Netflix -- The Tudors

If you're in to shows like Game of Thrones and Desperate Housewives, you will like this. Lot of drama, lust and death. (Disclaimer: this show is not for younger audiences, with multiple sex and nudity scenes. Also, some of the blood and execution scenes may make you queasy.) Being an art history major, I was able to tie in what I learned and really understand what was going on. Don't worry! You will understand what is happening without taking Art History courses. The classes helped me understand the roles of women during this age. My feminist side of me was yelling during all the episodes. "You don't need a man to complete yourself!!" I would never go back to any age of time before the 2000's.

Tudor Talk Time:

I loved all the queens. With them all being different I felt I was able to relate some to each of them. I became emotionally attached to all of them. They all wanted to be loved and make a difference in the world. Yet, during this time women were seen as the "sinful creatures" that bring the fall of man. (Ex: Eve ate the fruit of knowledge bring the fall of mankind).  There is the irony of the wife to be the virgin and the whore. Where the men want a wife that is pure with her "maidenhood", yet they also want her to be the best sex expert out there. How is a virgin to know everything about sex, without doing it? And if the men wanted the expert in sex, she wasn't deemed worthy because she slept around for experience. Its the ridiculous expectations for women. Not only that, but the men could have mistresses and sleep around. But, God-forbid if the woman slept with any other man. Totally objectifying women. Anyway, feminist rant over.

I loved loved loved all their costumes and jewelry. I wish we could go around wearing clothes like that today. The music was graceful and fit every moment. There were times I couldn't keep up because everyone talks to fast and uses these crazy elaborate names. Then suddenly King Henry will give a guy a promotion, having him get a new name. The saddest thing about the show was the amount of deaths that happened. In our classrooms we learn about these wars and memorize large amounts of death toll numbers, but when you bring it to reality, it was heartbreaking. People dying from others' lies. The people you thought you could trust, stab you in the back and get you killed. (Similar to Game of Thrones, with George RR Martin killing off every character.) Also, what was up with everyone signing treaties and ally papers and backing down on it every second? C'mon France, England,  and Emperor guy, get along or don't, make up your damn mind!

After watching so many seasons, I started to loath and bitterly hate King Henry. How dare he?! He is an incompetent and conceited ass. One minute he loves his queen then hates her. Ends up killing her, then wanting her back. Ridiculous. UGH. SO MAD. Also, he is so rude to his first daughter, Princess/Lady Mary. She is his true heir. She is a strong and independent female that will take no shit from no one. I loved her the most out of all the women. (Scary to think about that she becomes Queen 'Bloody Mary')

 

One of my favorite actors is Henry Cavill. (I just realized he is the new Superman, I must go and see that RIGHT NOW) He is soooo handsome. I swooned, in season 4, when he showed us his manly sword fighting skills. Can I order one of him for me? Haha. Even though his first marriage failed from him being a cheating ass. I loved how he developed on his second marriage. He made me feel hope, that during that era not everyone was whoring around. Some people were happy in love with their significant others. He even continued to love his wife and sleep with no one while they were fighting for several episodes. I really admire that. Finally, a semi-sane character.

So funny, I didn't realize I owned Season 1. I will probably watch it again and make some sketches.
Leave a comment below of who is/was your favorite character and why?

Book Boyfriends of 2013

This is an oldie, from an old blog. I will be making a new version for 2014 real soon. C:

I chose my book boyfriends based upon books that I read in 2013. (I cant do books that were only release in 2013, because I read a lot of 'older' books)
This will be so difficult. D:

Also, I know I did many in the same series. But you love who you love. Cant help it!

1. Daemon Black (Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout)
These covers don't give him any justice. He is oh-so dreamy. Being all manly and protective. Also, he is witty and a smart ass. LOVE IT.

2. Shane (Morganville Series by Rachel Caine)
Another protective smart ass. He is tough and doesn't take no shit from no one. Acts like a playboy, but he is really sweet and caring. A guy you know you will have fun with.

3. Michael (Morganville Series by Rachel Caine)
Shane's best friend. Always calm and knowledgeable. Playing his guitar, making me swoon. Basically, Shane's opposite.

4. Brennus (Premonition Series by Amy A Bartol)
I have this thing for bad boys. I find them so attractive. No wonder my dating life isn't the best. Haha. He has his moments of cruelty and being rude, but that is only his exterior. All he wants to love and be loved in return. Oh, and also take over the world.

5. Reed (Premonition Series by Amy A Bartol)
Dreamy, handsome, and sexy. What is there to not like?

6. Russell (Premonition Series by Amy A Bartol)
Some times he can be overbearing, but he only wants the best for you. I wish he was my soul-mate. I wouldn't be complaining.

7. Myrin (Morganville Series by Rachel Caine)
Another bad boy. He is coy, twisted, tricky, and spontaneous. Yet, very appealing and trusting.

8. Sebation (Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason)
I swear, I sould make a theme about 'Top 10 Bad Boys to Date'. A little sleazy and also sexy.

9. Jordan (Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt)
The only true good guy. Open, honest and trustworthy. Not going to lie, I love how he got jealous over his girlfriends' best-friend. That BFF doesn't stand a chance to this hunk.

10. Gavin (Horrorscape Trilogy by Nenia Campbell)
Dont hurt me. I know he is a psychotic killer, but something about him is... sexy. I can relate to the main character why she was entranced to him and felt like she couldn't escape. His speech and manners, graceful, cunning, and powerful. Did I mention hypnotic and twisted?

Question: What is one of your Book-Boyfriends that you wish you could have?

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

 

This is one of the few classics that I love. It was a short and quick read, but I was fully involved and had an emotional connection to the characters. While reading, I did not read any CliffNotes, but I feel like I may be missing somethings with the symbolism and details. It was still a good novel nonetheless.

Book Talk Time:
This book really made me think. What if I could really live forever? It sounds nice at first, being young and immortal. But then the book brings up good reasons to why it is sad and not something you want. Made me really think that my mortality is something I should cherish. I need to live no matter what age and take in that I get to see my family grow and live. I could really relate to the Tucks (not for being immortal), but for moving many times for centuries. I have moved a lot and I know how much of stress it puts on a family, let-alone not being able to age is a red flag.

I admired the hope from Jesse Tuck. Hoping he could live his life with Winne. To try to escape the fact that they could love together forever. It was sweet and endearing. Which made the ending even harder to read. I had to keep from getting teary-eyed.

If you have an extra hour or two, you should pick this up. I loved reading and "feeling" the August dry heat compared to the cold around me right now. : ) Happy Holidays, Liz

Leave a comment below with your answer: Would you want to live forever? Why or why not? What would be the first thing you would want to do if you knew you would live forever?

 Amazon // Goodreads

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

This was my first Lauren Barnholdt book, and all I can say is, I will be reading the rest of her novels. I do not usually like contemporary novels. I prefer reading dystopian, action, paranormal, ect. I rather read about a world and live in that book rather than one about reality. I already live in the real world, I want to go somewhere different and exciting. (Do you know what I mean? I hope I make sense.)
I really enjoyed this book. It was quick, witty, and engaging. I still cant get the image of a drunk tall teenager dressed up as a leprechaun out of my mind. If you want to know what I am talking about, read the first couple of chapters.

Book Talk Time:

I didn't hate any of the characters. I loved Courtney and Jordan. They all had their flaws and were completely relate-able (Even Jocelyn, B.J. and Lloyd). We all have friends similar to them. We all have/had the party-flirty friend, the party-thinking-everyone-wants-them friend, the bff-that-we-love-but-never-tell-them friend. Made me feel like I was Courtney and was really relate-able. You learn to love them. (Well, some.)

I liked how the author changed perspectives to see both views. It helped show both sides of the story and their train of thoughts. So I don't have to assume how they are thinking or feeling, or even worse, having the main character interpreting how the other feels-- when we know they don't know what they are truly feeling. Also, going back and fourth from past to present was good. I usually don't like that either in books, but it was great. It was nice to see that they grew as a couple and developed. Though I wish I could have seen Courtney and Jordan more during their dating time, and deep conversations. I want to see scenes of  Jordan and Lloyd not getting along. Then of Courtney and Jordan sharing deep secrets to gain trust between them. My favorite part was their first "date". Those are my favorite kinds of dates.

Also, kudos Miss Barnholt, for not letting them have insta-love. Because love in movies and in many books are very unreal. It felt like true growing and bonding love. Not "looking into each other eyes and then they knew they were soul-mates".

I was a bit disappointed with the ending. It ended so abruptly. I was hoping for some more closure. I even Google-d to see if this was in a series because it didn't feel finished. Alas, it is not. There was so much emotions and fighting and not enough talking to clear things up. Suddenly things were better. But over all it was a fun read. I will be reading it again during summer, or on a road trip. I loved it.

I was able to find this book at my local thrift store. I got it for $1.50! Score! Don't be afraid to look at thrift store, they are full of treasures. (Now, I am noticing my copy doesn't say "Companion Novel to 'Right of Way'. I will have to read that ASAP!)

EDIT: I forgot to add, I liked how they didn't make sex taboo. There were no sex scenes, but they did talk and think about it. Like normal teenagers would. I liked that.

Until next time! Happy Holidays, Liz

Leave a comment below with your answer: If you were stuck on a long road trip, what music would you bring to listen to? And what would you do to keep yourself occupied?

Amazon // Goodreads

Premonition Series by Amy A Bartol

 

This is my FAVORITE series of ALL TIME. This a YA, closer to NA series. (New Adult) I wish more people would know about it. It would have more hype than other books right now.

Inescapable by Amy A Bartol; The first book in this wonderful series

The rest of the series is...

Intuition 

Indebted

Incendiary

Iniquity (Hopefully coming in Summer 2015)

I read this series about a year ago. Sadly, I have forgotten many of the details. I will be re-reading this series soon, and then writing new reviews. I miss the the action, the love, and the bad guys. The crazy part about this series is that you don't know who to root for. Everyone has a place and reason. They all make sense to be with each other, and yet you still want the other person. Hell, there are many times I cheer for the bad guy. I have a huge crush on him... and every other male in the book. I. NEED. MORE. Read this series. You wont regret it.

 Amazon // Goodreads

ULTA -- Urban Decay Deal

ULTA! :) One of my favorite stores. There was an incredible deal for Black Friday.

 Perfect timing for this promotion, too!!  
 ULTA was doing Free Shipping with any order. 

Which is really rare! 

And with each order you get either a face, hair, or variety sample. I chose the variety sample. 

I, too, like to live life dangerously. 

I bought Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray DUO. Such a deal! It is $30 for one bottle. But I got 2 bottles for $40. Making them $20 each! STEAL!

The samples I received: Matrix Oil Wonders: Strengthening Oil 0.17 fl.oz. 

and Lumene Vitamin C BB Serum 0.07 fl.oz. It's like early Christmas.

FREE Dove Advanced Hair Shampoo & Conditioner Sample

Its mail timeeee!

 

Walmart.com was giving a sample of Dove Advanced Hair Series shampoo & conditioner! And it came with a  $1.50/1 Dove Advanced Series Hair Care coupon. I double-checked Walmart's site, and they are no longer having this promotion. I will post it next time they have a fun sample to add to your mail. C: I have always loved Dove hair products.

IPSY -- Girl Meets Glitter -- November Glam Bag

My third IPSY beauty bag. C:  I didn't know what was going to be in this bag, or the theme... so it was a literal surprise!

If you're not familiar with IPSY. They are a $10 monthly beauty subscription company. I believe when you buy 6 months or 1 year subscription you get a discount. Its a fun little treat in the mail. You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1dhhh?sid=ipsypoints&cid=email

 

SeaRx - Birch Sap Moisturizing Lotion - $4?

Yet ANOTHER lotion. IPSY, I'm pretty sure I posted that I didn't want lotion. It is what it is. I'll give this to my mama too. She will love it. C:

IT Cosmetics - Bye Bye Under Eye in Neutral Medium - $10?

This is a perfectly thick and heavily pigmented concealer. It basically erases my dark under eye and blemishes. I love it to death. I will only buy this concealer in the future. So FAB.
  

J. Cat Beauty - Wonder Lip Paint in Mad Splatter - $4.99

IPSY finally got me the right color. It was perfect for my skin tone and intense pigmentation. C: The thing is, it takes a lot of upkeep though out the day to keep it sassy. After two to three hours to had to re-apply it. ALSO, why didn't this come with a lip brush?! This was made to be applied by a lip brush. It's like someone forgetting an eyeshadow brush in a eye pallet. C'mon. :l

Marc Anthony - Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray - $2.99
This was a good hairspray. Smells wonderful. The Argan oil gives my hair awesome shine and flexibility. I rarely use hairspray, so this will be a perfect amount for when I need to do fancy hair. Like for my birthday, which is next month. C: Perfect timing.

Starlooks - Gem Eye Pencil in Ultra Olive - $17

This is a FAB color. A gold olive highly pigmented shimmer glitter fest. Since I have a slight olive skin tone, so this looks amazing. I will wear this all day, every day. It's super soft and smooth. No wonder it's so expensive. C:

Total- $38.98 for $10 a month!  

Overall 

Beauty Talk Time: 
I love this bag. It is a Forever21 glitter cosmetic bag. It's amazing; Classy and fancy. And I LOVE everything inside of the bag. (Except for the lotion) So happy there wasn't another nail polish in it. I would use all of these items. These items can be mostly used as a daily look. Which is preferred in my book. Can't wait for Decembers Glam Bag.

LootCrate -- Galactic September Crate

Geeking out now. I am so excited to be getting this nerdy monthly subscription box. This months theme was Galactic. Filled with Star Wars, Star Trek, FireFly and Alien. BEST THEME EVER.

This isn't my photo. I either gave some items to my brother, or I already put them around the house and I don't want to search for all them. Haha. I found this on Google.

 
Funko Alien Figure (Funko ReAction Action Figures Line) $11 
I got the cool alien figurine. There was 5 others you could have gotten, but this was the best one. My brother LOVES all the Alien and Predator movies. Ill add this to his giant birthday pile.

Exclusive Funko Mystery Minis Captain Mal Vinyl Figure (from FireFly) $7 EXCLUSIVE
 I hate to admit this... I haven't watched FireFly yet. I know, SO BAD. But I am so excited to get this. Is cute and nerdy all-in-one. Goes nicely with my Dwight bobble head.
 
QMX Star Trek Tribble Plush Toy (Random Colored–Orange and Yellow found so far) $10 EXCULSIVE
 So cute! My dog thinks its a new toy. So excite.
 
Halo Escalation #1 Halo Comic Book Digital Redemption Voucher (Dark Horse Comics) $12
I'm not a huge gamer, so I'm also giving this to my brother. He knows more about the Halo world than I do. And he will actually enjoy it, rather than losing it at my apartment.

 Star Wars Han Solo in Carbonite Poster $10

 MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. I love love love love Star Wars. My brother and I grew up watching 4, 5, and 6 on VHS. Good times. I already hung up this beauty in my kitchen. I cant wait to brag and show it off to my brother. Gonna make him jealous. #WorthIt

 
Star Wars Magnet $1
Its a cute magnet; like centipede and atroid, with a Star Wars theme. 

Pop Rocks Candy $1

I don't know why they added this. It was pretty much filler. You can get this at any store. I don't like this candy, it burns my tummy.

FireFly Bank Robbery Money $15
This was cute. I dont have a use for it, and I don't how to display it. But its exciting and fun! And I'm rich now. C: Haha.

Total - $67 for $17

Overall

Nerd Talk Time:

This was a cool box. My favorite because of all the Star Wars. My brother loved all the things I gave him from this box. I cannot wait for Octobers box. C:

IPSY -- Beauty Candy -- October Glam Bag

My second IPSY beauty bag. C:  I was hoping more of a Halloween vibe, but this was still fun and exciting. 

If you're not familiar with IPSY. They are a $10 monthly beauty subscription company. I believe when you buy 6 months or 1 year subscription you get a discount. Its a fun little treat in the mail. You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1dhhh?sid=ipsypoints&cid=email

 

Cirque Colors Nail Laquer - XX - $6.50?

I think the was the most fun and artsy item in the beauty bag. It's a fun rainbow confetti with apparently 20 different type of holographic glitter! Though with all the different types, I felt it should have been a bit more dense? Like, More glitter per... brush stroke? It seemed to take several layers to finally get the look I wanted. THEN it was HORRIFIC to remove it. I never want to use it again, until there is a magical way to remove it. I heard you can use glue?

Épicé International - Purifying Exfoliant - $4.99

This exfoliant was great for my sensitive skin. Gentle and simple. My skin reacts to everything. This was great. My skin felt wonderful. I have never heard of this product before, so it was nice to try something new.
  

Noyah Lipstick - Deeply in Mauve - $6

I received lipstick was it was only alright. It is a semi-matte lipstick. I was hoping for a more mauve color, but it was like a odd-brown-purple-mix. Yet, It doesn't look like that in the photo. :l I love mauve, but I don't think I will wear this color ever again. It was brown. on the plus side they don't do animal testing while making these products.

Figs & Rouge Shea Butter Hand Cream - Rose Berry - $6.37

Apparently this was a limited edition hand cream. If you're into rose scents, then this is for you. It was a very strong rose fragrance. Not my cup of tea. I'll end up giving it to my mama. She loves to lotion, lotion, lotion.

Skone Cosmetics - Tattooed Waterproof Eyeliner - $15?

I will definitely use this! You can never have too much eyeliner. The more the merrier! C: It stays on for a long time and is very dark. Its very similar to the Kat Von D eyeliner, but not as great. But a CLOSE SECOND! Prefect for my usual sexy cat eye look.

Total- $38.86 for $10 a month!  

Overall

Beauty Talk Time:
This bag was fine. Not as exciting as I was hoping for. They over-hyped the bag being a fun Candy Bag. I was thinking there would be bright pastels and super fun spunky items. I like the color of the blue bag, but I don't like the grid texture. And I'm not a fan of where the zipper is. It's hard to get items in and out of the bag. Eh, I don't use lotions that much, the lipstick was the wrong color, and the nail polish refuses to come off my nails... It wasn't the worst bag. Let's hope November is better. 

IPSY -- Street Style -- September Glam Bag

SO EXCITE. This is my first IPSY Glam bag, and I loved it! It's like they read my mind on what I wanted... Or looked at the personality survey I had to take. Haha.

If you're not familiar with IPSY. They are a $10 monthly beauty subscription company. I believe when you buy 6 months or 1 year subscription you get a discount. Its a fun little treat in the mail. You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1dhhh?sid=ipsypoints&cid=email

 

Nourish Organic Face Cleanser - Cucumber and Watercress - $2?

Just in time too! I ran out of ALL my face cleansers and masks. THE HORROR. Then this little gem showed up to save the day. I can't wait to try it out. Since I have dry skin, I'm glad to see it's moisturizing. It does smell like an... earthy kitchen. Herbal and fresh linen. If that makes an sense. Haha.

Be a Bombshell - Smooth Criminal Powder - $12

Oooooh. Silica finishing powder. I've hear mixed reviews about this brand, so I'm excited and reluctant to try it. Right now I'm still using my Tarte finishing powder and I don't want to use both powders at once. I'm glad I have this as a back up.  
 

Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask - Don't Despair, Repair! - $5?

I love these! I am always dying my hair. Plus, the usual hot tools and unruly frizzy curly hair. This hair masks gives me an over-idealized unobtainable Photoshopped supermodel look and feeling.

Maybelline Master Glaze Blush - Make a Mauve - $9

Also, PERFECT TIMING. Few days earlier I was complaining about how I ran out of blush. And this baby found me. I've never used a stick before. But I learned real quick... A little goes a LOOOONG way. The color was great on my skintone and also made my eye color pop a bit more. 

Pacifica Nail Color - Red Red Wine - $9

This is my absolute favorite item from the whole bag. It's 100% Vegan and Cruelty-free. The color is GORGEOUS. You wouldn't believe the amount of compliments I got from it. It's classy, rebellious, edgy, sassy, and its perfect for fall. Though, I'm sure its perfect all year long.  

Total- $37 for $10 a month!  

Overall

Beauty Talk Time:
I LOVED THIS BAG. It was meant to be. There wasn't any filler lotions or perfumes, that I would never ever ever use. These are things I would use everyday. And THE BAG C: It screams Lily! Love the sassy silver and studs. Alright IPSY, you set the bar high, I cant wait for Octobers bag. 

Influenster -- DLVoxBox

This month had been one of those months. I was so happy to see this in my mailbox. A wonderful surprise! I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. #DLVoxBox

Chunky little box. Filled to the rim. How I love thee. 

Here are the items I received...

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance 16ct  

You can never have too many of these. And it saves me going to the store and getting more of these. Win-win. The only thing I don't like about these is that there is a scent to them. I already have a VERY sensitive body. Add in the scent and I feel even more nauseous when its that time. 

Luden's Watermelon Cough Drops

These are basically watermelon hard candies. There is no menthol or medicinal taste in it. Didn't numb my throat... I thought that was the one job cough drops were supposed to do? Just save your money and buy REAL cough drops, or candy. 

Kiss Lashes in Looks So Natural

I love these. Very light weight and beautiful. I have been in need of new eyelashes. These will be great for Halloween this year. Right in between sassy sex appeal, and the beautiful "I woke up this way" natural look.

Sinful Colors in No Text Red

The color is great. A nice classic brilliant red. Though it chips VERY easily. I'm on day 2 wearing it, and I have major touch ups to do. This is good for when you only want to wear a certain color for a small amount of time, to events and such. Like, since I'm going to be R2D2 for Halloween, I am considering buying the blue color polish JUST for Halloween. Lets be real, how often will I wear blue? Never. So for $2, its not so bad.

Air Head Bites

I LOVE fruit flavored candy. Especially when I study. I grew up with Air Head original, so I was excited to try these new Air Heads out. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. It was hard and grainy. I was expecting XL Skittles. But no. The flavor wasn't my cup of tea. Stick with Starbursts. 

Soft Lips Cube

I am a chapstick hoarder. I have a whole drawer full. I do have sever chapped lips, especially during season changes. Which is happening now. Perfect timing! I love the packaging. It's cute and unique. But just like the other types of Soft Lips, it didn't find the moisturizing quality last very long. I have to keep reapplying. The smell is subtle and nice. I think the most awkward part is applying it. Haha. 

2 FriXion Pens

Love these pens. and THEY DO ERASE. If you're a student and you have pain-in-the-ass-teachers who make you write in only pen, then I highly suggest these for you. Especially, if you hate scribbles all over your paper from errors. These are my new best friends.

Overall:  

Beauty Talk Time:

 This was a fun and unexpected box. I am so happy to get this. Trying new things is always exciting. These things are hard to review because everyone is SO DIFFERENT. I can't say something is terrible when I know my body isn't like everyone else. I wish we could get items that match our personality or beauty types.

Thank you Influenster #DLVoxBox