That hemline is seriously killing me. Obsessed!
4.30.2022
jenna
That hemline is seriously killing me. Obsessed!
4.28.2022
NAILS INC. Florals...For Spring? 4-Piece Nail Polish Set Swatches + Review
PRICE: $22.00 for the 4PC Full-Size Set.
4.25.2022
NOTD: OPI Nail Lacquer Collection in In the Cable Car-Pool Lane
Ooh ladies, this shade is serving!
In the Cable Car-Pool Lane is a perfect plum purple crelly with reddish undertones that is a true stunner to look at. This one would make a decadent jelly sandwich color {think summer picnics!}; but it is every bit as brilliant flying solo! Yes, it can come across as slightly bald or sheer, but I preferred it that way as it it allowed for the plummy parts to shine through. If you prefer it darker, however, just add another coat. Formula was a dream {no flurting with cuticles wth this beauty}; and there was zero staining upon removal. Loves it!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
4.21.2022
BOOK REVIEW: Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop {A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Book 1} by Darci Hannah
After catching her fiance, and rising celebrity chef, Jeffery Plank, in the arms of his pastry chef, Mia Long {on a slab of Himalayan salt, no less!}, thirty-something Wall Street megamind, Lindsey Bakewell, elects to say farewell to the Financial District, packing up her New York City penthouse, and Newfoundland pooch, Wellington {aka Welly}, and fleeing to her childhood vacation destination of Beacon Harbor, Michigan.
The wealthy daughter of an ex-model mother, and a Wall Street wiz father {who moonlights as a baker}, Lindsey has inherited beauty, brains, and baking ability - the latter of which she plans on using to open a bakery and cafe. On a tipsy night alone, Lindsey purchases a fixer-upper lighthouse in idyllic Lake Michigan online; and before she knows it, her new life path is set in motion. However, looks can be deceiving; and Lindsey soon realizes that she has her work cut our for her in getting her new home in tip-top shape for the big bakeshop grand opening.
Fast forward six months, and Lindsey's opening day has arrived - coinciding perfectly with Memorial Day Weekend. As the shop is bombarded with supportive neighbors and legion of influencer and Lindsey's BFF, Kennedy Kapoor, fans alike; it is crashed by an equal amount of haters in the form of local protestor Fiona Dickel and her cronies, and...Mia and Jeffery, here to exact revenge. As things get physical {we're talking flying pastry, stolen americanos, and loads of shoving}, Lindsey's hunky neighbor and resident love interest, Rory Campbell {who happens to be acting as her barista for the day}, takes Mia outside where she promptly collapses, and later dies. When it's determined that cyanide poisoning was the cause of death, Lindsey's shop is closed down indefinitely. Now she's made solving the mystery her mission; but it may just be the death of her.
Oh, how I wanted to love this one, as I adore a good culinary mystery; but right out the gate Darci Hannah's Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop takes a downward turn due to the timeline. Timeline leaps can brilliantly work in the Marvel and DC verses; but in a mystery novel? Absolutely not. Those six months that were completely jumped over were pivotal for understanding and getting to know Lindsey's new community and neighbors, and how they vibe with one another - especially when you're talking about the first book in a new series where you have no background information from prior installments to go on. Not to mention showing us why, precisely, Mia and Jeffery have a score to settle with Lindsey - because obvs it can't just be a breakup. Forgoing this was confusing, and set the tone for frustration as a reader.
That aside, I can't say that I ever warmed up to any of the characters. I found both Lindsey and Kennedy to be a little immature for their late-thirties age {repeatedly referring to a police officer as Officer Cutie-Pie and using social media to drag someone through the mud}; while the insta-romance with Rory Campbell felt unnatural. Not to mention the introduction of a possible ghost haunting the lighthouse and communicating with Lindsey came off as a little too hokey and ridiculous to believe. I did have a soft spot for Welly; however, he alone could not save the story. Womp womp. Had the timeline jump not taken place, I honestly feel as if I could have warmed up to the characters and locale enough to stick around for book two - unfortunately, it did not; therefore, I won't be returning to the Beacon Bakeshop.
xx
4.18.2022
NOTD: OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Metallic Composition
'Tis the season for girly shimmers! Y'all, I live for shimmers during the winter season and this one is so. good.
Metallic Composition is a romantic rose gold shimmer that literally screams ice-skating-and-cocoa-in-the-park date, amiright?! The formula here is so brill! It's not streaky, it applies flawlessly, and I didn't see a single chip or signs of wear for all of the 8 days that I wore it. It even survived helping 140 second graders make thumbprint turkeys, and that's saying something. Grab this one fast ladies!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
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!
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