dreams only of marrying Cordelia off to a well-to-do family before rumors of her father's supposed indiscretions reach the gritty yet glamorous city, Cordelia's desires lie elsewhere. She is determined to be a hero rather than a housewife; and while she does secretly love James Herondale, a childhood friend who happens to be the brother of her bestie, Lucie, James is promised to another, making him unattainable. At least romantically.

Upon reaching London, Cordelia makes fast work of reconnecting with both James and Lucie - after all, she is destined to be Lucie's parabatai {a lifelong partner bound together by oath, and made to fight together until death}. Once welcomed into their inner circle, she finds herself enshrouded in a shimmering world brimming with ballrooms, secret assignations, and salons overflowing with the supernatural - from mermaids mixing with magicians to vampires interweaving with warlocks. It's an underground far from anything Cordelia has known before; but one that intrigues her and feels like home. And then disaster strikes...

Shortly after making her London debut, the city is devastated by a series of unexplained demon attacks that threaten to shatter Cordelia's world. The typical monsters encountered by Shadowhunters are those that stay hidden by the dark; but this breed is unlike anything encountered before by the Shadowhunter world. These monsters walk freely in daylight, are seemingly impossible to kill, and strike down the unsuspecting with an incurable poison that could quickly make Shadowhunter numbers dwindle. With such a risk on the loose, London is quarantined, stranding Cordelia and her friends in the city. While trapped, however, they discover that they have a connection to a dark legacy - one that provides them with phenomenal powers that come with a price: the cruel penalty of being a hero.

Having not read The Infernal Devices trilogy, this was my first introduction to Will, Tessa, and Jem; however, as they are the adults within this spinoff, my unfamiliarity with them did not hinder my ability to absolutely l-o-v-e each and every character within these pages {barring Grace and Tatiana Blackthorn obvi}, or to seamlessly follow the storyline. Will I go back and read The Infernal Devices after completing The Last Hours? Absolutely! But, for the time being, I am adoring the escapades found within this trilogy. Not to mention the brilliant banter, humor, and dazzling cast of characters Clare has masterfully drawn out.

Cordelia is totally girl crush worthy - she has this Buffy vibe about her that is irresistible. And Anna Lightwood? Her level of cool is beyond. Then there's Matthew and James and Christopher and Thomas and Lucie...all who bring so much to the story with their differing personalities. And, not to be forgotten, Jem {aka Brother Zachariah}. Despite their oddities, I have alwaysalwaysalways been enchanted by the concept of the Silent Brothers, so seeing his interactions with the other characters was incredibly engaging. From start to finish, Chain of Gold was utterly brilliant. I cannot wait to see what adventure lies within the pages of Chain of Iron.


Star Rating: *****


xx

NOTD: Nailtopia Nail Lacquer in Whale Hello There!

Two coats of Nailtopia Nail Lacquer in Whale Hello There!. Mint Creme.

The relationship between me and mint nail colors is a love story that can't be explained.

Whale Hello There! is described as being a pale blue, but this beauty is 100% mint {and yes, there is a diff between the two}. Y'all, this color is so nice that I've already worn it twice {with plans to wear it many, many more}.

The formula here is easy to work with, and full coverage in a couple of swipes. This one does gravitate to cuticles; however, if you wipe the excess lacquer off on the lip of the bottle prior to applying there are no issues. If you love pastels {or mints!}, this is one you need to add to your collection pronto!

xx

twist

Spiritual Gangster Reversible Twist Front Sweatshirt in STONE.

Obsessed with this cutie for yoga days.

xx

NOTD: ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Clarice

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Clarice. Metallic Emerald Green.

I never knew how much I needed a shade like this in my life until it was in my hands. True story.

Clarice is a metallic emerald green that is sending me with that enchanting lit from within glow and deep, dark depth. This one is multifaceted because, from afar, it looks like a basic black; but when you get up close and personal...wowza! That metallic emerald green comes out to play. With a heavy hand, this can be a OCW. I found the formula to be slightly runny, so I opted for two coats to avoid gloppy drops or a mess. Absolutely loving it! Unfortunately, it does not photograph well.

xx

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

BOOK REVIEW: Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

"Because death is only a reprieve for the dead, Mr. Thorly. It cares little for those it leaves behind."
I'm not sure which caught my eye of Adalyn Grace's Belladonna first: the gorgeous cover, or the intriguing premise of what lied between the pages. Regardless, I quickly purchased, and was immediately sucked in by Signa's story. Unfortunately, that interest waned over time, as I felt that the book was far longer than it warranted, and too deep-rooted in romance, as opposed to the mystery I was hoping for. It was these factors that helped me to reach the conclusion that I will not be returning for book two, Foxglove. That said, with notes of Meg Cabot's Abandon and Anna Godbersen's The Luxe; Belladonna is sure to take the breath away of those seeking a slow burn gothic romance with a side of mystery.

Nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow has not had an easy upbringing. Orphaned as a baby, Signa has been shuffled from one unqualified guardian to another, each more interested in the fortune attached to her person than she herself. Now she is down to the last set of relatives on her ever-dwindling list: the Hawthornes. Known for their elusiveness, the Hawthornes reside at Thorn Grove, a rambling estate that is a multifaceted conundrum, if you will. Touched by death, there is an overhanging gloom enshrouding Thorn Grove; yet the parties thrown by the recently widowed patriarch {Signa's Uncle Elijah} bring a sense of glittering glamour to the otherwise mournful residence. Despite the eccentricities found within Thorn Grove's walls and residents, it is the first place to ever feel like home to Signa; which is why she's determined to keep Death away.

You see, since the death of her own parents as an infant, a time when death touched but did not take her, Signa has had a bond with the Grim Reaper-like fellow known as Death - a bond that allows her to maintain a relationship with the man himself; while also possessing the ability to commune with spirits, and the real clincher, look Death in the eyes without ever succumbing to it herself {example: even when ingesting large doses of belladonna, she survives with nary a stomach pain}. Though some would view this is an extraordinary power, Signa sees it as a curse as it has left all of her prior caregivers deceased. Now, with Death so strong within the Hawthorne home, she must do everything in her power to rid the household of his cruel hand before she is finally left alone - which means she must play the role of Holmes.

Uncle Elijah's late wife, Aunt Lilianne, passed away recently from a mysterious illness that baffled medicine men, and worsened with the use of medicinal treatments. Aunt Lilianne's daughter, Blythe {Signa's cousin, respectfully}, is now suffering from an identical illness. After a few encounters with the mute Lilianne, Signa becomes convinced that her Aunt died not of natural causes, but from murder. With this newfound knowledge at her fingertips, Signa knows that she needs to unravel the mystery in order to save Blythe from a premature demise. But in order to do so, she'll have to call on her old friend Death.

Ah, Belladonna...somewhere around the 200 page mark this book steadily declined for me, leaving me struggling to power through to the end. I'm not sure if the blame lies in the fact that the romance was too heavy for my liking, or that I've grown tired of talk of societal debuts {thank you Bridgerton}, or merely fell upon the fact that it was fairly easy to identify the culprit; but something made my interest dissipate - and once it did, reaching the last page was a challenge. While I rather enjoyed Signa, I found her encounters with Death to be somewhat confusing. Was he tangible? Was he a ghost or spirit? This was never fully conceptualized; and, for that reason, left me unable to gravitate towards him. Though I wanted to love this one, and I'm sure many will for the reasons that didn't work for me, this one was an anticlimactic fail.


Star Rating: ***


xx

NOTD: ZOYA Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Constance

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Constance. Plum Creme.

Spotted...at the steps of the Met... With a name like Constance, I couldn't resist the opportunity to give a shoutout to Gossip Girl. #iykyk

Constance is a posh plum creme that is absolutely giving me life! This one is positively perfect for fall to winter wear {and everything in between TBH}. Formula for this beauty is every bit as decadent as the color. Bonus: this bad boy earned me loads of compliments from my kinders! Obsessed!

xx

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

'90s

PACSUN '90s High Waist Boyfriend Jeans in MEDIUM INDIGO.

The baggy aesthetic is so my vibe at the moment.

xx

NOTD: ZOYA y2k Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Malana

Three coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Malana. Bubblegum Pink Holo Jelly.

Holy holo Batman!

Malana is a bubblegum pink holo jelly that is giving me all of the love day vibes. Though def pink in coloring, there is a subtle lavender shift that presents itself in direct sunlight that it spectacular, and seriously places this beauty in a league of her own. Formula is thin, but fast dry; and stays sprakly from first day of wear to last. Ya girl is obsessed!

xx

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Iron Trial {Magisterium # 1} by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

"Fire wants to burn, water wants to flow, air wants to rise, earth wants to bind, chaos wants to devour."
I remember spotting Holly Black and Cassandra Clare's The Iron Trial in bookstores ages ago and shying away from it because it looked like it leaned more sci-fi than fantasy, and I prefer the latter. Fast forward to December 2022, during a Kindle book sale, and I decided to revisit that decision. Being a fan of both Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, I took a leap of faith, and entered the world of the Magisterium - and I'm so glad I did. The Iron Trial is a strong intro, laying the framework for a fantastical series that, while taking place at a magical school, bears, in my personal opinion, very little resemblance to J.K. Rowling's bestselling Harry Potter series. In fact, if I'm being completely honest, the strong focus on the elements aligns Magisterium more with Avatar: The Last Airbender than Hogwarts. But perhaps that's just me...

Twelve-year-old Callum 'Call' Hunt's reputation precedes him. The singular survivor of a magical war turned massacre that killed his mother {Sarah}, and left him bearing a physical mark of the attack {a severely scarred leg and limp}; Callum has not had an easy existence. Bullied by his peers, unable to partake in sports...adolescence has been a challenge thus far - and it's about to get much more difficult with the Iron Trial.

While most youth would do anything to pass the Iron Trial, gaining them admission into a magic school known as the Magisterium, Call wants nothing more than to fail. Conditioned by his father, Alastair Hunt, since birth to believe that the Magisterium is full of dangerous magic that is the embodiment of evil, Call knows that his father refuses to allow him to enter the school; thus, failing, and failing miserably, is his only option. After all, his father is all he has, and he doesn't want to disappoint him by being successful for once in his life. But sometimes failing is easier said than done. Sometimes repressing your abilities or interests is the precise thing that will get you admitted to the one place you had zero interest in ever setting foot in. Which is how Callum finds himself enrolled in the Magisterium.

Selected to train under Master Rufus {the Magisterium's most prestigious Master} alongside Aaron Stewart and Tamara Rajavi - the former being a foster child with no recollection of magic in his bloodline; the latter being a Magisterium legacy - Callum feels out of place and confused. Aaron and Tamara both scored in the top ranks during the Trial; while Callum ranked last place, so clearly he is not on par with his teammates. That said, Aaron and Tamara are quick to point out that Master Rufus must have his reasons; and while Call does experience a bit of bullying from an arrogant classmate {ahem, Jasper deWinter} whom feels Call stole his spot under Master Rufus, he is overall accepted - physical disability and all. In time, he gets along so well at the Magisterium, that he begins to question his father's distaste for the institute, and warnings of the evil that lies within. And once he starts questioning that, he can't help but to question other things his father has warned him away from - and how much truth there actually is to all of it.

What's interesting about The Iron Trial is that it's not brilliant, but it's also not boring. The pacing is fantastic, despite the fact that Call and his training partners spend a large chunk of the first half of the book partaking in, perhaps, the most mundane form of magic in the history of magic {sorting sand}. That said, I continued on because I actually really enjoyed Call, Aaron, and Tamara - as well as many of their classmates. Call, in particular, captured my heart, because I liked his perseverance in spite of his disability. On that note, I appreciate Black and Clare's use of an MC with a disability, as it brings a sense of inclusiveness into the fantasy world that is oftentimes lacking. Of course, what is a fantasy without a fantastical beast? In this case, Havoc - a creature who presents himself at one of the most pivotal parts of the story, and will squirm his way around your heart with a single wag of his tail. Be forewarned...there is quite a bombshell dropped at the end that will leave you clamoring for book two, The Copper Gauntlet. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on it.


Star Rating: ****


xx

NOTD: ZOYA Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Sylva

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Sylva. Dark Teal Creme.

A problematic polish fact? There is simply not enough teal in lacquer collections. #isaidwhatisaid

Sylva is a bold dark teal creme that brings Fair Isle knitwear, marshmallow-topped hot cocoa, and skiing in the Swiss Alps to mind. This one could easily have been a OCW, but I added a second layer to bolden up the color, and it built beautifully! Loving this beauty paired with, perhaps, a silver accent nail. If you want to add a unique touch to your vampy varnish collection, do not sleep on this bad boy!

xx

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

christa

Free People Christa Sequin Long Sleeve Romper in PINK.

Definitely not ready to say goodbye to sequin season just yet...

xx

NOTD: ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Rosalind

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Rosalind. Sugarplum Purple Duochrome.

This color though!

Rosalind is a sugarplum purple duochrome that looks nothing like I expected! For some reason, I was 100% under the impression that this was like a metallic navy when I saw it in the bottle; but when you apply it to the nail...girrrrrllll! This beauty is straight up magical. The purple shifts from a shimmering sugarplum to a Frozen-esque metallic blue and back when placed in direct sunlight, and is just beautiful to look at. Perfect for winter and beyond!

xx

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

BOOK REVIEW: Frozen: Conceal, Don't Feel {A Twisted Tale} by Jen Calonita

"You two will find your way back to each other, I’m sure of it. You are, and always have been, each other’s light in the darkness."
I am, admittedly, late to the Frozen party. So late, in fact, that my first viewing of the film took place during Thanksgiving Week 2022, a full nine years after its release. I know, I know...for shame. Regardless of my late introduction to the phenomena, my love for the film {and the title track Let It Go} was instantaneous {my mom even used Frozen decorations for my birthday in December!}, so I immediately began seeking out a literary offering that would place the tale in my fingertips - precisely how I discovered Jen Calonita's Frozen: Conceal Don't Feel {A Twisted Tale}. There was a time when fractured fairytales were a favorite of mine; but the recent additions to the Disney Princess world have left much to be desired, so I have overall turned my back on them - until now. Though I can't say this tome changed much from the original Frozen; it did keep my interest from start to finish, and gave me something new to ponder in the Frozen-verse...what would things have been like had Anna ceased to exist?

As Arendelle's future Queen, much of eighteen-year-old Princess Elsa's life seems already written - mapped, so to speak, with the one variable being her. At what point in time will she be required to select a suitor to stand by her as she rules? And, for that matter, what type of ruler will she be? But there is one other thing that has plagued Elsa for what feels like eons...why does she feel that a core part of her is missing? The former, only time will tell; the latter, on the other hand, seems open-ended, and something she will need to identify for herself in time. But time is cut short with the unexpected death of her beloved parents. Kept within the palatial palace since her youth; Elsa has had only her parents to keep her from going mad from loneliness, but with the both of them gone, Elsa begins to question how she'll be able to survive.

Locking herself away until she comes of age to undergo the coronation ceremony that will name her the sole ruler of Arendelle, loneliness sets in strongly - only dissipating slightly when she is visited by the charming Prince Hans {oh yeah, he's courting Elsa in this version of the story, and let me tell you, he is every bit as loathsome on the page as he is on the big screen}. But the longer Elsa stays behind closed doors the more strange occurrences begin to take place - incidents that begin to reveal long dormant mysterious powers involving ice and frost that give way to fragments of Elsa's childhood. Memories that have been forgotten, starring her, a familiar-looking girl in braids, and an enchanting snowman brought to life known as Olaf {who, it just so happens, she was able to bring to life with said powers}.

Knowing that the end of her loneliness is dependent upon reaching deeper into her memories, and uncovering who this mysterious girl is, Elsa sets her mind on accomplishing just this prior to her coronation. But when the big day comes, and she is still no closer to unlocking her past and memories, she accidentally unleashes a blizzard that halts life for Arendelle as citizens know it. Now, with Olaf by her side, Elsa escapes the palace and heads to the North Mountain, hoping to uncover the truth about her past in order to move forward with leading her Kingdom to happiness in the future - undoing a terrible curse, and locating the missing Princess of Arendelle.

Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Harmon, a fifteen-year-old girl named Anna, the adopted daughter of the village baker, lives a restless existence. Energetic, talkative, and determined to someday open up a bakeshop of her own in the heart of Arendelle where she will whip up daily batches of her specialty: snowman cookies! Anna lives for the occasional visit from Freya, a friend of her adoptive mother, who loves to share tales of life in Arendelle. When Freya's life is cut short {coincidentally right as the King and Queen are announced dead}, Anna knows that the pull she has always felt towards Arendelle must finally be fulfilled. Enlisting the help of her crush, Kristoff, and his carrot-loving reindeer, Sven, Anna abandons her bakery duties and sets off to Arendelle. But the closer she gets to the palace, the more she is tormented by nonsensical memories starring her as a child, Princess Elsa, and a talking snowman - echoes of a past long-forgotten that require a key to restore them once and for all.

As you've probably surmised, the storyline within Frozen: Conceal Don't Feel {A Twisted Tale} is nearly identical to the one seen in the film itself. That said, it provides enough twists to keep you on your toes. After all, how many of us expected to see Prince Hans courting Elsa as opposed to Anna? Twists aside, true Frozen fans will be quite tickled merely to see a few of their favorite characters highlighted in a like-new tale. The way that the romance builds between Kristoff and Anna, though similar to the one from the film, is quite sweet; while the strong bond between Elsa and Olaf is something that, quite literally, made me feel whole, because I adore the both of them! Fans young and old will find something special between these pages - even if it's simply an urge to rewatch the film that became a phenomenon!


Star Rating: ****


xx

NOTD: ZOYA y2k Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Sparrow

Three coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Sparrow. Bright Ice Blue Holo Jelly.

Not to be critical when I say this, but ZOYA totally missed the opportunity to name this beauty Elsa because, let me tell you, I was convinced that frost would fly from my fingertips while I was wearing this bad boy. True story.

Sparrow is a bright ice blue holo jelly that is simply masterful. NGL, I was not prepared for how sheer this one was during application; however, you can still get full coverage with 0 VNL with two coats {I did 3, but the diff was v. slight}. I know we basically just entered 2023, but I am convinced that this will be one of my top 10 favorite nail colors of. the. year. Essential!

xx

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

ZOYA y2K Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

A friend of mine in the pet industry told me that cosmic, space-inspired vibes {think Ariana's Break Free era} were trending for 2023, and I didn't necessarily believe it until ZOYA's y2K Holiday 2022 Trio appeared at my door. Y'all, these shades feel kissed by stardust and are masterful for making this intergalactic trend a part of your world. Brace yourselves for sparkly prettiness ahead.

Sparrow is a Bright Ice Blue Holo Jelly. Not to be critical when I say this, but ZOYA totally missed the opportunity to name this beauty Elsa because, let me tell you, I was convinced that frost would fly from my fingertips while I was wearing this bad boy. True story. Sparrow is a bright ice blue holo jelly that is simply masterful. NGL, I was not prepared for how sheer this one was during application; however, you can still get full coverage with 0 VNL with two coats {I did 3, but the diff was v. slight}. I know we basically just entered 2023, but I am convinced that this will be one of my top 10 favorite nail colors of. the. year. Essential! This is 3 coats.

Malana is a Bubblegum Pink Holo Jelly. Holy holo Batman! Malana is a bubblegum pink holo jelly that is giving me all of the love day vibes. Though def pink in coloring, there is a subtle lavender shift that presents itself in direct sunlight that it spectacular, and seriously places this beauty in a league of her own. Formula is thin, but fast dry; and stays sprakly from first day of wear to last. Ya girl is obsessed! This is 3 coats.

Tamiah is a Grape Holo Jelly. Weird but true: grape nail colors always give me spring picnic vibes! So random...I know, I know. Tamiah is a grape holo jelly that is one of those wear whenever shades that just works regardless of season or occasion. As compared to the other two shades in this trio, Sparrow and Malana, I found that the color of Tamiah was more saturated, so it only required two coats as opposed to three; NBD tbh, but it seemed worth mentioning. Definitely a shade that fits with the intergalactic vibes that seem to be trending for 2023. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

NOTD: ZOYA Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Bonnie

Three coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Bonnie. Sheer Rose Gold Topper.

Can we just take a moment to swoon over how majestic this beauty is?!

Bonnie is a luminous sheer rose gold topper that will make you sparkle with each flick of your fingertips. This beauty can be worn alone {a la moi}, or as a topper {how stunning would she look over a mauve or nude for fall?!}. Regardless of how you wear her, she is a standout that will gain you compliments galore with her sparkling persona and long-lasting wear time {5 days for me with 0 chips or tipwear}. If you find sparkle simply irresistible, you need this babe in your life!

xx

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Subtle Knife {His Dark Materials Book 2} by Philip Pullman

"What were these mysteries? Was there only one world after all, which spent its time dreaming of others?"
A lot has happened since I turned the last page of Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass. Most notably, I became hooked on HBO Max's His Dark Materials, which made delving into The Subtle Knife sooner, rather than later, an absolute necessity. After all, how could I best prepare for the third and final season of the show without at least cracking the spine of book two? Though I, admittedly, had moments of struggle while reading book one; I found no evidence of a second book slump here. Quite the contrary, in fact. I flew through this installment, growing more fond of both Pan and Lyra with each passing page; while adoring the consistent worldbuilding and introduction of newbies. Needless to say, book three, The Amber Spyglass, has already been downloaded, and is waiting for me to begin reading.

Lyra Belacqua and her Daemon, Pan, are no longer in the Oxford they once knew. And perhaps that is for the better. Roger, Lyra's best friend, is dead - sacrificed for the sake of science by the devious Lord Asriel {aka Lyra's father}; while the cunning Mrs. Marisa Coulter's {aka Lyra's mother} whereabouts are unknown for the time being. Though grieving the loss of their friend, Lyra and Pan know that they must forge forward in order to uncover the meaning of Dark Matter and protect others from the actions of Lyra's parents; which is how they find themselves in a New Oxford. Discovered accidentally, New Oxford is like Lyra's Oxford, yet different...and it connects Lyra and Pan to other worlds, such as Cittigazze, where the two meet Will Parry, an individual on the run who is destined to become their ally.

At twelve-years-old, Will Parry has seen more bad than good in humanity; and has shouldered the brunt of duties typically expected of an adult. The child of a mentally ill mother, and an explorer father who mysteriously disappeared years ago during an expedition, Will has quite a bit on his plate - especially when one takes into consideration that he is the primary caregiver for said mother. Though Will has no memory of his father, he is convinced that he is still living, and is on a quest to find him and bring him home. It is in Will's Oxford, that he passes through to the world of Cittigazze and begins his journey. Though Lyra and Will are both seeking something different, what they find, aside from friendship, is something far more sinister.

Upon stepping through to the world of Cittigazze, Lyra and Pan notice two things: 1} the city is overrun with children, with no adults in sight; 2} soul-eating Specters plague the streets {think Harry Potter Dementors}. In a very short time, Lyra and Pan stumble upon Will, whom they feel is a part of their future, so they consult the Alethiometer...

"What is he? A friend, or an enemy?”

“He is a murderer.”

Despite the Alethiometer's ominous response, Lyra and Pan forge a strong friendship with Will, soon discovering that a powerful weapon known as the subtle knife exists within Cittigazze. The subtle knife has the ability to cut between worlds...but only for the hand chosen to wield it.

If I'm being honest, my greatest disappointment in The Subtle Knife was not with the book itself; rather, it had to do with a character - or lack thereof. Iorek Byrnison {yes, the polar bear} was one of my favorite characters in The Golden Compass, so not having him present in the pages of The Subtle Knife gutted me. That said, I was quite happy with the return of both Lee Scoresby and Serafina Pekkala. The way their stories intertwined with Will and Lyra's was quite seamless; as was the worldbuilding between worlds. At times, I did find the Cittigazze setting and characters found within to be somewhat lackluster; however, I understand the role they played in forming The Subtle Knife and paving a path for The Amber Spyglass - the concluding tale in this trilogy that I cannot wait to dig into!


Star Rating: ****


xx

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Go Big Or Go Chrome

Three coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Go Big Or Go Chrome. Metallic Silver.

Admittedly, y'all know that I'm typically not a fan of metallics, but this beauty is sending me.

Go Big Or Go Chrome is a wintry metallic silver that makes me want to watch Frozen for the 3,627,946 time - that sparkle and frosty tone gives me all of the Queen Elsa and Olaf vibes!

This is an interesting one because, at coat one, the opacity, while stronger than a topper, mimics a sprinkling of fairy dust, so would look amazing over a white creme; whereas coats two and three really strengthen the opacity and bring us to the icy finish you see here. Positively obsessed with this beauty for the entire winter season!

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ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

Never have I ever met a holiday polish collection that didn't put me in my cozy feels; so y'all know I was excited when ZOYA's Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Trio showed up on my porch. NGL, the depth of the shades shocked me a teeny tiny bit, because they don't feel like holiday colors per se. This trio leans more dark and moody than I expected; but I am feeling all three for the winter season because they look like the perfect pairing for all of those chunky knits and boots! Let's get to it, shall we?

Rosalind is a Sugarplum Purple Duochrome. This color though! Rosalind is a sugarplum purple duochrome that looks nothing like I expected! For some reason, I was 100% under the impression that this was like a metallic navy when I saw it in the bottle; but when you apply it to the nail...girrrrrllll! This beauty is straight up magical. The purple shifts from a shimmering sugarplum to a Frozen-esque metallic blue and back when placed in direct sunlight, and is just beautiful to look at. Perfect for winter and beyond! This is 2 coats.

Metora is a Metallic Boysenberry Jam. NGL, this bad boy blew me away! Metora is a metallic boysenberry jam that is deep and decadent and unlike most shades I typically see in holiday collections. I was 100% convinced that this was a Christmas-y red when I viewed it from the bottle but OMG that boysenberry shade just lit up upon application! Formula was a little thinner than expected; but, overall easy peasy to work with. Love this one for the holidays and the winter season! This is 2 coats.

Clarice is a Metallic Emerald Green. I never knew how much I needed a shade like this in my life until it was in my hands. True story. Clarice is a metallic emerald green that is sending me with that enchanting lit from within glow and deep, dark depth. This one is multifaceted because, from afar, it looks like a basic black; but when you get up close and personal...wowza! That metallic emerald green comes out to play. With a heavy hand, this can be a OCW. I found the formula to be slightly runny, so I opted for two coats to avoid gloppy drops or a mess. Absolutely loving it! Unfortunately, it does not photograph well. Womp womp. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

NOTD: ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Metora

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Metora. Metallic Boysenberry Jam.

NGL, this bad boy blew me away!

Metora is a metallic boysenberry jam that is deep and decadent and unlike most shades I typically see in holiday collections. I was 100% convinced that this was a Christmas-y red when I viewed it from the bottle but OMG that boysenberry shade just lit up upon application! Formula was a little thinner than expected; but, overall easy peasy to work with. Love this one for the holidays and the winter season!

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BOOK REVIEW: 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas {A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery} by Jacqueline Frost

I truly am so grateful for having found Jacqueline Frost's Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series last year, because escaping into the quaint town of Mistletoe, Maine each holiday season is a G-rated pleasure that puts me in my Christmas feels, and kinda sorta makes me want to try my hand at jewelry-making {thanks Holly!}. While Twelve Slays of Christmas was my first foray into this series; 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas welcomed me back with open arms, and easily avoided the second book slump, acting instead to make me more vested in these charming characters - and ensuring that I return for the next installment.

Twenty-seven-year-old Holly White thought that her return to her family's Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games, last year was merely a temporary act to help heal her broken heart, and decide what her next move in life would be; but after a brush with death during her stay, and an introduction to the dreamy Boston-bred, Sheriff Evan Gray, she decided to put down roots in the idyllic locale of Mistletoe, Maine. Flash forward a year, and Holly is on cloud nine. Her jewelry-making ecommerce business is booming {a little too much tbh}; she has an old made new again bestie in Caroline, the owner of Caroline's Cupcakes; the Reindeer Games Inn is finally in the process of construction, with a grand opening date of next year; and, while her love life may be lacking due to Evan's secretiveness over the past few months, she's not complaining. That is, until death comes knocking. Again.

As the daughter of a powerful local politician, Caroline is used to being fixed up with boring, oft-times overly friendly men to please her father. The latest guy on that list of suitors is none other than Derek, the wealthy, womanizing son of a judge who got a little too handsy with Caroline during a dinner, and was subsequently chastised by the cupcake connoisseur. Unfortunately, this lambasting was caught on camera in a clip seen round the community. No big deal, amiright? Negative. When Derek turns up dead in a life-size bowl of peppermint candy in the town square, all signs point to Caroline as the killer. The police refuse to cast their suspicions on anyone else, going so far as to take Caroline into custody, so Holly does what any good BFF would do...launches her own investigation. After all, what's the holiday season without a little detective work and death?

With just ten days left until Christmas, Holly knows that she is Caroline's only hope for spending the holidays at home with her family {as opposed to behind bars}. When she catches the eye of a Santa-suited stalker leaving peppermint candies in his wake, Holly is convinced that she's on the trail of the true killer; but without Evan to ping theories off of, she's not sure if she'll be able to bring Derek's murderer to justice before she faces her own silent night. Permanently.

This book y'all! I absolutely loved every second of it. With Frost's previous installment, Twelve Slays of Christmas, my issue with Holly was that she frequently read like a teenager. This time around, with the role of her parent's diminished, and adult friendships made more prevalent, she has matured so much, and come into her own. Her friendship with both Caroline and Ray is something I love seeing grow; while the development of her relationship with Evan feels very organic and relatable. The fact that their romance takes a backseat to the mystery and friendships developing throughout is something that I am so here for, because romance is something I'm not seeking when I pick up a mystery. Since we're on the subject of characters, I can't forget to give a shoutout to the quirky feline Cindy Lou Who who has captured my heart with her soul-searching gaze and selective friendships. Believe me when I say that, despite all of the murders that Mistletoe seems to experience, I am so ready to pack my bags and move there. Pretty sure I need to make book three, Slashing Through the Snow, mine immediately!


Star Rating: *****


xx

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Rhinestone Red-y

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Rhinestone Red-y. Bright Red w/ Pink Pearlescent Shimmer.

Y'all, I legit cannot with this lacquer. In fact, in all honesty, it is my new number one red lacquer of all time.

Rhinestone Red-y is a Rudolph-approved bright red w/ pink pearlescent shimmer that is an absolute essential for the month of December. The formula here was ridiculous - two simple coats that dried within minutes, and truly brought my tips to life. If ever there was a polish with an accurate name, it is this beauty, as it sparkles like rhinestones with every flick of your fingers. There is no question here - buy this one immediately!

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OPI Holiday '22 Nail Lacquer 4-Piece Mini Cracker Swatches + Review

Babes, I have seen countless holiday collections, but let me tell you...nothing compares to the beauty found within OPI's Holiday '22 Nail Lacquer 4-Piece Mini Cracker. As someone who is, admittedly, not a fan of metallics, this quartet is a game changer. Consider me sold.

Go Big Or Go Chrome is a Metallic Silver. Admittedly, y'all know that I'm typically not a fan of metallics, but this beauty is sending me.
Go Big Or Go Chrome is a wintry metallic silver that makes me want to watch Frozen for the 3,627,946 time - that sparkle and frosty tone gives me all of the Queen Elsa and Olaf vibes! This is an interesting one because, at coat one, the opacity, while stronger than a topper, mimics a sprinkling of fairy dust, so would look amazing over a white creme; whereas coats two and three really strengthen the opacity and bring us to the icy finish you see here. Positively obsessed with this beauty for the entire winter season! This is 3 coats.

Decked to the Pines is a Metallic Sage Green. This color though! Slays like no other. True story.
Decked to the Pines is a stunning metallic sage green with a touch of gold duochrome that is absolutely gorgeous. From the minute I applied this to my nails I was obsessed, and my feelings never wavered during the 7 days I wore it. This shade is e lemming that needs to be in the collection of any nail polish fanatic. And the formula? Let's just say that it withstood a week of about 14 holiday projects {including painting, cutting, gluing, and peeling} with 30 kindergartners with nary a hint of tipwear, chips, or peeling. I know I never say this, but I think I'm buying a back-up bottle. Natch! This is 2 coats.

Rhinestone Red-y is a Bright Red w/ Pink Pearlescent Shimmer. Y'all, I legit cannot with this lacquer. In fact, in all honesty, it is my new number one red lacquer of all time. Rhinestone Red-y is a Rudolph-approved bright red w/ pink pearlescent shimmer that is an absolute essential for the month of December. The formula here was ridiculous - two simple coats that dried within minutes, and truly brought my tips to life. If ever there was a polish with an accurate name, it is this beauty, as it sparkles like rhinestones with every flick of your fingers. There is no question here - buy this one immediately! This is 2 coats.

Sleigh Bells Bling is a Metallic Gold Shimmer. Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too...Yes, I immediately started singing that song after applying this shade to my nails. True story. Sleigh Bells Bling is a glamorous metallic gold with an out of this world formula. It legit applied effortlessly, and dried ridiculously fast {without brushstrokes!}. I'm obsessed. The color is ideal for chic holiday soirees during this time of year; but would also work as a pumped-up neutral year-round. Loving it! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Ulta.

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Decked to the Pines

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Decked to the Pines. Metallic Sage Green.

This color though! Slays like no other. True story.

Decked to the Pines is a stunning metallic sage green with a touch of gold duochrome that is absolutely gorgeous. From the minute I applied this to my nails I was obsessed, and my feelings never wavered during the 7 days I wore it. This shade is e lemming that needs to be in the collection of any nail polish fanatic. And the formula? Let's just say that it withstood a week of about 14 holiday projects {including painting, cutting, gluing, and peeling} with 30 kindergartners with nary a hint of tipwear, chips, or peeling. I know I never say this, but I think I'm buying a back-up bottle. Natch!

xx

ZOYA Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

When it comes to fall polish collections this is what I'm talking about! Mustards, mossy greens, deep plums, dark teals? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. ZOYA 100% hit it out of the ballpark with their Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Collection and I am here for it! NGL, I live for luscious shine, which these beauties had in droves; but I could see these shades looking amazing matte-ified for that 90s classic leather feel. Time to sneaky-peeky the stellar shade range!

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Dagmar is a Deep Marsala Creme. Le sigh...it has been far, far, far too long since I've reached for a vampy shade like this, so spooky season seemed ideal for its arrival. Dagmar is a daring deep marsala creme with hints of plum, crimson, and brown that will make your inner witch cackle with glee! This one requires a little more attention to application, as the brush picks up quite a lot of product with each dip. Make sure that you are wiping it on the lip of the bottle frequently to avoid cuticle flooding. If you dig dark, you need this bad boy in your collection! This is 2 coats.

Gidget is a Butterscotch Creme. NGL, I 100% thought that this was going to be a mustard shade based on how it looked in the bottle, but surprise! It's so not. Gidget is a beige-based butterscotch creme that feels ideal for this time of year due to its apple picking perfect coloring and nod to apple cider and iced coffee. This one is creamy and decadent for the Thanksgiving season and is essential for those seeking a flawless formula and unique vibe. This is 2 coats.

Althea is a Moss Green Creme. We need more greens like this bad boy in the polish world. I said what I said. Althea is a moss green creme that speaks to me on so many levels because I always gravitate towards shades like this in November {no idea why; but I'm here for it}. This stunner gives amazing coverage; but the formula is a little thinner than I'm used to with ZOYA, so make sure you wipe that brush on the lip of the bottle a few times before application. Wear-time is phenomenal, and that inner shine is gorgeous. Loves it! This is 2 coats.

Ono is a Rich Berry Creme. It's shades like these that are so frequently overlooked in fall nail polish collections in favor of reds, but they are so good. Ono is a rich berry creme that gives off Old Hollywood vibes mixed with winespiration {pretty sure I made that term up myself tbh}. This one displayed tipwear a little sooner than expected; but overall held up pretty well considering how many kindergarten art projects it survived. Bonus: the littles complimented it over and over again. Perfect for Thanksgiving week. Highly recommend! This is 2 coats.

Ryder is a Redwood Brown Creme. This brown though...such. a. stunner. Ryder is a milk chocolate-esque redwood brown creme that gives me all of the M&Ms vibes. Seriously. I legit cannot get over how beautiful this babe is - that natural shine, rich color, dreamy formula. All I can say is...chef's kiss. This is 2 coats.

Sylva is a Dark Teal Creme. A problematic polish fact? There is simply not enough teal in lacquer collections. #isaidwhatisaid. Sylva is a bold dark teal creme that brings Fair Isle knitwear, marshmallow-topped hot cocoa, and skiing in the Swiss Alps to mind. This one could easily have been a OCW, but I added a second layer to bolden up the color, and it built beautifully! Loving this beauty paired with, perhaps, a silver accent nail. If you want to add a unique touch to your vampy varnish collection, do not sleep on this bad boy! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Sleigh Bells Bling

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Sleigh Bells Bling. Metallic Gold.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too...Yes, I immediately started singing that song after applying this shade to my nails. True story.

Sleigh Bells Bling is a glamorous metallic gold with an out of this world formula. It legit applied effortlessly, and dried ridiculously fast {without brushstrokes!}. I'm obsessed. The color is ideal for chic holiday soirees during this time of year; but would also work as a pumped-up neutral year-round. Loving it!

xx

BOOK REVIEW: Delphine and the Silver Needle by Alyssa Moon

"Fairy tales have a way of getting softened over the years. The most violent parts are sanded away, the story made safer for little ones."
If I'm being completely honest, let me tell you that, in the tale of Cinderella, it was always the mice that entertained me most. Jaq and Gus, Perla and Suzy...They were an enchanting mischief of mice that added so much to the beloved fairytale; so when I stumbled upon Alyssa Moon's Delphine and the Silver Needle, I was quite intrigued - and not just because of that gorgeous cover. Y'all, this is one of those fairytale retellings that you never knew you needed, starring an endearing MC {Delphine I'm looking at you!}; an exhilirating quest; an ages-old history of the Threaded; a treaty 100 years in the making between mice and rats; and a secret society involving a group of tailor mice. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, Delphine and the Dark Thread!

Though she lives within the four walls of Cinderella's Chateau Desjardins, Delphine's beginnings are humble at best. Orphaned at birth, Delphine was discovered upon the Desjardins doorstep, nestled beside one mysterious object: a tarnished, human-sized sewing needle. Despite her rocky start, Delphine has flourished under the love and care of Meline and Maman {the mouse who first found her, and the one who raised her, respectively} spending her days at Desjardins caring for mouselings and completing other miscellaneous chores; and dedicating her nights to her true passion: sewing and creating brilliant dress designs in her workshop. When her work catches the eye of Princess Petits-Oiseaux, requesting her dressmaking services at the castle, Delphine is beside herself. But what begins as her chance to share her talents with the world, sets an unexpected adventure and quest of a lifetime in motion - with Delphine at the forefront!

Upon her arrival at court, Delphine's eyes are opened to a lavish world that seems like a dream; along with curious characters who she would have never met had she remained at Desjardins. The most intriguing one being Alexander - a noblemouse with the scoop on everyone. It is through Alexander that Delphine learns of her destiny. While scampering around the castle together, Alexander introduces Delphine to a tapestry depicting a silver needle much like hers, and a group of tailor mice known as the Threaded. It does not take long for Delphine to determine that she is an ancestor of those very mice, and the silver needle? A dangerous object to have in her posession. You see, King Midnight, an evil rat, has been hunting down the Threaded's silver needles for decades, and he has 0 intention of allowing Delphine's to slip through his paws. And so the quest of a lifetime begins.

With Alexander at her side, Delphine does everything in her power to stay one step ahead of King Midnight, protecting the silver needle that he covets so much; while unraveling the truths that will save the kingdom that she loves so dearly. But with enemies popping up in the most bizarre of places, Delphine can't be sure if she and Alexander will be able to stop the rampaging rat before it's too late.

While Delphine and the Silver Needle is a retelling of sorts of Cinderella, do not expect to see much of the popular princess or her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters. Though I remember a fleeting mention of them, that is where their presence in the tale ends, which I, personally, was more than okay with.

Delphine is a charming character who effortlessly carries this story with the help of Alexander. The two have an endearing companionship from the getgo - despite Alexander's penchant for some pompous behavior. The ease of their friendship is one of the things that makes the story move so quickly. For me, as a cat lover, I found the character of Cornichonne to be one of the best additions of the story - though she arrived near the end, I am holding out hope that she will return for the sequel, as she was positively brilliant! Yes, there are some dark moments within these pages; but overall, it is a fantastic, fairytale-based fantasy that can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages.


Star Rating: ****


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