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| (photographed [L to R]: Orly "Rage," Deborah Lippmann "Glamorous Life," Essie "Penny Talk") |
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Battle of the Rose Gold Polishes
Today I have for you a nail polish battle for one of my personal favorite colors to sport, rose gold. The polishes I will compare are Orly's "Rage," Deborah Lippmann's "Glamorous Life," and Essie's "Penny Talk."
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Butter London "Blagger"
Today's nail of the day is for Butter London's "Blagger," the perfect royal blue. From just looking at the bottle, the color can appear rather boring and not worth the price, but this is one of those colors that makes me smile whenever I have it on my fingers.
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| (photographed: Butter London "Blagger") |
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Coraline: A Book Review
This book review contains NO SPOILERS. Enjoy!. (:
"it is always easier to be afraid of something you cannot see"
Though I am almost always excited to write book reviews, I am particularly excited to write today's book review on Neil Gaiman's Coraline because it is a good contender for one of my all-time favorite books (you can find a list of my current all-time favorites here).
I haven't explored the children's section of a bookstore in depth in quite some time and when I did so recently, I was overwhelmed with childhood memories of being taken to Borders every weekend and getting a book as a treat from my mom. I almost forgot how magical and creative children's books can be and I knew I had to pick one up. And as you can guess, I picked up Coraline.
I should probably mention that I have seen the film several times before purchasing this book and adore it. However, as a reader, I consider myself fairly good at blocking out assumptions/hype/preconceived notions when reading. It's part of why reading is such a calming experience for me. I am easily able to start from a clean slate and paint the pictures the words create for me. So when starting Coraline I wasn't the least bit worried that the film would cloud my judgement. And as I stated at the beginning of this post, I won't include any spoilers from either the book or the movie adaptation in case those of you reading are unfamiliar with both.
Here's the back cover description for those of you who are unfamiliar with the film:
"When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wits and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life."
"it is always easier to be afraid of something you cannot see"
Though I am almost always excited to write book reviews, I am particularly excited to write today's book review on Neil Gaiman's Coraline because it is a good contender for one of my all-time favorite books (you can find a list of my current all-time favorites here).
I haven't explored the children's section of a bookstore in depth in quite some time and when I did so recently, I was overwhelmed with childhood memories of being taken to Borders every weekend and getting a book as a treat from my mom. I almost forgot how magical and creative children's books can be and I knew I had to pick one up. And as you can guess, I picked up Coraline.
I should probably mention that I have seen the film several times before purchasing this book and adore it. However, as a reader, I consider myself fairly good at blocking out assumptions/hype/preconceived notions when reading. It's part of why reading is such a calming experience for me. I am easily able to start from a clean slate and paint the pictures the words create for me. So when starting Coraline I wasn't the least bit worried that the film would cloud my judgement. And as I stated at the beginning of this post, I won't include any spoilers from either the book or the movie adaptation in case those of you reading are unfamiliar with both.
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| (photographed: Neil Gaiman's Coraline) |
"When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wits and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life."
Monday, September 24, 2012
Battle of the "Penny" Polishes [Part 2]
In my last Battle of the "Penny" Polishes post I ranted about how much I disliked Revlon's "Copper Penny." With Ulta's recent BOGO sale I decided to pick up Butter London's "The Old Bill," a color described as "a burnished copper nail lacquer with a beautiful antique patina." I picked it up, hoping it would be the color I wanted "Copper Penny" to be.
Though I include the swatches of Butter London's "the Old Bill" and Revlon's "Copper Penny" aside Essie's "Penny Talk" for comparative purposes, this post will focus mainly on the Revlon and Butter London. For more photos of Essie's "Penny Talk," you can find Part 1 here.
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| (photographed [L to R]: Essie "Penny Talk," Butter London "the Old Bill," Revlon "Copper Penny") |
Though I include the swatches of Butter London's "the Old Bill" and Revlon's "Copper Penny" aside Essie's "Penny Talk" for comparative purposes, this post will focus mainly on the Revlon and Butter London. For more photos of Essie's "Penny Talk," you can find Part 1 here.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Butter London "Teddy Girl" & OPI "Pirouette My Whistle"
Today's nail of the day was another one of my experiments with glitter polishes. I enjoy trying different glitters over varying polishes to find fun combinations. Today's combination is Butter London's "Teddy Girl" and OPI "Pirouette My Whistle."
If you would like to see more photos and a complete review of Butter London's "Teddy Girl," you can find mine here. It's definitely one of my favorite pinks!
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| (photographed [L to R]: Butter London "Teddy Girl," OPI "Pirouette My Whistle") |
If you would like to see more photos and a complete review of Butter London's "Teddy Girl," you can find mine here. It's definitely one of my favorite pinks!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" Inspired Nails
I am extremely excited to write about today's nail post. I recently witnessed the horror and embarrassment that is The Legend of Korra, and as such, felt a stinging loyalty to Avatar: The Last Airbender. I've been having a fun time with nail art, so I thought I would combine the two!
My original idea for the nail art concept came when I was looking at Aang's arrow. When I made the connection that I could paint his arrow on one finger, I thought it would be fun to do something to represent each of the four nations on each remaining finger.
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| (photograph taken from hollywood.com) |
My original idea for the nail art concept came when I was looking at Aang's arrow. When I made the connection that I could paint his arrow on one finger, I thought it would be fun to do something to represent each of the four nations on each remaining finger.
Monday, September 17, 2012
For One More Day: A Book Review
This review contains NO SPOILERS. Enjoy! (:
The book review I have today is for one that has been sitting on my bookshelf for nearly a year now, Mitch Albom's For One More Day. I picked it up at one of Border's sales as their stores were closing up and was almost more attracted to the book because of its discount. I had read Albom's The Five People You Meet In Heaven and enjoyed it so I figured I'd pick this one up as well. Tuesdays With Morrie is still on my to-read list. However, I have a tendency to push myself to avoid reading a single authors work consecutively so it may be a while before I ever get to that one.
The inside cover of For One More Day gives a fairly lengthy description:
"As a child, Charley Benetto is told by his father, 'You can be a mama's boy or you can be a daddy's boy, but you can't be both.' So he chooses his father, and he worships him-right up to the day the man disappears. An eleven-year-old Charley must then turn to his mother, who bravely raises him on her own, despite Charley's embarrassment and yearnings for a complete family.
Decades later, Charley is a broken man. His life has crumbled by alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits bottom after discovering his only daughter has shut him out of her wedding.
And he decides to take his own life.
He makes a midnight ride to his small hometown, with plans to do himself in. But upon failing even to do that, he staggers back to his old house, only to make an astonishing discovery. His mother-who died eight years earlier-is still living there, and welcomes him home as if nothing had ever happened."
The book review I have today is for one that has been sitting on my bookshelf for nearly a year now, Mitch Albom's For One More Day. I picked it up at one of Border's sales as their stores were closing up and was almost more attracted to the book because of its discount. I had read Albom's The Five People You Meet In Heaven and enjoyed it so I figured I'd pick this one up as well. Tuesdays With Morrie is still on my to-read list. However, I have a tendency to push myself to avoid reading a single authors work consecutively so it may be a while before I ever get to that one.
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| (photographed: Mitch Albom's For One More Day) |
The inside cover of For One More Day gives a fairly lengthy description:
"As a child, Charley Benetto is told by his father, 'You can be a mama's boy or you can be a daddy's boy, but you can't be both.' So he chooses his father, and he worships him-right up to the day the man disappears. An eleven-year-old Charley must then turn to his mother, who bravely raises him on her own, despite Charley's embarrassment and yearnings for a complete family.
Decades later, Charley is a broken man. His life has crumbled by alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits bottom after discovering his only daughter has shut him out of her wedding.
And he decides to take his own life.
He makes a midnight ride to his small hometown, with plans to do himself in. But upon failing even to do that, he staggers back to his old house, only to make an astonishing discovery. His mother-who died eight years earlier-is still living there, and welcomes him home as if nothing had ever happened."
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Zoya "Caitlin" & Essie "Stroke of Brilliance"
Today's nail of the day is a combination that I adore, Zoya "Caitlin" with Essie's "Stroke of Brilliance" on top. The combination reminds me of a more glitter-y version of Butter London's "No More Waity Kaite."
Zoya's "Caitlin" is a neutral grey-toned purple/blue (heavier on the purple side). Though I only used 1 coat of Caitlin in this combination, there were slight bald spots left after it. I didn't bother with a second coat primarily due to the glitter that I knew would probably cover up all those spots.
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| (photographed [L to R]: Zoya "Caitlin," Essie "Stroke of Brilliance") |
Zoya's "Caitlin" is a neutral grey-toned purple/blue (heavier on the purple side). Though I only used 1 coat of Caitlin in this combination, there were slight bald spots left after it. I didn't bother with a second coat primarily due to the glitter that I knew would probably cover up all those spots.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Essie "Van D'Go"
Today's nail of the day is one of my favorite colors to wear in the springtime. And though I am fully aware that summer is technically over, there is still plenty of sun here in California, and as such, I will continue to wear colorful polishes.
Essie's "Van D'Go" is a creme-y peachy pink, slightly heavier on the pink side.
Essie's "Van D'Go" is a creme-y peachy pink, slightly heavier on the pink side.
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| (photographed: Essie "Van D'Go") |
Monday, September 10, 2012
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian: A Book Review
This review contains NO SPOILERS. Enjoy (:
So the story of my decision to read Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian isn't a fascinating one, but I'll share it with you anyway. I'm am currently on Barnes & Nobles email list. Among their numerous emails, occasionally I will receive the only thing I actually care about: coupons. I had noticed a few times that they sent me coupons for 40% off their "Must-Read for Teens" section which specified in the fine print that you had to go to your local B&N in order to find out your exact selection. Whenever I had gotten this email prior I just ignored it due to personal laziness to go into stores with little chance of finding something I'll want to spend money on. This time, however, I decided that 40% was a significant amount, and if TFIOS is considered a teen book, then there was a good chance I could find another love. "Must-Read for Teens" can be rather pricey as well, so I thought it'd be worth checking out. From my local B&N's selection I omitted books I already owned (like TFIOS, Looking For Alaska, The Book Thief), books I had no interest in reading (vampire books), and I stumbled across The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I recognized the name Sherman Alexie because I had one of his short stories "Breaking and Entering." I chose it as my book, brought it home, began reading it, and found it hard to put down. And that is the journey of how I obtained and eventually read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
The back cover description:
"Junior is a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian reservation. Born with a variety of medical problems, he is picked on by everyone but his best friend. Determined to receive a good education, Junior leaves the rez to attend an all-white school in the neighboring farm town where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Despite being condemned as a traitor to his people and enduring great tragedies, Junior attacksl ife with wit and humor and discovers a strength inside of himself that he never knew existed."
So the story of my decision to read Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian isn't a fascinating one, but I'll share it with you anyway. I'm am currently on Barnes & Nobles email list. Among their numerous emails, occasionally I will receive the only thing I actually care about: coupons. I had noticed a few times that they sent me coupons for 40% off their "Must-Read for Teens" section which specified in the fine print that you had to go to your local B&N in order to find out your exact selection. Whenever I had gotten this email prior I just ignored it due to personal laziness to go into stores with little chance of finding something I'll want to spend money on. This time, however, I decided that 40% was a significant amount, and if TFIOS is considered a teen book, then there was a good chance I could find another love. "Must-Read for Teens" can be rather pricey as well, so I thought it'd be worth checking out. From my local B&N's selection I omitted books I already owned (like TFIOS, Looking For Alaska, The Book Thief), books I had no interest in reading (vampire books), and I stumbled across The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I recognized the name Sherman Alexie because I had one of his short stories "Breaking and Entering." I chose it as my book, brought it home, began reading it, and found it hard to put down. And that is the journey of how I obtained and eventually read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
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| (photographed: Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian) |
The back cover description:
"Junior is a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian reservation. Born with a variety of medical problems, he is picked on by everyone but his best friend. Determined to receive a good education, Junior leaves the rez to attend an all-white school in the neighboring farm town where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Despite being condemned as a traitor to his people and enduring great tragedies, Junior attacksl ife with wit and humor and discovers a strength inside of himself that he never knew existed."
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Pop Beauty "Mint Magic"
Today's nail of the day is Pop Beauty's "Mint Magic," a bright mint with strong blue tones. It reminds me of a brighter, bluer version of Essie's "Mint Candy Apple." I personally would have liked the color more if there was less blue and more mint-y green, but the color is still adorable nonetheless.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Emma: A Book Review
There are NO SPOILERS in this book review. Enjoy! (:
"There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they do for themselves."
Jane Austen's Emma is one that has been sitting on my reading list for years, but constantly gets passed. I finally got myself to pick it up last week and found it difficult to put down. Jane Austen is a literary goddess. She writes beautifully. And I've even heard that she writes similarly in her personal letters to her loved ones as she does for her novels. I can only wish to write as elegantly as she does.
The back cover description of Emma reads:
"Beautiful, clever, rich - and single - Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr. Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protegee Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected. With its imperfect but charming heroine and its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, Emma is often seen as Jane Austen's most flawless work."
"There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they do for themselves."
Jane Austen's Emma is one that has been sitting on my reading list for years, but constantly gets passed. I finally got myself to pick it up last week and found it difficult to put down. Jane Austen is a literary goddess. She writes beautifully. And I've even heard that she writes similarly in her personal letters to her loved ones as she does for her novels. I can only wish to write as elegantly as she does.
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| (photographed: Jane Austen's Emma) |
The back cover description of Emma reads:
"Beautiful, clever, rich - and single - Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr. Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protegee Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected. With its imperfect but charming heroine and its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, Emma is often seen as Jane Austen's most flawless work."
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Deborah Lippmann "Across the Universe"
Today's nail of the day is one that makes me incredibly excited for the colder weather. Deborah Lippmann's "Across the Universe" has been sitting in my drawer all summer as all my brighter colors got more use. But when I stepped outside, felt the breeze, and realized the sun was hiding behind a thin layer of clouds, I knew I had to use this polish immediately.
Deborah Lippman's "Across the Universe" has green and blue glitters in a dark navy base. The multicolored glitters ranging from greens to blues also vary in size. If you enlarge the photo below you can see the small blue glitters.
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| (photographed: Deborah Lippmann "Across the Universe") |
Deborah Lippman's "Across the Universe" has green and blue glitters in a dark navy base. The multicolored glitters ranging from greens to blues also vary in size. If you enlarge the photo below you can see the small blue glitters.
Monday, September 3, 2012
The Book Thief: A Book Review
There are NO SPOILERS in this review. Enjoy. (:
"It was a nation of farmed thoughts." - Max Vandenburg
Today's book review is for a book I've been anxious to read for quite some time, Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. This book had me by the title, and within the first few chapters I knew it would be a book that I would love.
The back cover description of The Book Thief reads:
"It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath.
Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
By her brother's graveside, Liesel Meminger's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Grave Digger's Handbook, left there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of those most enduring stories of our time."
"It was a nation of farmed thoughts." - Max Vandenburg
Today's book review is for a book I've been anxious to read for quite some time, Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. This book had me by the title, and within the first few chapters I knew it would be a book that I would love.
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| (photographed: Markus Zusak's The Book Thief) |
The back cover description of The Book Thief reads:
"It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath.
Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
By her brother's graveside, Liesel Meminger's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Grave Digger's Handbook, left there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down.
In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of those most enduring stories of our time."
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