Pocket Book Reviews {March 2015}

I read an eclectic bunch of books this month; a fantasy, a non-fiction, a YA romance, and a comedy book. Next month, I'm hoping to get to a book that I won via giveaway and a few that I've had on my to-read list forever. 

A Darker Shade of Magic
★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Written by V.E. Schwab, this story takes place in a world where there are three Londons in parallel universes and only the Vitari can cross the barrier between worlds. Kell is one of those people. His home world Red London has magic everywhere, but there's also Grey London with no magic and White London that is desperate for magic, and the king and queen will stop at nothing to get it. 

I love this book! The main characters Kell and Lila Bard, a cross-dressing thief from Grey London, are real and interesting and develop a great friendship. Their banter had me cracking up. The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful and fascinating and I had to read more. I couldn't put it down. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Written by Susan Cain, Quiet is essentially about introversion, but it goes deeper than that. It explores what introversion is, why some people are introverts, how it's beneficial to society to have introverts, how extroverts can and should learn from introverts and more.

I found this book (which was Novel Tea Book Club's pick) to be incredibly fascinating. I'm an introvert but didn't know too much about it other than the fact that introverts prefer time alone and to recharge in peace. By reading about introversion and introverts throughout history, I learned a lot about myself. How I might break out of my shell or how to speak better in front of people, etc. I would really recommend this, introvert or not. {Check back for a special post about this book on Friday!}

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

My Faire Lady
★★★★★ (3 out of 5)

Written by Laura Wettersten, this story follows Rowena, Ro for short, who decides to work at a Renaissance Faire as a face-painter and serving wench to escape her cheating ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. She decides to take her mind off things with Christian, a gorgeous jouster, but it turns out life in the faux-Renaissance is just as complicated as it is in the real world. 

I wanted to read something light and fluffy and this didn't disappoint. It's cute and fun. Ro is a true teenager; she essentially runs away so as not to bump into her ex-boyfriend, doesn't know yet what she wants to do with her life, and of course instantly falls for the hottest guy at the Ren Faire. I like Ro, but I loved her spitfire friend Suze, who has no trouble flirting for tips and is a great friend to Ro.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Textastrophe*
★★★★★ (3 out of 5)

Written by Matt Andrews, Textastrophe is a collection of prank texts. While the author worked at a phone store he took advantage of the phones to make prank texts if he found ads on Craigslist with people's phone numbers. 

I have to admit this book is pretty amusing. Prank texts is a funny idea, but I wouldn't call this book laugh out loud funny. I chuckled here and there, but I think this book needs to be read in short bursts because I found myself feeling bad when the people (who had no idea they were being pranked) were getting frustrated. If you know someone who loves this type of humor this would be a great gift for them.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

*I received this book free for review. All opinions are my own.

Win a copy of A Darker Shade of Magic! International giveaway.

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Outfit: Peter Pan

Although I love this tunic that I thrifted last summer with friends, it makes me feel like Peter Pan. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing. I think visiting Neverland would be a wonderful adventure and maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be twenty-five forever, but I also don't mind getting older and hopefully wiser. 

This past Friday I saw Andy Grammer and Alex & Sierra at Webster Hall with my friend Avra. They were incredible and I couldn't stop dancing and throwing my hands up into the air the whole time! Andy Grammer somehow makes it feel like he's playing for all his friends instead of a room full of strangers. Before the headliners, Rachel Platten played a few songs and I'm now obsessed with her. Her two new songs Fight Song and Lone Ranger are addictingly good. 

P.S. -- The latest Feminist Fridays post: How do you deal with injustice in the workplace?

Tunic: thrifted | Jeans: American Eagle | Necklace: gift from Jackie

Belt: thrifted | Oxfords: Modcloth

Have you seen Andy Grammer in concert? 

What was the last concert you went to?

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Ipsy Glam Bag {March 2015}

Hooray for spring! March's Ipsy bag is all about looking fresh and pretty for spring hence the Floral Fantasy theme. I like the abstract floral print of the bag, but it's not my favorite bag I've ever gotten. I'm pretty happy with this month's bag; some of the products were wow-amazing and some were kind of meh. 

What I got:
♥ NYX Butter Lipstick in Hunk (full size $6)
♥ pūr~lisse Soy Milk Cleanser (sample $6, full size $36)
♥ Boo-Boo Cover-Up Concealer (sample $8, full size $20)
♥ Vintage by Jessica Liebeskind Highlighter (full size $26)
♥ Dr. Brandt Mattifying Lotion (sample $7, full size $60)

This month's bag is worth $53!

MINI REVIEWS
NYX Butter Lipstick in Hunk 

This is my favorite thing from the bag! I was a little startled when I saw the color in the tube because it looks very dark, but when applied it's more of a bright fuchsia than a dark purple. You only need a swipe or two because the color is so saturated. The lipstick feels creamy on the lips and the best thing is that it turns into a stain. I want more of these lipsticks now! 

pūr~lisse Soy Milk Cleanser 

I prefer foaming cleansers to really feel like it's working (anyone else who thinks that?) even though I know that's not true, so I was surprised that I liked this. It doesn't foam, but it's also really moisturizing due to the White Tea (which calms) and the Blue Lotus extract (which leaves skin silky). It smells really nice and it doesn't leave my face dry afterward. 

Boo-Boo Cover-Up Concealer 

Wow, this concealer is thick. On the website, it says that it can cover acne, scars, bruises, and tattoos. It does a fantastic job covering blemishes and scars. I got the medium shade, which is a little too yellow on me, but if I blend it in it's not too bad. I would get this again but in the light shade. 

Vintage by Jessica Liebeskind Highlighter 

Am I the only one loves highlighters? This one is so pretty; it's a pale pink shimmery illuminator that would look great on every skin tone. I used it as a highlighter, dusted over my blush for some sparkle, and as eyeshadow. I would recommend it, but I won't get it again because it's too expensive. 

Dr. Brandt Mattifying Lotion 

The problem with my oily skin is that when I put on any product my face gets oilier faster. I had high hopes for this mattifying lotion, but it didn't keep the oil at bay. When my skin is oily and put a dab on it does mattify my skin, but not for long. I won't be purchasing this.

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Life Lately {January, February & March}

So far 2015 has kept me very busy; I flew to Austin, headed into the city to see blog friends, went to a few work events, saw my kid sister perform in a ballet, had a lovely Valentine's Day with my two best friends, kept up my correspondence with my pen pal Naomi, tried new restaurants with my friend Brittany, and read a lot of great books. 

It seems like the new few months are going to be just as busy: I'm seeing Andy Grammar and Alex & Sierra in concert today (yay!), going to my bestie's engagement party, planning some more trips into the city, and there are more awesome food-filled work events coming up.

Anything coming up in your life that you're excited about?

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Inspired By: The Classics, Vol. 11

I'm continuing on with children's stories from last time because who doesn't like reading children's stories and feeling like a kid? That's probably why I love watching Disney movies! Even though I love creating these classic books posts, I'm going to put it on hold and bring back the monthly best-selling books feature.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

{Click for item info}

Written by Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows a little green caterpillar as it eats through various foods until at last it creates a cacoon around itself. 

Put on something casual, like a green blouse, white distressed jeans, a bug print scarf, and nude flats. Or wear a green dress, a brown belt, a floral headband, and nude and mint heels. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Oh, The Places You'll Go

Written by Dr. Seuss, Oh The Places You'll Go tends to be a graduation gift because it's about seeing new sights and experiencing new things, life's ups and downs, and that success lies within. 

The cover is all pastel, which is great for spring, so put on a mint wrap dress, a pastel striped scarf, a teal clutch, and black heels. Or throw on a burgundy striped dress, a pastel necklace, blue stud earrings, and scalloped edge flats. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Written by Judith Viorst, this book follows Alexander, who wakes up one morning with gum in his hair and the day only gets worse from there: he trips on his skateboard and his brothers find prizes in their cereal boxes but not him. As the day gets worse, Alexander considers moving to Australia.

I love the various colors on the cover and if you do too then put on a purple cardigan, a yellow top, jeans, leopard flats, and a fuchsia satchel. Or wear a yellow cardigan, a striped top, jeans, a blue watch, and orange polka dot flats. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Goodnight Moon

Written by Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon is the classic bedtime story. In a green room, a little bunny is tucked in bed and says goodnight to all of the items in the room -- the picture of the three little bears, his mittens, and finally the moon. 

Throw on something casual and cute: a star print scarf, a constellation graphic tee, jeans, star earrings, and periwinkle perforated flats. Or be really comfortable in pajamas, especially the "Sleep All Day, Read All Night" shirt. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Which of these did you read as a kid? 

(I loved Goodnight Moon!)

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