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Saturday, May 30, 2015

May 2015 Wrap Up

This month sure flew by and holy molly did I read a lot of books...at the beginning of this month I really didn't think I would read a lot because I was reading Seraphina and then I was going to continue with Shadow Scale and those books were HUGE, so I was just content to just finish them up and read one or two other books, so I have no clue what the heck happened...lol.  But I am a very happy, happy girl.

Let's check it out, shall we?

Let's start with the books first then the comics...

Seraphina: 4 out of 5 stars This is my first dragon book is I really loved it.



Shadow Scale : 4 out of 5 stars I would have given 5 stars but the ending didn't do it for me.  But I still really enjoyed this book.



Alive: 5 out of 5 stars. This book is not out yet (7/14 the day before my birthday, it was a sign...and I didn't even know the publish date until just now lol)  I LOVED it.  I had been a while since I read a dystopian book like this book.  Totally recommend you guys to read it when it comes out in July, if you liked Divergent, Maze Runner, Hunger Games, well you will get a mixture of all of them in this book.  Ah, I'm going to stop because I haven't done a review on it yet and I need to do it.



Unholly Alliance 4 out of 5 stars. Vampires baby, I haven't read a new vampire series in a while and I had the 4th book of this one from NetGalley so I picked the first one for free at Amazon (it is still free so go get it) and I really enjoyed it.



Rival 4 out of 5 stars. Second book in the Unholy series and when I found out that each book would follow a different character I was NOT a happy camper, but I'm so glad I give a chance because I really like.  Can't wait to do a review on all of them.



Shadow Alliange  4.5 out of 5 stars. Probably my favorite so far on the series.  Love it.



Beloved Enemy 4 out of 5 stars. It started off slowly at first this one, but I really ended up enjoying.  But the end?  That wasn't an end, I still have so many questions and I still want to know what is going on with so many of the other characters.  After I finished this book I looked everywhere to see if there was another book out or coming out but I couldn't find it.  Doesn't anyone know if the writer/s are going to write another book or more books, I sure want to read more.



Frozen  4 out of 5 stars.  Last book I read this book, I actually just finished reading this book last night and I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series.  It was really good.  Love Nat and Wes. And how about these covers?  Which one is your favorite? I think I like the one with the dragon better...




















1 Novella:

Blackwood: 4 out of 5 stars. This is the novella For the Witch Hunter Series. Loved the first book Hexed and I just got the second book Charmed, can't wait to read. This novella lets you get to know Paige, which is essential as Charmed will be about her.




Here the Comics that I read this month; I got all of these from NetGalley

Transformers: Drift Empire of Stone Volume 1: 3 out of 5 stars-It was alright, usually I'm done with comics this small in one sitting, it took me like a week to get thru.



Sweet Blood Volume 1: 3 out of 5 stars- I just couldn't connect with the characters.  Love the cover and the art, that's about it.



Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinsh Short Stories: 3 out of 5- I like the first story and then it kind of go boring and confusing.  I wasn't sure if I was following the same characters all the way thru or not?



The Worrier's Guide to life : 4 out of 5 stars- Really enjoyed this one, it got me laughing most of the time (in the middle of the night-good insomnia night).



Manga: Pride and Prejudice:  5 out of 5 stars- Ah, how I love some Jane Austen and I really wanted to re read Pride and Prejudice this year and this little comic just made me want to re read it even more. Loved it.



Manga: The Scarlet Letter: 4 out 5 stars-I have heard about but  haven't read The Scarlet Letter and this was a great introduction, so now I want to out there and find me a nice edition of this book. Really well done.



The October Faction Volume 1: 3 out of 5 stars-I enjoyed this one, I may even continue with this series...we shall see.


And there you go; my May wrap up; 8 books, 1 Novella and 7 comics and the grand total of 16.  It was a really good month.  Hoping for June to be the same, I have some really great books that I want to read in June so...

What did you read this month?

XOXO,

Nelia


Friday, May 29, 2015

Weekend Reads: Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz

It's Friday, OH YEAH!!! Busy Week, Busy Weekend.  And it's the end of the month this weekend, so expect blog posts with my end of the month wrap up and favorites.

But, here is what I will be reading this weekend:

Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz



I'm almost done with this book and I'm really enjoying...Have a great weekend.

XOXO,

Nelia

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Book Review: The Naturals: Awakening (Episodes 1-4 Season 1)

Book Review Time and today's review is:

The Naturals: Awakening: Season 1-Episodes 1-4



When I requested this book from NetGalley I thought was getting a lot more, but when I started reading I realized there were only 4 episodes and they were SOOO short.  I was done reading this book in like 30 minutes?  Yeah, probably.  I got so mad, that when I was done reading it I didn't even feel like continue reading this series, maybe in the future as I did enjoy the stories but, come on only 4 Episodes?

Alright, I'm going to stop complaining and get to the review:

The Naturals is about a small town full of secrets, teenagers with supernatural abilities (did you watch Heroes? No, well you should, because it sounds just like, which that's what it got me interested in the first place).  It's the end of the summer and the students at Silverwood High are getting ready to go back to school and resume their "normal" lives.  Well, some of these teenagers get their first taste of what their destiny has in store for them but are they ready for it?  Will they be selfless or ruthless?

Each episode is told by each teenager and by different authors.

Episode 1: Avery
Avery is intrigued when the new athletic newcomer takes an interest in her.  But she is convinced that there is more going on with this guy than a simple crush.

Episode 2: Marshall
Marshall is a nerd and is used to is be the odd man out, the last one picked.  But his luck is about to change when he discovers that he can do something that should be completely impossible.

Episode 3: Hailey
Hailey is a soccer prodigy and she hates her home life and tries to hide it every way possible, anger and regrets fills her heart, but concealing her feelings isn't something that she can do anymore and she finds that out the hard way.

Episode 4: Israel
Israel is homeschooled and part of a dysfunctional family, they may look normal but don't be fooled.  Israel is having some disturbing dreams and experiencing bizarre sensations.

Israel may be my favorite, his ability is weird and cool at the same time.  I love it.  I may have to continue with these series in the future, now that I'm writing about it I want more of it again.

I gave 4 out of 5 stars, I did really enjoyed it.

XOXO,

Nelia

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Product Review: L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation

It has been a while since I reviewed a beauty product, but then again it has been a while since I have fall in love with a product.  I bought this product a few weeks ago, but I only started using it about 3 weeks ago and I love it, love it and love it.  Ok, let me introduce to you the product:

L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation



It's not a New, new product, I think I came out a few months back, but when it came out was during the winter when was skin was dry and I was not in the need to for a Matte foundation.  But now that the weather is changing and my skin is changing with it, it's not dry anymore, it's more normal and my skin gets a little oily during the summer so this foundation will be perfect for this time of the year.

I love the consistency, it's not liquidy or too creamy, it's perfect for blending.  And I personally only need about a nickel size of it for my whole face and if I need more I will take just a little more for dark spots around my face.

Another factor that I love is the coverage, it's medium coverage, perfect to wear on a daily basis but also perfect to wear to a party.

And the best factor is how long wearing it is, it lasts all day long.  I apply this foundation at 8am and when I remove it at 10pm it still all there. LOVE it.

It recommend this foundation if you have normal to oily skin, I wouldn't recommend if you have dry skin.  When my skin was dry and I tried for the first time, I hated, but now love it.

Here are a few pictures;

No foundation:



With foundation only:



With full/natural makeup:



Here's a overlap of the 3 stages:


Huge difference, right? I love, love the results...go ahead and give it a try, GO.

XOXO,

Nelia

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Book Review: Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead

Book Review Tuesday and today's book is:

Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead



When I read the synopsis of this book I knew I wanted to read this book, it really intrigued me, love, virus, people's eyes turning purple?  I mean??? Seriously...I had never heard anything like it, so I had to pick this one from NetGalley right away, so glad I got it.

So, Quinn is our girl, is a senior at college in a small town, she loves art and dance and is pretty lay back, that is besides hanging out with her best friend and flirting with a boy genius at their favorite dive bar.  She has no clue what she is going to do with her not so useful art major, but she isn't too worry yet, she just wants to have so fun on her last year at college, no string attach relationships, that's for sure, well that is until she meets the town's hottie, Luke, who just moved back to take care of his dying sister.

Everything is going right for Quinn and then her best friend's eyes turn purple, and she is just the first one.  Before they know it, more and more people are getting the purple eyes virus and they don't know where it's coming from, and once Quinn gets it, she doesn't stop until she finds out where this virus came from.

Was it a side effect from a new party drug?

Or was a virus developed right in the campus lab?

Or is it the mark of the devil, like the university student religious group believe?

Luke falls for Quinn but keeps a part of himself private, he doesn't want to scare Quinn away, but when an accident happens and Quinn and Luke are caught in the middle of it, Luke's is forced to tell the truth to Quinn and is surprised to see Quinn's reaction.

I really loved reading this book, I wanted a little more relationship development from Quinn and Luke and her friends too.  Quinn felt a little bit winning at times, but she did get better, I loved Luke, he was always there when you needed him.  But the end was pretty good, it was a good closure.  No spoilers...you will love to know what causes the purple eyes and what Quinn and Luke finds out.

I gave a 4 out of 5 stars for this book, I recommend it.

XOXO,

Nelia

Monday, May 25, 2015

Nail of the Week: Cherry Red

Happy Monday and Happy Memorial Day, let's take a moment and say Thank You to all our veterans and fallen heroes for all they do and have done for us...Thank You!!!


Here is this week's nails:

Sally Hansen Cherry Red with a Black French Tip









Hope everyone has a great week!

XOXO,

Nelia

Friday, May 22, 2015

Weekend Reads: Alliance by Lacy Yager

TGIF!!! Remember when I said earlier this week how busy I was going to be this week with doctors appts?  Well, guess where I am right now?  At another doctor's appt with my mom, I'm actually at her surgery's follow up, hopefully everything is okay (keeping my fingers crossed).

Here is what I'll be reading this weekend:

Alliance by Lacy Yager



I got this book for free at Amazon because I have the 4th book already in the Series, but I didn't realize that each book follows a different character, so I don't know if you really need to read these books in order?  Have you read them?  Let me know...


What will you be reading?  I'm hoping to go down to the boat and just rest and enjoy the sun a little...ahahaha

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review: Down from the Mountain by Elizabeth Fixmer

Book Review time and today's book is:

Down from the Mountain by Elizabeth Fixmer



When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure I wanted to continued reading, why?  Well, it involved religion and I'm always so afraid to read books about religion because everybody is allowed to have their own opinion about it and I don't want to discuss it, so I was skeptical about it, that's one way to put it.  But I am so glad to actually have read the whole entire book, because it was a lot more than just religion, well let's let get to the review.

This book is about Eva, who grew up in a group called the Righteous Path, she and her mother are among the few "chosen" to be saved from Armageddon.  At first, Eva wanted nothing more than to be a good disciple girl and believe in everything that their leader Ezekial says, but things are not the same anymore.  Their food supplies are getting lower and lower, their people are hungrier by the minute, but their leader is stockpiling weapons and his living space is nothing but the best.

The only money that is coming in lately is coming from jewelry Eva makes and sells down in Boulder, where she goes with one of Ezekial's wives to sell.  There she meets a college student named Trevor and other "heathens" who are nothing like Ezekial has make them believe to be and she starts to question everything she has learned her whole life.

Then one day Ezekial has a "vision" that Eva is to become his new wife and now Eva is ready to make the hardest decision of her life, what does she do? What does her mother do? Well...

It's the most courage, heartbreaking decision and lesson that this girl does and I loved that I didn't put this book aside.  I ended up giving this book 4 out of 5 stars, yes it was pretty good and I totally recommend. Don't look at it and think it's going to talk about religion and religion, there is so much more, friendships, family and independence.

And that will do for this review, hope you all have a great weekend.

XOXO,

Nelia

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Book Review: Enchantment Lake by Margi Preus

Book Review Tuesday time; and today's review is:

Enchantment Lake by Margi Preus



This book follows 17 year old Francie who while she is on an audition in a Manhattan theater gets a weird call from her great aunts asking her to come and help them, quick and hangs up the phone. Francie hadn't heard from her great aunts Astrid and Jeannette in a while and when she gets that call it worries her, so she drops everything and travels to the remote lake in the northwoods called Enchantment Lake.

Once Francie gets there, she finds out that her aunts are fine but that her neighbors are "dropping like flies" from strange accidents.  But are they really accidents?  At first, Francie isn't sure if she wants to stay, but soon she begins to investigate and realizes that the strange accidents aren't really accidents.  The more Francie investigates the more the mysteries multiply; there is a poisoned hot dish, a puzzling confession, eerie noises in the bog, a legendary treasure under the "enchantment lake"...and at the center of everything is a booming business of cabin sales and a road that not everyone wants built.

The closer Francie is to find out the cause of everything, other questions arise, question regarding her own family, about what happened to her father or where and who is her mother.  And all of them makes her question who she is and where is truly belongs? New York or Enchantment Lake, Minnesota?

This was such a quick and easy read, but at the end it still left many questions unanswered.  I needed more closure than it gave us.  Will there be a second book?  I don't know, we will see.

I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars, I like it but like I said, many questions answered.  I just needed more, I did like the characters, loved the aunts, they were wicked fun and Francie was a really start girl.

I got this book from NetGalley before the release day, so Thank You NetGalley!

XOXO,

Nelia





Monday, May 18, 2015

Nail of the Week: Dreamer

Happy Monday! This is such a busy week for me, so many doctors appts, my mom is having surgery and I already crashed from my PCS, so I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I will somehow manage it...as usual, right?

Here is my Mani Monday :)




Revlon Dreamer and Essie as gold as it gets...





And now I'm going to rest a little...

XOXO,

Nelia

Friday, May 15, 2015

Weekend Reads: Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman & Alive by Scott Sigler

Happy Friday!!! I have a very busy weekend ahead, you know why is it that when the weather starts to get nice we end up getting busy?  I want to relax and enjoy this wonderful warm weather. WHY?  But don't worry I will somehow manage to read...

I'm just about done reading Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman



 and once I'm done I will be picking up:

Alive by Scott Sigler





Have a great weekend!!! What are you doing this weekend?

XOXO,

Nelia

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Book Review: Some Kind of Magic by Adrian Fogelin

Today's post is another Book Review and today's book is a book that I got from NetGalley about a month or so ago and I didn't even had read the summary of this book. I saw the title and it I wanted because I thought it was about magic, well I was a little disappointed as it was nothing like I was expecting, but at the end I enjoyed. Well, I'm going to stop babbling and get to the book:

Some Kind of Magic by Adrian Fogelin

 


This book follows a group of teenagers and one of the teenager's little brother, during a summer. It's hot, school just ended, most of their school friends are away at camps but not them. Most of them cannot wait for summer to be over to start high school, while others just want to enjoy the hot summer days. 

The book is also told by each characters perspectives, so you get to know each of the characters a little bit more; but you can also get confused at times. At least I did.

One of the main characters is the little boy, named Cody, who is Ben's little brother. Nobody pays attention to him ever, that is until he finds an old hat, his runaway uncle's old hat that leads all the kids to the woods, to an old house. Ben has the brilliant idea to fix the old shed there and make it their summer hid place. But...
 
What they don't know is that something tragic happened on that house that will change their future forever. 

This is a quick read, that's for sure, I think I finished this book in less than 2 days. 

It was cute, the writing was ok. I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend it if you like contemporary books. Don't expect magic, there isn't any. 

And that will do for today's review. Did you read this book yet?

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity!

XOXO,

Nelia 



Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Erin Condren Planner

I got a Planner.  I can't even believe it myself, but with my brain injury still going on and it's going to be 1 year; I needed help, so I went online a few weeks ago and did some research.  I Google for the best planners out there and I kept coming back to this Erin Condren planner so...I ordered.  And I'm getting used to having a planner, that's the first thing I have to say.  But I also have to say that it is nice to have one place to write everything down and not losing it, that's for sure. 

Let's take a look at it?

Here is the box it came:



It comes really nice and wrapped:

 



Here is all the goodies that comes:




And here is the planner:





Yearly spread:



And here is the monthly spread:



And the weekly spread:


close up on the break down of the day:


at the bottom of the page you get a little section for Meal Plans, Exercise, Daily Dos, Thoughts, Inspirations...whatever you want to write daily...


and on the side you get your Weekly Goals and Notes:




Now it's just getting used to writing everything down...but I've loving it so far.

Do you have a planner?  Is it a Erin Condren?  Do you like it?  What do you recommend?

XOXO,

Nelia