My Wish List {Blogtember}

Fall Fashion Outfit // Wall Canvas // iphone 6

Beyonce inspired mug // Scarf

Can I get everything on this list immediately. I love the fall season for its boots and scarves fashion. I need a new accent piece for my room, and this DIY canvas looks amazing!! And of course how wouldn't love a Beyonce inspired mug that would go along with the iphone 6. :) 

What is on your wish list?

A Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen {FRC Book Review}

This post is sponsored by BookSparksPR in honor of their 

annual Fall Reading Challenge. Check out all the details here.

Title : A Blind Spot for Boys

Author: Justina Chen

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Release Date: August 12, 2014

Summary from GoodReads:

Shana has always had a blind spot for boys. Can she trust the one who's right in front of her?

Sixteen-year-old Shana Wilde is officially on a Boy Moratorium. After a devastating breakup, she decides it's time to end the plague of Mr. Wrong, Wrong, and More Wrong.

Enter Quattro, the undeniably cute lacrosse player who slams into Shana one morning in Seattle. Sparks don't just fly; they ignite. And so does Shana's interest. Right as she's about to rethink her ban on boys, she receives crushing news: Her dad is going blind. Quattro is quickly forgotten, and Shana and her parents vow to make the most of the time her father has left to see. So they travel to Machu Picchu, and as they begin their trek, they run into none other than Quattro himself. But even as the trip unites them, Quattro pulls away mysteriously... Love and loss, humor and heartbreak collide in this new novel from acclaimed author Justina Chen.

Quotes:

"My favorite photographers talk about being on constant alert for that split second when the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary."

"When terrible things happen to us, it's so easy to think that our lives are nothing but rubble."  "But here we are, looking at broken rocks! We're admiring these ruins like they're artwork."

"Maybe that's all we're supposed to do after we've taken a spill: brush ourselves off, get back on our feet. No fuss. No blame. Just soldier on." 

My Take: I was excited to read the book when I read the summary. I really enjoyed reading it. It's the kind of book full of hope. It tells us, that even when we think we are at our lowest point in our lives, to keep on going. It also teaches us that love is the single most important thing in life, and that although we might have gotten heartbroken in the past, we should never give up on love. 
In the book we meet Shana, a junior in high school, who just went through a horrible breakup, and who know vows to not get into any new relationships. After a horrible accident, Shana's family finds out that her dad is going blind. As a way to see some of the beauties in the world, Shana's family book a trip to hike in Macchu Picchu. Little does she know that the break that she is taking from boys will be challenged through this hike, when she meets a cute boy. 
But this book is more than just Shana trying to get over her latest relationship. We do learn about love about family and sacrifice, and about getting up when we fall. 

Fall Reading Challenge 2014

Adrianna's favorite books »

Mating For Life by Marissa Stapley Ghosting by Edith Pattou
Find my other reviews here: Book Thoughts

Fall Bucket List {Blogtember}

Hi lovelies, 

I'm back and I'm so happy to come back to this prompt, because I believe that Fall is my favorite season. I enjoy every season, and in Southern California, the seasons are one big blur. But I must say that Fall is THE season of the year. Here is my Fall Bucket List.

Fall Bucket List

- Drink as many Pumpkin Spice Lattes as I can #guiltypleasure

- Go to a pumpkin patch

- Carve pumpkins (I've never done it)

- Knit and crochet some scarves

- Visit Berkeley and watch their leaves fall

- Buy fall-season candles, that will make my room smell like fall

- Help plan our family Thanksgiving dinner

- Expand my fall fashion wardrobe

- Watch all the fall premieres of my favorite shows

What are some things on your Fall Bucket List?

Ghosting by Edith Pattou {FRC Book Review}

This post is sponsored by BookSparksPR in honor of their 

annual Fall Reading Challenge. Check out all the details here.

Title : Ghosting

Author: Edith Patton

Publisher: Skyscape

Release Date: August 19, 2014

Summary from GoodReads:

On a hot summer night in a Midwestern town, a high school teenage prank goes horrifically awry. Alcohol, guns, and a dare. Within minutes, as events collide, innocents become victims—with tragic outcomes altering lives forever, a grisly and unfortunate scenario all too familiar from current real-life headlines. But victims can also become survivors, and as we come to know each character through his/her own distinctive voice and their interactions with one another, we see how, despite pain and guilt, they can reach out to one another, find a new equilibrium, and survive.

Told through multiple points of view in naturalistic free verse and stream of consciousness, this is an unforgettable, haunting tale.

Quotes:

"But a ghost. What a rush that would be, to see something from another world, something that most people never get to see." 

"I watch as Brendan collides with Emma, knocking her off her feet. And at the very same second that their bodies meet, one last shot rings out, splitting the night wide open." 

"It suddenly is imperative that I find the beginning. Because that would be the moment I could have stopped all this from happening" 

My Take: I've never read anything like this book ever. And let me tell you Edith Pattou kept me wanting to read more and more. The way that each section is written is really amazing and creative. The whole book is told in different points of view of the same event that changes everything in these kids lives. The way that each story is written reflects the uniqueness of the characters. 
The book follows a group of teenagers, some old friends and some completely new. The first day of school is fast approaching and the group of teens wanted to end the summer with a bang. So when they go out looking for "ghosts", a childhood game, the night does end with a bang, and their lives change forever. 
I do like how after a horrible night, with strangers, they become friends and come together. I enjoyed reading, I could not put it down. It is a book that will keep you in suspense, will break your heart, but will make you happy at the end. 

My other Fall Reading Challenge reviews: Mating For Life by Marissa Stapley
Find my other reviews here: Book Thoughts

Street Style with IPSY

Hello there lovelies, hope you had a great weekend. And are ready for another weekend in Septemeber. Yesterday I received my second IPSY glam bag, and since I didn't share my first one last month, I wanted to share this month's glam bag.

What is IPSY? It's a $10/month subscription box, which includes a makeup baggie, and 5-6 beauty products. Want to sign up click here!

Glam Bag Theme: Street Style

Bag: 

Such a cute little bag, love the softness of the bag and the studs definitely give it a street style feel. I might just use it a clutch.

 Avon Big & Daring Volume Mascara ($9 value)

I love mascaras. I have an obsession with long, big voluminous eyelashes. And I'm so excited to try this.

Pacifica Nail Polish in Red Red Wine ($9 value)

Another obsession of mine is nail polish. And this one was the first product I tried when I opened my bag. The color is amazing, a deep red, just with one coat I had this beautiful, even red color. Oh and it dried really fast. 

Cailyn Tinted Lip Gloss in Basic Instinct ($19 value): 

I'm was in dire need of a nude lipstick or lipgloss and IPSY fit the spot. It's kinda of a mix between a nude and a peachy color. I love it!!!

Be a Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder: (~$12 value)

 Ohhh i'm excited to try this finishing powder that you use to set your foundation or you could use it alone. I don't wear foundation on a daily basis but will be using it to set my bronzer.. :) 

Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream (~$17 value):

There has been a lot of reviews regarding the smell of the lotion. I don't absolutely love it, but I don't hate the smell. And I feel like it did make my hands feel soft. 

Verdict: 

This was my second Glam Bag. I was so excited to get last month's bag, but must admit I didn't 100% love it. This month's Glam Bag blew last month's Glam Bag out the water. I love everything in it!!! Good job IPSY, you were on point this month.

Thinking of signing up click on my link and we can both get some points. :) 

Single and Building my Empire {Blogtember}

Today's Prompt:

Your current relationship status. If dating/married, give us a glimpse of your story! If single, share about this special season.

{quote}

Today's prompt is very interesting. :) I'm single. And at this very moment I'm okay with that. For the last years I've struggled with being single. When I was younger I felt like I needed someone to be with to be happy. I've only been in one relationship before, if you call a four-mont-summer-flingish-thing a relationship. During those months, it felt nice to hang out with him, or to get a morning text, but now I realized that I was scared of what I was feeling with this guy, and I hit the panic button. We got busy with school and work, and slowly we stopped seeing each other.

{quote}

Lately, I've been thinking why am I still single. Sometimes I get frustrated at the world because I haven't found a guy. But the person I should be frustrated at should be me. I guess I haven't been really trying to meet guys. I rarely go out, and when I do I just want to have fun with my friends, not out on prowl for some guy. lol.

Then I ask well, why aren't you trying? you complain that you are single, but you aren't trying. I don't know why I'm not trying. Maybe its because I'm scared of what could happen if I do meet a guy. Maybe, and I know this for a fact, that I don't know where to meet these guys. And I think one of the main reason why I might not be looking is because I'm focusing on myself. Working on finding myself personally and professionally. 

I think one of the things I love the most about being single, is that I can be selfish and better myself. To accomplish my dreams. Being in a relationship is amazing, wanting a relationship is not bad, but right now, at this particular moment, I'm okay and happy being single. You don't need to be in a relationship to be happy. Maybe being happy with yourself first, can add that much  more happiness to your relationship when that right person comes along.

What is your relationship status?

Mating For Life by Marissa Stapley {A FRC Book Review}

Hello Lovelies, 

It's the weekend, finally!! Woot.. Today I bring you a book review. You already know my love for reading. So in the summer I participated in the Summer Reading Challenge that BookSparksPR hosted, and I read a lot of amazing new releases. I jumped on it again when they announced their Fall Reading Challenge. So here is my first review of the challenge. Want to join, is not too late. Go sign up!!!

This post is sponsored by BookSparksPR in honor of their 

annual Fall Reading Challenge. Check out all the details here.

Title : Mating For Life 

Author: Marissa Stapley

Publisher: Washington Square Press

Release Date: July 1st, 2014

Summary from GoodReads:

With pitch-perfect honesty and heartwarming humor, this captivating debut explores marriage, motherhood, identity, and what it takes to love someone—family members, friends, or spouses—for life.

Former folk singer Helen Sear was a feminist wild child who proudly disdained monogamy, raising three daughters—each by a different father—largely on her own. Now in her sixties, Helen has fallen in love with a traditional man who desperately wants to marry her. And while she fears losing him, she’s equally afraid of abandoning everything she’s ever stood for if she goes through with it.

Meanwhile, Helen’s youngest daughter, Liane, is in the heady early days of a relationship with her soul mate. But he has an ex-wife and two kids, and her new role as a “step-something” doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Ilsa, an artist, has put her bohemian past behind her and is fervently hoping her second marriage will stick. Yet her world feels like it is slowly shrinking, and her painting is suffering as a result—and she realizes she may need to break free again, even if it means disrupting the lives of her two young children. And then there’s Fiona, the eldest sister, who has worked tirelessly to make her world pristine, yet who still doesn’t feel at peace. When she discovers her husband has been harboring a huge secret, Fiona loses her tenuous grip on happiness and is forced to face some truths about herself that she’d rather keep buried.

Interweaving the alternating perspectives of Helen, her daughters, and the women surrounding them, “each new chapter brings a wise and tender look at single life, dating rituals, and marital unease” (New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Close). In this “absolute feat of storytelling” (bestselling author Grace O'Connell), Marissa Stapley celebrates the many roles modern women play, and shows that even though happy endings aren’t one-size-fits-all, some loves really can last for life

Quotes:

"Envious gazes... are driven by envious thoughts and have the potential to do actual physical damage. The evil eye is not a black-magic-related curse...but rather the embodiment of an envious glare - an instant curse that anyone is capable of, even without intent" - pg. 11

"She stayed because she never gave up home. She tried to convince herself it didn't matter to her that he was never going to be able to love her back because he was the kind of man who was a little frozen on the inside."

"We can't choose who we love... I still would have wanted to love him, even if I had known there was no curing him" - pg. 93

My Take:

This book takes us through the lives of three sisters, and their mother, and the women that surround them. Their stories show how they are struggling to find the happiness in their lives. Each story is separate but somehow they are all intertwined with each other; with finding love and happiness being the theme of each of these women's lives.

I loved how the author wrote the chapters in this novel. Each chapter was written in the perspective of a different character, it was like seeing the same moment pass, but looking at it through a different perspective. The book started with Liane's solitary trip to the cottage, struggling with writing her college thesis and thinking about her now fiancee. Then we meet with her sisters, Fiona and Ilsa who at a summer party hosted by Fiona, they get into an argument which tampers with their annual cottage trip. Then during the trip to the cottage we meet Helen, the mother of Liane, Fiona and Ilsa, who as a love-child, feminist woman, is struggling to settle with the man is in love with. We also meet other women who are struggling with their own relationships and happiness, and that somehow their lives get intertwine with each other.

I also love the theme of "mating" that goes along with the title. The author introduces each chapter by writing a short story of the mating life of a different animal, and she weaves in the animal into the women's story. It is awesome.

I really enjoyed the book. I couldn't put it down. It got me hooked. I recommend it.

Find my other reviews here: Book Thoughts

Tradition... {Blogtember}

Today's Prompt:

Tell us about a favorite tradition. It could be a family tradition or from a holiday, university, you-name-it. What makes it so special?

I love this time of year. Fall is just around the corner. The holidays are that much closer. I can already imagine the yummy food, the amazing laughs with the family. I love it. 

{quote}

Besides Christmas, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of all time. 

I think its one of my favorite days of the year because in the last couple of years we have turned it into a tradition-filled holiday. We celebrate Thanksgiving with my dad's family, he has 9 siblings, and we all get together at my house. You can just imagine, its a huge celebration. 

Our tradition starts off with getting the menu down. Since it is a whole lot of us, each family is in charge of making something, the turkeys (yes we need 2), the hams (yes 2), mash potatoes, mac an cheese, side dishes, dessert. It is potluck. 

Yes each family cooks in their own home, but I feel that is a tradition of its own. My mom has passed down the baked mac and cheese recipe to me, so I'm now in charge of making that while my mom makes the turkey or the chicken. 

Once we have all gathered for dinner. We all get around in a big circle, and we all say something that we are thankful for or one of my aunts leads us in a prayer to give thanks. And then we dig in together. I love it. 

What is your favorite tradition?

Personality Test 2.0 {Blogtember}

Gaahh this is crazy. Before I go on to explain how accurate some of these characteristics are, I have to say, I took this same test last year, also as a part of a Blogtember challenge. And you know what I got last year: ISFJ. You know what I got now: ISFJ. ha that's crazy. Was kind of skeptical the first time I took it, but was amazed at how accurate the results were, and now with this second test I'm even more amazed that I got the same results. heheh.  

Today's Prompt:

Let's talk personality types. Introverted? Extroverted? Unsure-troverted? ;) If you know your Myers-Briggs type, tell us about it! If not, you can take this similar test and share your results.

Introversion (I): ISFJs are introverted and tend to be quiet and reserved.
Sensing (S): ISFJs prefers concrete information rather than abstract theories.
Feeling (F): ISFJs place a greater emphasis on personal considerations rather than objective information
Judging (J): ISFJs are planners and tend to be very well-organized. Found here.

. While doing some research on ISFJ, here, these are some of the facts that I can relate to:

We like working in small groups. yes, there is that introvert in me

Unlikely to embrace new ideas. somewhat true, but I must always try something new.

Meticulous and perfectionist. must agree

But a procrastinator. always. eeek

Home is where the heart is. family and friends/loved ones are one of the things I care most about.

Remembers details about people lives and habits. heheh. stalker much, lol.. promise I'm not.

Hates confrontation

Unable to express their emotions. yup. 

Loyal, hard working, patient and reliable. I would like to think that I am those. 

Shy and sensitive. I've always been shy since I was younger, and yes I must admit I am sensitive. 

Tend to overload themselves. 

What did your test say about you? Did you agree??

Books Worth Staying Up All Night With.. {Blogtember}

Is is Sunday already? Where did the weekend go!! Well I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was definitely too short. :)

Today's Prompt: 
What's on your current reading list? Or what have you read that you recommend?

I usually am not the person who reads multiple books at the same time. But right now I am.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten. - Summary from Goodreads

I can't even begin to describe how good this book is. It will make you laugh, it will make you smile, it will make you realize how brave and strong people who are fighting for their lives like these two kids are, are. And this book will definitely make you cry. I'm towards the end of the book, and I have cried a lot.
------------------------

Mating for Life by Marissa Stapley
With pitch-perfect honesty and heartwarming humor, this captivating debut explores marriage, motherhood, identity, and what it takes to love someone—family members, friends, or spouses—for life.
Former folk singer Helen Sear was a feminist wild child who proudly disdained monogamy, raising three daughters—each by a different father—largely on her own.
Interweaving the alternating perspectives of Helen, her daughters, and the women surrounding them, “each new chapter brings a wise and tender look at single life, dating rituals, and marital unease” (New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Close). In this “absolute feat of storytelling” (bestselling author Grace O'Connell), Marissa Stapley celebrates the many roles modern women play, and shows that even though happy endings aren’t one-size-fits-all, some loves really can last for life. - Summary from Goodreads

What are you reading??

Currently... {Blogtember}

Happy Saturday!!! Yay!!!
Today's Prompt:

A "currently..." post. Tell us what you're loving, hating, reading, eating, etc.

 .... reading Mating for Life by Marissa Stapley, just about 10 pages.

.... watching Life as We Know, it is one of the cutest movies ever.

.... trying to finish doing laundry today

.... eating a homemade egg and sausage sandwich. yumm!!

.... pinning fall clothes to add to my wardrobe

.... tweeting not much lately. :(

.... going to my favorite place later; Barnes n Noble!!! Do I need new books I still might buy one. Just one.

.... loving the weekends. Time to relax

.... discovering new blogs through this link-up!! I love it!!

.... enjoying this Saturday morning still in bed.

.... thinking that I should get up from bed already.

.... feeling happy.

.... listening to Sam Smith <3 p="">

.... thanking God for everything.

.... starting to feel less stress about life. :)

What are you up to?

I am passionate about ..... {Blog-tember Challenge}

Today's Prompt:

"I am passionate about ______________. "

: I like to think of myself as being a very passionate person. Everything I love to do, I do with a passion and enjoying every moment of it. Whether is reading books, or obsessing over lipsticks or just spending time with the people I love. So this list is a very similar list of the things that make me happy.

quote

.... enjoying life

.... laughing until my tummy hurts

.... being inspired

.... and inspiring someone

.... sunny summer days

... the smell of rainy days

.... watching baseball

.... reading until the wee hours of the night

.... love

.... spending time with family

.... seeing my friends

.... working with children

.... being a helping hand to somebody

.... God

.... having justice in the world

.... feeling good about myself (I'm working on this one on a daily basis)

.... putting on lipsticks

.... creativity

.... dreaming and achieving those dreams

.... exploring new places

.... learning new things

Fashion Trends {Blog-tember Challenge)

Hi lovelies!!! It's finally Thursday and the weekend is just around the corner!!! Yay!!! :) 

Today's prompt:

Pick a fashion trend you love and a fashion trend you hate. Win us over!

My favorite this year was DARK LIPS!!! I think they look amazing!!!!So bold, and so confident, so different. I love it!! I hope that the dark lips continue. :) Because I will not stop.  

{1} {2} {3} {4}

This was my attempt at wearing dark lips. I'm wearing NYC in Mahagony. 

One of the trends that I do not understand is rainbow colored hair. Think Katy Perry, and the above picture of Kylie Jenner. Okay, I can let Kylie pass, she is still a teenager, experimenting with her hair having fun etc. But Katy Perry and older people, dyeing their hair ridiculous colors, I just don't understand. 

What do you think?? A fan of Dark Lips? Would you ever dye your hair green? 

When I Grow Up... {Blog-tember Challenge}

Hi lovelies, 

Hope you all have been having a great week. It's almost the weekend. Woot!!!

Today's Prompt: 

"When I grow up I want to be...." Feel free to answer as your 5-year-old self or as of now.

I've written a very similar post some time ago on my "All Grown Up" goals. Read it in full here.

You know how some kids change what they want to be when they grow up every so often. I remember not really changing it. I wanted to be a teacher, for as long as remember. I remember having this ping-pong table at our house, and when it was time to play outside, me and my cousins would play school. The ping-pong table was green, and big, and it looked like a chalkboard, and we would literally use it as such. I would be the teacher and my brothers and cousins would be my students. I would even make a roll sheet to look like the ones that the teachers have. 

As I got older, being a teacher stayed with me. It was in college where I really realized that I enjoyed working with children. 

Yes I've always wanted to be a teacher, but I also had a dream career that not a lot of people know that it was serious. In high school I took a Fashion Design class as one of my electives. We learned to sew clothes, work with patterns, draw croquis. I fell in love with it. So now at age 24, if teaching doesn't work out, when I grow up I want to be a Fashion Designer. I would love to go back to school and take some fashion design courses. :) 

What did/do you want to be when you grow up?