Outfit: Ombre Layers

Much like my sweater, the trees are a beautiful ombre at the moment. The leaves are shifting from green to yellow to orange and it's absolutely mesmerizing. Apparently, right now where I live it's the peak time for fall foliage, so I'm admiring the view while I can before the trees go bare. 

On a random note, last week I got myelf a Fitbit Charge in order to take control of my health and well-being. It monitors my sleep, steps, calories burned, minutes active, exercise, and more. On the app, you can add in what you've eaten, how much water you drank, and see how well you sleep (apparently, I'm a very restless sleeper). So far I really love it! Since 10k steps is a lot for me, my daily goal is 6k and I've hit that goal almost every day so far. So here's to healthy changes!

Jacket: Target | Cardigan: Modcloth | Shirt: old | Short Necklace: gift 

Long necklace: Bella's Boutique | Jeans: Hollister | Flats: Charming Charlie

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Watch | Read | Listen {November 2015}

Happy November! I'm in love with the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. The first in the series, Cinder, is one of my top favorites. I've been waiting all year for the final book, Winter, and it's finally coming out on November 10th! My heart is jumping up and down in excitement. I actually only have the first book, so I'm hoping to get the box set when it comes out. 

MOVIES

Spectre

A cryptic message from James Bond's (Daniel Craig) past sends him on a trail to a sinister organization. While M (Ralph Fiennes) battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind Spectre. Also starring Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, and Christoph Waltz. {Watch the trailer.} It's a tradition to see the latest Bond movie with my brothers and dad, so I'm looking forward it. (November 6)

Man Up

Nancy (Lake Bell) is mistaken for Jack's (Simon Pegg) blind date under the Waterloo Station, but she decides to take fate into her own hands and go with it. What could possibly be wrong? It's an honest, heart-warming romantic comedy about taking chances. {Watch the trailer.} I freaking love Simon Pegg so much! (November 13)

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 2

Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival, so she teams up with her closest friends Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth), and Finnick (Sam Claflin) for the ultimate mission. They leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem and to assassinate President Snow (Donald Sutherland). {Watch the trailer.} YASSSS! (November 20)

The Good Dinosaur

What is the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet and dinosaurs never became extinct? An Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend and while traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears. {Watch the trailer.} This looks so adorable! (November 25)

The Danish Girl

The remarkable love story of Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne) and Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander). Their marriage and work evolves as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer. {Watch the trailer.} This looks absolutely incredible and I would be surprised if Redmayne isn't an Oscar contender. (November 27)

Other movies coming out:

• Brooklyn (Nov 6)
• Miss You Already (Nov 6)
• The Peanuts Movie (Nov 6)
• The 33 (Nov 13)
• The Funhouse Massacre (Nov 13)
• Carol (Nov 20)
• Secrets In Their Eyes (Nov 20)
• The Night Before (Nov 25)
• Janis (Nov 27)

BOOKS & MUSIC

• The Grownup by Gillian Flynn -- She is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. The unnamed narrator diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the "psychic" visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan’s terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. (November 2)
• Winter by Marissa Meyer -- Winter despises her stepmother, Queen Levana. She isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long. (November 10)
• The Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom -- The voice of Music narrates the tale of its most beloved disciple, young Frankie Presto, a war orphan raised by a blind music teacher in a small Spanish town. At nine years old, Frankie is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings. (November 10)
• November 9 by Colleen Hoover -- Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist. (November 10)
• Soundless by Richelle Mead -- For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from a faraway kingdom. When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s life is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation, but soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon. (November 10)
• The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes --  Shonda Rhimes was an expert at declining invitations. It was easy to say that she was too busy, but in truth, she was also afraid. Shonda’s introvert life revolved around burying herself in work. And then, Shonda’s sister muttered something that was both a wake-up and a call to arms: You never say yes to anything. Then Shonda, embraced the challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her. (November 10)
• Strange Girl by Christopher Pike -- From the moment Fred meets Aja, he knows she’s different. She seems to radiate an unusual peace. Fred quickly finds himself falling in love with her. Then strange things begin to happen around Aja. Unfortunately, Fred is not the only one who notices Aja’s unique gifts. None of them truly understands the source of Aja’s precious abilities—or their devastating cost. (November 17)

Sara Bareilles' What's Inside: Songs From Waitress (Nov 6) | Ellie Goulding's Delirium (Nov 6)

Justin Bieber's Purpose (Nov 13) | One Directions' Made in the A.M. (Nov 13)

Adele's 25 (Nov 20)

P.S. -- Happy 26th birthday to my friend, Jackie, who I've known for 18 years!

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Favorite Things {October 2015}

{Fitbit Charge, Hello Notebook (gift), Hot Topic Phone Case, Hot Topic Alice Necklace, 

Form and Flux Dusty Bookshelf Candle, Harry Potter Illustrated, Owl Necklace (gift) & Pencils (gift)}

We need to talk about the new illustrated Harry Potter for a sec. Ready? OMG OMG OMG! I went to the store to pick up and right in front of me was a table covered in Harry Potter editions. It was like a golden light was shining upon it and angels were singing! Or maybe it was just in my head. I grabbed one, held it to my chest, and jumped up and down. The colorful illustrations inside are so beautiful and anyone who loves Harry Potter should get one. 

I got a Fitbit Charge last week in order to help track my health and I really like it. It tracks my steps, how many calories I burn, the distance I walk, calories in and out, how well I sleep, and more. I've also started walking on my lunch break in an effort to lose some weight. 

My dad got me that tiny owl necklace and it's my new favorite. Never. Taking. It. Off. 

♥ A few fun links:

♥ 7 organization tricks.

♥ On selfies and social anxiety.

♥ Why you need a mission statement for your blog.

♥ How to create a budget that works for you.

♥ How to improve your travel photos.

♥ This app will help you find your new favorite lipstick shade.

♥ 33 cute ways to cover your body in books.

♥ What a gender-swapped Harry Potter would be like.

♥ An incredible Harry Potter birtday party.

♥ Thoughts on creativity.

♥ How to use technology to stay organized.

♥ Sponsor love:

• Why have a boring, basic hoodie when you can have one that's beautifully embroidered? Stickt takes organic hoodies and embellishes them with intricate designs. My two favorites: Wanderlust and Constellations. 
• If graphic tees are your thing, you should check out the fun collection of tees at Shop4Ever. The bookworm emoji tee is my favorite. 
• You can never go wrong with handmade artisan jewelry from CyKLu, especially when it's inspired by nature. I can't get enough of this owl ring and these butterfly earrings. 
• The jewelry in Cait Johnson's Chloe and Isabel shop looks fit for a princess. And who doesn't want to feel like a princess? In love with this Bouqut Rouge Neckace and this Coastline Statement Bracelet. 

♥Swap friends: My Life as a Teacup, Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups, Novelstyle, My Open Sketchbook, Beloved Bijou, Fashionista Smile, Model Savings, 

♥ Fashion finds: Plaid cardigan, blue dress, black lace top, polka dot cardigan, wedge booties, olive jacket, plaid scarf, gold and white dress, and garden cardigan. 

Happy Halloween weekend!

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Inspired By: Best Selling Books {October 2015}

So I usually don't want to read every best-seller I feature at the end of the month, but this month is different. I want to get my hands on all four of these books! I'm currently reading Carry On and it's wonderful! I've never read a Rick Riordan book, but I'm thinking of starting his new Magnus Chase series. Do you want to read any of these? Have you? 

Carry On

{Click for item info}

Written by Rainbow Rowell, Simon Snow can’t even make his wand work, his mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. It's his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis, Baz, didn’t even bother to show up. Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. 

Get inspired by Baz, Simon's vampire roommate, by wearing a green and black blouse, vampire teeth ring, black jeans, and black loafers. Or go for a Simon Snow outfit: striped blazer, gray sweater, burgundy pants, blue watch, and polka dot coral sneakers. 

Add to your Goodreads

Humans of New York

Written by Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York: Stories presents a whole new group of people in stunning photographs, with a rich design and, most importantly, longer stories that delve deeper and surprise with greater candor.

Go for a menswear-inspired look of a blue blazer, black trousers, mirrored sunglasses, cat watch, and brown lace oxfords. Or wear a 90s grunge look by putting on an olive cardigan, floral dress, black watch, polka dot travel mug, and black booties. 

Add to your Goodreads

After Alice

Written by Gregory Maguire; Ada, a friend of Alice's, is off to visit her friend, but arrives a moment too late — and tumbles down the rabbit hole herself. Ada brings to Wonderland her own imperfect apprehension of cause and effect as she embarks on an odyssey to find Alice and see her safely home. 

Inspired by Alice's classic outfit wear a blue dress, white scarf, Drink Me necklace, cat loafers, and black backpack. Or wear all-white in order to dress like the rabbit: a white sweater, white jeans, rabbit earrings, a pocket watch necklace, and nude flats. 

Add to your Goodreads

Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer

Written by Rick Riordan, Magnus Chase is tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

Get inspired by Magnus' outfit on the cover: a blue jacket, lace baseball tee, jeans, shield ring, and buckled heeled booties. Or instead put on a green ombre dress, Viking boat necklace, fringe gray boots, and a burgundy backpack. 

Add to your Goodreads

♥ ♥ ♥

Say hello to Cait's Chloe & Isabel Boutique!

Hello! My name is Cait! I have always loved fashion jewelry so when I had the opportunity to become a merchandiser for Chloe and Isabel I jumped on it! I am a nanny by day and a jewelry stylist by night! I love helping women find the perfect piece to go with a particular outfit or just finding items that are perfect for their style. We believe in our products so much that every piece has a lifetime replacement guarantee! Our motto is: Be creative. Be confident. Be you! I seek to embody that in every aspect of my business!

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Pocket Book Reviews {October 2015} + Giveaway

Wow, what an eclectic mix of books I read this month! Romance, steampunk, non-fiction, family drama, and fantasy. Then again, most months I read an assortment of novels. I'm not sure why, but I like jumping from genre to genre. Once I satiate my desire to read something romantic, I then went to jump into fantasy or burn my fingers on the pages of a thriller because I'm turning the paper so fast. Are you the same? Do you stick to one genre or jump around?

P.S. -- I wrote a book review blog post for Holl & Lane!

A Little Something Different

★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Written by Sandy Hall; Everyone who sees or interacts with them believes that Gabe and Lea should be together because they're in the same creative writing class and like all the same things, but Lea is shy and Gabe has issues. It looks like they're never going to get together, but something is happening between them. 

This book is the definition of cute! It's not your typical romance and that's what I loved about it. It's romance for reserved introverts like me. What I loved about this story is the fact that the whole book is told through everyone else's point of view but Gabe and Lea's (even a squirrel's!), and yet you get to know these two characters so well. Cute to the max! 

Add to your Goodreads

Chivalrous* 

★★★★★ (2 out of 5)

Written by Dina L. Sleiman, Gwendolyn longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

DNF at 57% | I can't finish this book. I just find it so boring. I keep waiting for something interesting to happen, but I simply don't care enough about the characters to keep going. It feels like any other Medieval romance. Nothing feels new. The love interest, Sir Allen, is too perfect and not believable. The only character I really liked is Rosalind, Gwen's maid. Also, this book was too religious for me. This isn't exactly a problem, considering the time the book takes place, but it's just not my cup of tea. I think I was deceived into thinking the main character Gwen would be this ass-kicking heroine who goes off on an adventure wearing armor because of the cover, but was sorely disappointed.

Add to your Goodreads

Locke & Key

★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Written Joe Hill, Locke & Key is the six-part story of Keyhouse, a mansion with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them. Home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all. A family (mother, teenage son and daughter, and a kid son) moves into the house, the father's childhood home, after the father's brutal murder, but soon the kids discover that the house can do strange and incredible things. 

This series is absolutely fantastic! It's a graphic novel series about the three children (Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode) and by the end of the first volume I was rooting for them. It's definitely a dark and graphic with adult themes, but it also has moments of humor and child-like wonder. It has a scary elements, but I wouldn't call it horror either.

Add to your Goodreads

One Plus One

★★★★★ (4 out of 5)

Written by Jojo Moyes; Jess' teenage stepson is being bullied, her math whiz daughter needs to go to a better school, but she can't afford it, and her husband is gone. But then Ed, the obnoxious tech millionaire, decides to drive her family (and their dog) to Scotland for a math competition. Maybe this trip won't be so bad...

I found this book absolutely delightful. It's laugh out loud funny, raw, and heart-warming. I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was because I listened to the audiobook. The book is read by four different actors as the four main characters (Jess, Ed, Nicky, and Tanzie), which made me feel like I was listening to a movie. 

Add to your Goodreads

Batgirl of Burnside (Vol. 1)

★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Written by Cameron Stewart, Babs Tarr, and Brenden Fletcher; Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes, so when a fire destroys everything she owns, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life and moves to Burnside. As the hero of Burnside, Barbara begins building an all-new Batgirl. 

This was my first time reading anything about Batgirl and I really enjoyed it. This story has a YA slant, but I was expecting that from the selfie-taking Batgirl on the cover. I thought it was a fun and cheeky read that doesn't take itself to seriously. And now I want to read more Batgirl stories. 

Add to your Goodreads

Marvel 1602

★★★★★ (3 out of 5)

Neil Gaiman, Andy Kubert, Richard Isanove, and Peter Sanderson present a unique vision of the Marvel Universe set four hundred years in the past. Classic Marvel icons such as the X-Men, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and Daredevil appear in this intriguing world of 17th-century science and sorcery.

An intriguing read. This graphic novel is like a puzzle that you're slowly putting together. You meet characters and some of them are recognizable, like Daredevil, and some are a complete mystery until later, which makes figuring out who is on whose side more complex and at times aggravating. 

Add to your Goodreads

Lumiere (The Illumination Paradox #1)*

★★★★★ (3 out of 5)

Written by Jacqueline Garlick, After an unexplained flash shatters her world, seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth sets out to find the Illuminator, her father’s prized invention. With it, she hopes to cure herself of her debilitating seizures before Professor Smrt—her father’s arch nemesis—discovers her secret and locks her away in an asylum. 

The world in this book is a strange one. There's no sun. People are hanged for being witches. Others are put in asylums for having seizures. There is deadly gas and zombie-like creatures. And it's all kind of steampunk-y. This book feels like a mix of too many weird, unconnected things. I also couldn't get myself to care about the main characters at all. 

Add to your Goodreads

Why Not Me?**

★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Written by Mindy Kaling, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it’s falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, or believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you’re constantly reminded that no one looks like you.

And I thought I couldn't love Mindy Kaling more! I was wrong. Everything you love about Mindy is in this book -- it's charming, down-to-earth, self-deprecating, and of course so funny. I like how she doesn't take any of Hollywood's bullshit ideals seriously and does her own thing. Even though this book is about her life and there's a lot of humor, the biggest message I got out of it is that hard work and determination and believing in yourself will get you where you want to go. Everyone go read this now!

Add to your Goodreads

The Dining and Social Club for Time Travelers***

★★★★★ (3 out of 5)

Written by Elyse Kishimoto, Louisa Sparks is thrown into a world of chaos and adventure when she finds an unusual timepiece in the pocket of her grandfather’s old coat. With the press of a button, Louisa is suddenly transported through time. Soon after, she receives an invitation to join the strange fraternity of The Dining and Social Club for Time Travellers. 

To me, the cover is a little deceiving. I wasn't expecting this to be a middle grade book and honestly it took away from my enjoyment of it because I was expecting something different. The main character is a young girl, but at times she annoyed me and every character in the book has a big personality since it's a children's book. I also wasn't clear on what the time period was. The grandfather was a child during WWII, which would mean Louisa a modern kid and yet it felt like the 19th century. Still, I enjoyed Louisa's story and learning more about this strange club of time travelers. 

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*via NetGalley.

**via Books for Blogging.

***I got it for free to review. All opinions are my own.

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