flower child

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BOOK REVIEW: Champion by Marie Lu

“Sometimes, the sun sets earlier. Days don’t last forever, you know. But I’ll fight as hard as I can. I can promise you that.”
Wow. It has been quite some time since I first joined Day and June in their mind-blowing escapades, but in the days leading up to my first COVID vaccine, I felt compelled to follow-up with the stars of the plague-focused Legend series, so naturally, I reached for Marie Lu's Champion. Intriguing? Yes. Did it live up to its predecessors? Negative; but it was still enjoyable.

Day and June have not seen each other in three months. Though each pines for the other, distance seems to be the answer for survival - especially with Day hiding a secret, life-threatening illness from his beloved {he's dying as a result of Republic experiments}, and June making moves in the political world working alongside Anden as a Princeps Elect. The Republic is finally on a path of success for the people, with a peace treaty with the Colonies on the brink - and then things turn sour.

With just days left before the treaty is signed, there is an outbreak of a new plague strain throughout the Colonies - a strain far deadlier than the previous - that pushes the Colonies to declare war with the Republic. Though from the outside the Republic appears strong and powerful; they are lacking in both weaponry and combatants, and require an alliance if they are to survive - which very few territories are willing to even consider. The only option for survival? Hand over a plague cure or fight.

While Prodigy, for me, started out very slow and then picked up; Champion presented the opposite problem: it started strong, petered out a bit, picked up again then continued in that ebb and flow motion until the final page was turned. Part of me feels that this was just an extension of problems that had begun for me within the pages of Prodigy - such as my growing lack of interest in Day and June, and the stronger focus on politics. That said, Champion did have its moments.

While June was completely uninteresting for me until the final chapter, there was a hint of Day's old, charming spark sprinkled throughout the pages that kept my hope alive; whereas Anden, whom I had actually enjoyed in Prodigy became incredibly boring. TBH, the two standouts in this installment were Eden and Pascao - Day's younger brother, and the loyal Patriot runner, respectively. These two are the main reason I muddled through the endless passages of political talk, and stuck with the story until the end. Well, them and the Antarctica experience, which is brief, but so awesome to read about due to the virtual reality aspect.

Though not as thrilling as its predecessors, Champion is an intriguing continuation of the series; but, it is not, as many thought, the conclusion. There is now Rebel, the fourth installment, and I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on it - if only to see more of Eden and Pascao!


Star Rating: ***1/2


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NOTD: essie Nail Polish in Bahama Mama

Two coats of essie Nail Polish in Bahama Mama. Raisin Creme.

Ooh babes, if vampy is your thang you need this beauty in your life!

Bahama Mama is a rich, purple plum creme that is ultra-reminiscent of raisin and perfect for year-round wear. This one has a decadent formula that has OCW potential, and dries in minutes so you can be on your way! Though I tend to rock vampy hues during the fall and winter I can def see myself wearing this one throughout spring and summer {perhaps as a pedi color}. Highly recommend my loves!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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runway

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throwback

Free People Sleeveless Plunge Neck Jumpsuit in LIGHT COMBO

LOVE the throwback feel of this cutie!

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in Mint To Be

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in Mint To Be. True Green Creme.

Not completely sure where the mint in the name came from {perhaps a nod to spearmint as it's a Mentos collab?}, but I don't really care, this color is fiiire!

Mint To Be would have been perfect for St. Patrick's Day; but I only just discovered this gorgeous green, so maybe next year? This beauty was just shy of a OCW and is decadent for sunny spring days! Formula is a dream to work with. Yes, the brush is standard difficult Sally Hansen; but the polish itself doesn't run, or gravitate to cuticles; plusit's quick dry, so you can polish and go. Highly recommend!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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think pink

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OPI Hollywood Spring 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review

True story: When I first spotted OPI's Hollywood Spring 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack I was not having it. Reds for spring? Absolutely not! But let me tell you...these colors are deceiving because they crush spring with bright undertones, brilliant formulas, and wearability that will see you from sweet spring through the sultry summer months!

Suzi Calls the Paparazzi is a Persimmon Pink Creme. I may not be the biggest fan of pinks; but there is something about this shade that I cannot get enough of.Suzi Calls the Paparazzi is a sweet as candy persimmon-meets-salmon-meets-rose pink that works for everything from feminine flair to workplace neutral to playful spring fling, so the versatility is tremendous. Also pertinent: the brilliance of this beauty's formula is beyond. Quick dry, simple application, and long-lasting. Grab this one ASAP girls! This is 2 coats.

Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar? is a Bright Cherry Red Creme. Ladies, based on the bottle, I totally thought this beauty wasn't going to be apropos for spring summer, but I was so. wrong. Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar? is a bright cherry red creme with a subtle coral orange undertone that makes it an excellent choice for summer manis + pedis! Formula is phenomenal. This one was just shy of a OCW, dried in minutes, and lasted for nine days with zero chips. Do not miss out on this one! This is 2 coats.

I'm Really An Actress is a Deep Metallic Red with Scattered Holo. Le sigh, though it def doesn't scream spring in my book, this color is fire! I'm Really An Actress {not to be confused with the iconic I'm Not Really A Waitress} is a red-carpet worthy holo that will make jaws drop. This one has a bright, almost orange undertone that gives it a berry touch, making it a pretty addition ot your summer polish wardrobe. Formula is brilliant - super easy to apply, long-lasting, and quick dry. Highly recommend - especially if you're seeking a shade that dances in the sunlight. Obsessed! This is 2 coats.

Movie Buff is a Pale Pink Creme. Y'all, this beauty right here is a lemming in my collection - and that is saying something. Movie Buff is a rarity in the polish world. A pale pink creme with hints of a caramel undertone that give it a nude-y look, this pretty pretty princess will be your go to for every sitch - from office to summer vacay {it will look amaze paired with sunkissed skin}. Formula is flawless. Quick dry, easy to build, and perfect for tips or toes. Highly recommend this one as your summer main This is 3 coats. 

  AVAILABILITY: Ulta. 

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


SHOP THE POST

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NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar?

Two coats of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar?. Bright Cherry Red Creme.

Ladies, based on the bottle, I totally thought this beauty wasn't going to be apropos for spring summer, but I was so. wrong.

Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar? is a bright cherry red creme with a subtle coral orange undertone that makes it an excellent choice for summer manis + pedis! Formula is phenomenal. This one was just shy of a OCW, dried in minutes, and lasted for nine days with zero chips. Do not miss out on this one!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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gold

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endless rose

Endless Rose Stripe Long Sleeve Minidress in MULTI

Feeling those Cher Horowitz vibes!

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NOTD: OPI Mexico City Nail Lacquer Collection in Don't Tell A Sol

Three coats of OPI Mexico City Nail Lacquer Collection in Don't Tell A Sol. Bright Lemon Yellow Creme.

Y'all...pretty sure I have found the best yellow polish in the history of yellow polishes. Trust.

Don't Tell A Sol is a bright lemon yellow creme that will make you start humming Pharrell's Happy whenever you take a gander at it. Seriously though...this color is the epitome of bubbly, effervescent joy, and I am here. for. it. Color aside, formula here is fantastic. I legit wore this beauty for two weeks with only minimal tipwear, which is a first {and likely a last} for me. If you love a good bright, you cannot miss this bad boy!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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drama

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out & about

Free People Out & About Tank in IVORY {also available in Petrichor, Rain Song, and Scarlet Ibis}

Swooning over the easy, breezy fit of this beauty!

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NOTD: NAILS INC. Keep It Tonal Nail Polish in French Ordinary Court

Two coats of NAILS INC. Keep It Tonal Nail Polish in French Ordinary Court. Caramel Creme.

Soooo...I was expecting this shade to be a pumpkin spice-meets-burnt sienna-meets rust; but, on the nail, it was none of the above. Is that a bad thing? Yes and no. Basically, it wasn't what I was looking for; but I love it nonetheless.

French Ordinary Court is a creamy, dreamy caramel-meets-maple syrup color that would be perfect for year-round wear, or any and all fall festivities {we're talking pumpkin patch dates to hayrides}. The realclincher? The formula is TDF. OMG ladies it is such a beautiful thing, I can't even. A heavy hand will get you opacity in one coat; a lighter hand {ahem...moi} will require two. Either way, it is perfection. Highly recommend!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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laced

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daisy

BP. Daisy Beaded Hoop Earrings in PINK MULTI

Craving these cuties for spring!

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NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Movie Buff

Three coats of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Movie Buff. Pale Pink Creme.

Y'all, this beauty right here is a lemming in my collection - and that is saying something.

Movie Buff is a rarity in the polish world. A pale pink creme with hints of a caramel undertone that give it a nude-y look, this pretty pretty princess will be your go to for every sitch - from office to summer vacay {it will look amaze paired with sunkissed skin}. Formula is flawless. Quick dry, easy to build, and perfect for tips or toes. Highly recommend this one as your summer main.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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oscar

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adrenalize

Recycled Karma Def Leppard Adrenalize Sweatshirt in BLACK

Loving the oversized fit of this bad boy!

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