Reading Rut or Slump

How do you get out of one?

I haven't felt like reading in a few weeks. 

I've been so busy and stressed. I had to deal with finals for two weeks, move into a smaller apartment, find a roommate, take care of a new foster dog.
Now that I have time to read, I don't want to. So weird. I know once I start reading I will probably love it, but I don't know. I hate this feeling. Please HALP.

How do you get out of your reading ruts/slump?
Forcing yourself to read?
Just wait until you feel ready?

Tell me how you do it.

ISPY -- Beautifully Bohemian -- April Glam Bag

Ohhhhh Boy! I am so excited!

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

 Theorie - Argan Oil Ultimate Reform Hair Serum  - $6?

I am so excited to receive this product. It does smell very earthy, like Whole Foods. Some people find that to be very unpleasant, but it's some what nice especially during the summer. I love the glass bottle, it's very classy, but how the hell do you get the product out? I will have to take out the plastic insert somehow. I like it but I wish the product was easier to use.

Essence Cosmetics - Lash Princess Mascara - $4.99

I love trying new mascaras. When I saw this full-sized product in my bag I was completely stoked. I have never heard of this brand before. Can we take and moment and look at it's packaging? It is crazy adorable and sassy. I love the black and pink. I love the corset look it has. I love this. The wand and formula is spectacular. This could be a prestige brand mascara but for drugstore prices. This is a must have!

Jor'el Parker - Femina Roll-on Perfume - $21
This isn't what I usually wear, but it is fun to try something new. It is very light. Like a simple clean flower, with a tidbit of musk and vanilla. I really enjoy it. I will definitely wear this on lunch dates. Good for my purse or art locker. It doesn't last as long as I would like, but its nice none the less.  

Starlooks - Satin Finish Lip Gloss in Cuddle - $9

It's a basic lip gloss in a cute mauve-nude color. Perfect for purses and traveling. It was too sticky for my taste. The color is nice, added some mauve to my lips making my lips look more pronounced and sassy. I have not seen this much glitter/shimmer in a lip gloss since the 90's. I'll probably end up mixing this with another lip gloss to make it less sticky.

theBALM Cosmetics - NUDE Dude Eyeshadow in Fit - $3?

I already love this brands eye makeup remover. It is one of the few brands that my sensitive eyes and skin can handle. I was so excited when I saw this.The packaging is completely cute and sexy. Who doesn't love to see a nude guy in the morning when you do your makeup? Haha. The color is a high pigmented shimmer copper. I love this so much. It felt as if it was meant for me!

Total- $43.99
for $10 a month! 
Overall

Beauty Talk Time:
THANK YOU IPSY for listening to me! I remember I hated last month, and this month you blew me out of the water! You gave me a kick ass bag. With products across the board. I love the Bohemian theme. Perfect for summer by the beach. (Which is where I live!) My expectations have been met and reached an all-time high. These are all products that I will use almost daily. SO EXCITE.

ISPY -- Jetsetter --May Glam Bag

It's time for the best part of the month! Also, Happy Pride month! I went to the Pride Parade near me and I had a blast! I cannot wait until next year. c:

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

 BelláPierre Cosmetics - Waterproof Mineral Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Ebony - $14.99

This is a very interesting product, because it is a pencil but also a gel eyeliner in one. I was very curious on how this would work. It glides on so smoothly, it was like butter. It has very high pigmentation, which is great for a black eyeliner.

Klorane - Smoothing and Relaxing [Eye] Patches - $6

Lordy, 90% of the writing on the packaging is in French. It was frustrating to try to find the title and directions of these eye patches. I was able to receive 2 sets of 2 patches. I am excited to try this. I always struggle with dark under eyes, especially with staying up late with school. I really enjoyed them.

Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil + Bonus NEW Revolution High Color Lip Gloss Samples in Failbait and Bittersweet- $6?
I have always loved Urban Decay. I use their products every day and they never fail. On point 24/7. I would have loved to see this new Lip Primer made thicker so I can cover my lips quicker instead of it being an eyeliner size; I see the full size one is thicker online. The packaging needs to say primer on it. I only knew it was a primer when I looked it up online. The sample lip glosses are sassy! I don't see when I would ever use Bittersweet purple, but it is fun to experiment and try it. I love the pink color Failbait. It is my color.

Bare Republic Naturals - SPF 30 Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion - $3?

I love how this is chemical-free and made with natural minerals. No chemical actives, no synthetic fragrances, and no parabens. Finally a sunscreen that sounds safe to put all over my skin. It was perfect timing to get this product too! I used it when I was outside watching the Pride Parade. My shoulders got sunburnt, luckily my face didn't. I would have liked a bit more product; The directions say you need to re-apply it every 40 minutes or so. If I am re-applying that much, then I need more to actually try the product out. (40 minutes max water resistance, yikes) Then you need a good amount to spread it. IPSY says we were supposed to get .5oz and I got .34oz! :( 

Pixi by Petra - Beauty Bronzer in Summertime - $10?

I wish this bronzer came with the Kabuki brush like it does on Pixi's website. I am a very very pale girl. My family jokes that I have whiter skin than a whiteboard. I don't understand why IPSY would send me the darkest color of bronzer Pixi has. I will use it very lightly for when I go out, but I wish I had received a lighter color. I am not a fan of the packaging. The twist lid does not swivel smoothy, it's obviously cheap and takes a few times to get close properly. I do like how it is a light shimmer, without using glitter.

Total- $39.99
for $10 a month! 
Overall

Beauty Talk Time:

This month wasn't as good as last month. Probably my fault, because I forgot to review last months bag until today. Haha. I still loved the bag. I felt spoiled again. I loved getting Urban Decay and the mineral face sunscreen. I wish IPSY would know to not give me Pixi products. I really don't like them. Also, this bag is amazing!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

Goodreads

Amazon 

I finished Divergent and I realized why people like it. I don't love love it, but it was pretty awesome. I think it is a little over hyped; it was great none the less. I'll try to do a post of the Book Vs. Movie soon. c:

Tris was a unique character. She didn't act helpless; Which I loved. She was a character that developed and lived. Though, I think she did develop too fast. At first she was a nice Abnegation girl, then suddenly 3 seconds in Dauntless, she is grouchy rude girl. Don't get me wrong, I understand she needs to be tough and stand up for herself to make it in the faction, but she was on the line of rude-girl-I-wanted-to-punch.

Tris and Four are cute. A little awkward sometimes, but it works. The connection with them went really fast. Can we say Insta-Love? Him as a closed character and his emotional walls, he would not have loved Tris that fast. Especially since he has had so many bad relationships with friends and family. Loving her would have been a hurdle for him. That is just my opinion.
I loved the idea of literally fighting your fears. I'm going to be open, I get constant night terrors. My night terrors are like the simulations, but different. Seeing her battle through them was cool. I do that too, but my terrors are much darker, deeper, and less easy to get out of. The simulations are interesting when you think about them. I wonder how many more years we have, until our world has the technology to do what they do. 

I felt the book was fast and then slow. There were confusing character positions. I had to re-read a few parts to understand who was where and what the place looked like. (Good thing there is the movie, it really helped) I've read many books that have very intricate foreshadowing and small details that you didn't see coming. Divergent was so blatantly obvious. I started to guess what would happen next, and my guesses were 90% right. I never understood why Tris never saw any of the signs. They were like red flags everywhere. I think her being twitter-pated with Four made her oblivious to what was going on around her.

I gotta say, I wasn't amazed by the ending. I cried at the scenes with the mom and dad. Other than that it was really unrealistic. Her voice saves happens the day. BOOOOO. I don't want to give spoilers, but I did give a few eye rolls at the end. I still want to read the rest of the series. Divergent felt more like a prequel to the actual storyline than the first novel. It spent a lot of time describing the world, initiation, government, and the situation. I think the series will only get better from here.

After reading this, I wondered what Faction I would be in. Luckily, at the end of my copy of Divergent, it came with a Faction quiz. I took this quiz seriously and didn't look at the answers until the end. Mostly A's is Abnegation. Mostly B's is Amity. Mostly C's is Candor. Mostly D's is Dauntless. Mostly E's is Erudite. I got... 2 A's, 1 B, 2 C's, and 2 D's. Seriously? Lol, My test was inconclusive. DIVEGERNT. YAS. (Also, I think Amity should be a "B" Faction. It's so close to being perfect.) What Faction do you think you would be in?

- - -

Bring a thrift book-er; I only own Divergent and Allegiant. Now I need Insurgent. I called my mom to tell her to keep her eyes peel for Insurgent. This was our conversation:

"Maaaaaaaam, I finished Divergent. I need Insurgent. Look for Insurgent."
"I thought you had Insurgent..."
"Nope, I have Divergent and Allegiant"
"No, It was the other 'I' books from the nice author at San Fran"
"... OH! No, different Author. 'I' books were Inescapable, Intuition, Iniquity from Amy Bartol. I'm looking for Veronica Roth's books."
"Ok, what books are they and which ones do you need?"
"Book 1. Divergent. Own"
"Divergent, ok."
"Book 2. Insurgent. NEED."
"Find. Insurgent." 
"Book 3 Allegiant. Own"
"Allegiant"
"Book 4. Four. Need."
"...Wait. Four is Four?" 
"Yes, It's a coincidence... I think."
"Shouldn't it be called 'Four-gent?'"
"BAHAHAHAHA. I guess you're right. It's called Four because the main man character is named Four."
"His name is Four?"
"Yes."
"Does he fall in love with Three?"
"Hahaha. Technically, he falls in love with Six."
"... So they make Ten."
"..."
"They are a perfect ten. They... complete each other."

That's when I finally died laughing. She basically summed up the whole book. This is how my mom tried to understand my book world.

HALP! I lost my Kindle!

I am so sad. I cannot believe my kindle is gone. 

I have had it for years. 

It is not like me to lose it. 

It's on me at all times; more than my phone.

I miss it so much. My days are off without it.

 I sit for lunch and think, "What did I use to do before my kindle? I eat, but what did I use to do with my hands while I ate? Am I eating weird? Do I blink too much? Oh lordy, how do I function? "

 I lay in bed thinking, "This isn't right. I can't sleep without reading. I couldn't turn the light on a read a book; But If I move to turn the light on the dogs will cuddle closer and then I can't turn the light off. But I can't sleep with the light on. I guess I will lie here in a pit of misery."

On top of all that, I was in 55% done with a book. I am literally in the middle of a book and I can't finish it. I need to know what will happened.

 I feel stuck.

 There is a hole in my chest.

I feel like I can't breathe.

Dramatic, I know.

Time to re-save my money to get another one. 

If you hear of any spectacular sales let me know; or if you recommend one kindle to to another, tell me!

Reckless: Part 1 by Alice Ward

 
Reckless: Part 1

by Alice Ward

Amazon (Free)

Goodreads

This is pretty much your typical girl meets bad boy book. A little different, but still the same idea. Andrea has her whole life's plan down to a T. Then she meets Jace. The rock star bad boy who shows up and turns her life upside-down. Whoa, never heard of a book like this before. (<- That was sarcasm)

There is a scene in the beginning of the book that made me furious. I'm glad I was able to get over it and finish the book. But honestly, I was really really close to ending the book then and there. Don't get me wrong, I am all for not objectifying women and women equality, but when she exploded in the coffee shop, I got got mad at her. She was rude and ridiculous. Jace was offering to buy Andrea and, her friend, Becca coffee, NOT buying her for the night. She exploded on him for no reason. Why is that considered sexy? Because she was dramatic? Ugh, Maybe that's why I'm single. Lol. 

But what makes me even angrier, is when after the Cafe scene she goes to his concert in a very strappy and revealing top. She wants to make him jealous by showing off her body. Which is counter-intuitive to what she did in the Cafe. She is objectifying her body, to make him jealous. Jealous of what; I have no idea. That was the point where I had to decide whether I was going to continue or not. That was horrible. Let's hope fellow readers and women don't find this acceptable behavior and expect a man to love them after it.

The first half of the book she is a fast-witted, strong woman, but after the concert she become a mushy dopey airhead. Why do people think women become brain dead after seeing a handsome man? Lol. 

Then Andrea's crazy boyfriend, Sean, comes into play. I get men wanting to be protective and territorial, but what he did was uncalled for, and then she takes him back! I can't even. You've got to be kidding me. I don't care if she was with him for a week or for four years; That behavior is never ok. Never. 

After all this ranting and issues with the book, I really did enjoy it. I like Andrea's determination to reach her dreams and goals, whether or not a boy is in the equation. Her dream > Boys. I love Becca. She is blunt, strong, and caring. I wish she could be my friend in real life. I would have loved to see and meet the band members or some of Jace's friends. He brings them up, but we never see them. It felt like Jace, Becca, Andrea, and Sean are the only characters existing in the entire Reckless book world. 

I enjoyed the realistic view of Jace and Andrea's, and Andrea and Sean's relationship. It was not overly idealized and fantastical. These relationships show how life can change on a whim. How people change over time; and how sometimes who you are with is not who you are meant to be with. Showing the difference between who you should love and who you do love.

As of right now, I will be reading Book 2. The last half of the book hooked my in and got better. This book is total cliffhanger. Be prepared. 

I know people hate books that have part 1 to part one million. Lol. But I like them. They are long-ish experts into the story, to see if you like it and want to invest your time in their world. I wish I could buy all the parts in a single physical copy (Hint Hint Alice Ward!) I have a feeling I will want to read this series over and over.

Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science by Rachel Swaby

Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science - and the World

by Rachel Swaby

Amazon

Goodreads

Book Talk Time:

I'm going to be straight forward. I LOVE this book. I am all for female power. This book is kick ass. Completely empowering and fantastic. It makes you question history and want to conquer the world. 

It was only the first page where I died laughing: "There have been instances, and I have been such, of females... graduated from school or college excellent scholars, but with underdeveloped ovaries. Later they are married, and were sterile." BAHAHA. I can't even.  

"The system never does two tings well at the same time. The muscles [menstruation] and the brain cannot functionate in their best way at the same moment."All I could think of was this:

I think every woman should read this book. Realize your own strength. You don't have to live in a mans shadow. You don't have to have children. You don't have to get married. You are your own self. You can achieve your dreams. Break the stereotype and "expectations" of what the world wants from you. 


If you like this book then I recommend The Guerrilla Girl's Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art. I love art history and women fighting for recognition. So this is the best of both worlds. 

I received this book from Blogging for Book for an honest review. 

The Offer Coming Soon! by Karina Halle

We are very excited to announce a brand new stand-alone from NYT Bestselling author Karina Halle!

She thinks he's an arrogant playboy.

He thinks she's an uptight prude.

But he's about to make her an offer she can't refuse.

Nicola Price used to have it all – a great career, the perfect boyfriend, an excessive shoe collection and an apartment in one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods. But when she gets knocked up and her asshat boyfriend leaves her high and dry, Nicola’s perfectly crafted world comes tumbling down. And stays that way.

Now, Nicola is the proud single mom to a five-year old daughter and living a giant lie. She can barely afford their ghetto apartment and all the men she dates run when they hear she comes with a child. She’s struggling and scared – and nowhere near where she thought she’d be at age thirty-one.

Her saving grace comes in the form of a tall, handsome and wealthy Scotsman Bram McGregor, the older brother of her friend Linden. Bram understands a thing or two about pride, so when tragic circumstances place Nicola at rock bottom, he offers them a place to live in the apartment complex he owns. It’s pretty much the perfect deal, so as long as she doesn’t mind living beside Bram, a man that, despite his generosity, seems to antagonize her at every turn.

But nothing in life is free and as Nicola gets her feet back on the ground, she discovers that the enigmatic playboy may end up costing her more than she thought.

She might just lose her heart.

Those McGregor brothers are nothing but trouble...

Goodreads 

With her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term "Hybrid Author." Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she's a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA...whenever possible. Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her husband and rescue pup.

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