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Showing posts from 2024

Current Hyper Fixation Hobby

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I must be spending too much time on TikTok but the algorithm somehow brought me to the side of ColorTok. From the Disney coloring books to the Ohuhu markers I have become obsessed with not only watching coloring videos but coloring itself. Thank goodness for Amazon and their speedy deliveries because I just couldn't wait to get my hands on some coloring books and markers.  Financially, I'm a few hundred dollars deep in this new hobby of mine. And while I am writing this out I have a pending order waiting to be shipped to me. Of course, I included a few items that I desperately need that isn't related to coloring to try to convince myself I don't have a problem. And to get free delivery...of course!  When I first started on this journey I had a Crayola set of markers and I was on the hunt for some cool coloring books. Well color me impressed (see what I did there? Pun intended) that retail stores weren't able to help me find the coloring books I was looking for. I do...

Too Faced | Pumpkin Spice Second Slice Eye Shadow Palette (Review)

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 Product Summary: This sexy, sparkling, Pumpkin pie-scented eye shadow palette features 18 warm and spicy shades in a  variety of finishes that will make transitioning form your morning PSL's to your favourite fall late night snack as easy as pie! Cost: Around $60 but I bought it on sale from Sephora for $34.  ***Cruelty Free*** Here is another eye shadow palette review for a Too Faced palette. I've reviewed a few of their palettes so far and I'm happy to write that I am beyond happy with the Pumpkin Spice Second Slice palette. As we have all seen if you have been following my blog and reviews that I am a sucker for natural/ warm eyeshadows. So naturally, this palette became a favourite of mine quite quickly.  As per usual, another fantastic palette from Too Faced that hits it out of the park for me. It has amazing pigmentation, long-lasting staying power and again their formula is so easy to use and takes very little effort to put together an amazing eye look. ...

Meg 2: The Trench (Movie Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Jonas Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal, prehistoric sharks and relentless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators. Opening scene: Set 65 Million years ago during the Cretaceous period. We see the Tyrannosaurus Rex chasing 'Snappers' or Rauisuchians who then gets eaten by a Megalodon. I quite liked this opening because it visually showed us the circle of life during that time period.  Sequels always tend to be worse than the original movie and alas this movie is not an exception. The first movie was phenomenal because it gave us so much action, we got attached to the characters and it felt like I was on the same journey as them. This go around man there w...

Myrnin's Tale (The Morganville Vampires #0.1) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

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***This review will contain spoilers***  Summary: This story came about just because I wanted to know more about Myrnin for my own understanding of his character, and sometimes, the best way to achieve that is to write a character’s history from his/her point of view. The character tells me what’s important, and what changed, for better or worse. Discovering that Myrnin’s father had some type of mental disorder was important to me, because of course when he was born, such things weren’t really understood. When I was working on the draft of the first book in which Myrnin appeared, my co-worker who read it said, ‘Oh, you’ve written a bipolar character, and he’s actually really cool! Did you know that I take medication for that?’ She went on to relate all the ways he was familiar to her. I was amazed, and honoured. I won’t name the co-worker, for privacy, but I say now, as then: thank you for sharing your story with me, and you know who you are. I hope Myrnin continues to make you pro...

Lord Of Misrule (The Morganville Vampires #5) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, the master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the evil dead, and let chaos rule. But Bishop isn't the only threat. Violent black cyclone clouds hover, promising a storm of devastating proportions as student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against elements both natural and unnatural. I have said it in the past and I shall say it again. I am beyond impressed how much Caine is able to include in just a couple hundred pages. I have read books with 700+ pages and have just a fraction of action or plot in comparison to the Morganville books.  Lord of Misrule is slightly different in comparison to the previous books where they were structured this one is more chaotic and erratic. Which absolutely makes sense. There's an outright war in Morganville, humans are h...

Skyn Iceland | Berry Lip Fix (Review)

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 Product Summary: This ultra-emollient formula leaves dry, peeling lips with a velvety texture in an instant. Infused with skin conditioning ingredients, the natural and vegan formula boosts skin with restorative plant peptides, oils, and extracts. Using wintered red algae, skin barrier function is restored to repair and hydrate on the surface as well as deep down. Cost: Around $20.  ***Cruelty free*** I ended up receiving this item in a Ipsy glam bag which is a monthly beauty subscription service where you get 5 items from sample to full size for around 20$ Canadian. Click here to check them out.  The weather is getting colder and harsher which I thought would be the perfect time to review this product. I haven't been using it for very long but it seems that the product might turn quickly if it's exposed to air/ bacteria? I'm not quite sure what happened but I used it one day and left it alone for a  few days. When I went back to use it the inside of the cap was fil...

Deadpool & Wolverine (Movie Review)

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**This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Deadpool's peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon unites with his would-be pal, Wolverine, to complete the mission and save his world from an existential threat. I do want to preface by saying that I grew up watching the X-Men movies and the animated series. Hugh Jackman is the only and only Wolverine I acknowledge unless we get some more Cavillrine then I'd be okay with him having some more screen time. It's no lie that the X-Men movies have been dropping in quality for years, however, they have casted some of the most amazing actors who in my humble opinion could not be replaced. Long before Ironman there was DareDevil and Elektra, our Spiderman was Tobey Maguire and Wesley Snipes single handedly saved Marvel studios and paved the way for comic book heroes. I know that Disney has been trying to merge the gap between the MCU and X-Men but ...

Blaq | Activated Charcoal Face Mask (Review)

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 Product Summary: Minimize mirror time with the activated charcoal mask which is designed to target toxins and draw out impurities instantly. The result? Fresh, clear skin that will have you feeling ready to take on the world! Cost: $18 ***Not Cruelty free*** I ended up receiving this item in a Ipsy glam bag which is a monthly beauty subscription service where you get 5 items from sample to full size for around 20$ Canadian. Click  here to check them out.   I have been looking for a face mask to help me with my blackheads. And I am beyond impressed with this product. I don't have many skin issues but blackheads on my nose have been a reoccurring one for years.  This product was easy enough to use. You apply it on the area of concern, wait till it fully dries and then peel it. It's super satisfying and I only need to use it once every couple weeks.  Rating: I'm going to give this face make 4.5 stars on 5. This is going to be a short review because I have nothing ...

Dead Man Stalking (The Morganville Vampires #4.5) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

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***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Living in West Texas is sort of like living in Hell, but without the favorable climate and charming people. Living in Morganville, Texas, is all that and a takeout bag of worse. I should know. My name is Shane Collins, and I was born here, left here, came back here—none of which I had much choice about. Another great short story from Caine! It was nice to have the point of view of a different character than Claire. Shane plays a huge part in the series but we have rarely seen a emotional side to him thus far. I love when authors write short stories because it adds a different level of intimacy with a character that we might not have experienced otherwise through the series. Zombies in Morganville? I guess with vampires around it wouldn't be surprising that a different type of undead would be around and of course creating havoc in Shane Collins life. And of course who else would be behind Shane's abduction than daddy dearest. Shan...

Natasha Denona | Bloom Blush and Glow Palette (Review)

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 Product Summary: Offering a versatile range of radian finishes from muted to multi-dimensional. The bloom palette features a hydrating cream blush, duo chrome highlighting powder, luxe highlighting cream and velvety cream to powder highlight. Each shade can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips. Full price $74 but I bought it on sale at Sephora for $51.80  ***Cruelty free*** Another amazing palette by Natasha Denona! I have emphasized in the past how I prefer buying palettes on sale. Whether it's face or eyeshadow palettes I will strictly buy them on sale and I still wont change because I prefer saving the money and again it's hard to pay full price for only four colours. All these brands seem over priced at full price and the sale price seems appropriate for the product. I love Natasha Denona but not at $74. That's simply bananas.  Despite how expensive Natasha Denona is I still absolutely love their palettes. They are always so beautiful in the pan and applied to my face. T...

Feast Of Fools (The Morganville Vampires #4) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace. Student Claire Danvers has never been convinced, though, especially with the arrival of Mr. Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town's living and its dead is unthinkably sinister. It's only at a formal ball, attended by vampires and their human dates, that Claire realizes the elaborately evil trap he's set for Morganville. I love how much Caine is able to pack in a book of just a couple hundred pages. It's like non stop organized chaos. There's a war brewing with Bishop in town and all these motherfuckers are playing chess while most of the humans in town are unsure of what is even happening. Another reason why I love Claire is that no matter how outnumbered or outpowered she is, she is still going to stand up for what's right and hold her ground. Granted she might not hold it for lon...

Jurassic World: Dominion (Movie Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar, dinosaurs now live and hunt alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history's most fearsome creatures. Opening Scene: After the events at the Lockwood estate, we are given an update on the free roaming dinosaurs and how they and the humans have adapted to co-existing. As expected, a black market bloomed to take advantage of these poor creatures. Of course, to help fight the illegal poachers Biosyn genetics was awarded sole collection rights to the dinosaurs to test them for pharmaceutical purposes. I don't know if it was done on purpose but the CEO of Biosyn; Lewis Dodgson strikes a remarkable resemblance to Bill Gates. Funny how they both say they do thing to 'help' humankind yet their net worth increases by the b...

GlamGlow | Bright Eyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream (Review)

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 Product Summary: This fast absorbing formula works on all skin tones to brighten under and around the eye to reduce dark circles. Using linoleic acid and botanical extracts, bright eyes helps repair the delicate eye area skins moisture barrier and prevent puffiness while gently erasing the look of fine lines in as little as 4 weeks. Cost: Around $70. ***not cruelty free*** I ended up receiving this item in a Ipsy glam bag which is a monthly beauty subscription service where you get 5 items from sample to full size for around 20$ Canadian. Click  here to check them out.   I am a overtime queen and am constantly working. Unfortunately, that can lead to me being tired and having some unattractive under eyes. I was using this eye cream for a few months and it surprisingly worked really well. I'm still shocked that I can see such a noticeable difference to my under eyes.  I've noticed that the under eye area is not as sunken in, it makes me look refreshed and awake. I ha...

Too Faced | Born This Way Sunset Stripped Eyeshadow Palette (Review)

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 Product Summary: Inspired by the warm, sultry, sexy sun-kissed skin of beach babes frolicking in the surf and sound of Malibu, these 16 rich, creamy, highly-pigmented modern nudes range from flattering to sultry matte, metallic, shimmer, and sparkle shades for looks so naturally alluring, they'll think you were born in L.A.! Cost: Full price $70 however, I bought it on sale from Sephora for $33.  ***Cruelty free*** Despite Too Faced having a sub-par reputation and a history of being problematic I have always loved their palettes and have taken advantage in buying their products on sale. This is another palette of theirs that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I am never a fan of the full price tag, hence, why I only buy them on sale because dishing out $33 is a hell of a lot more manageable than $70.  As per usual, I am a fan of the natural/nude eyeshadows. I love the pigmentation and love the colour pay off. They are easy to work with and they blend extremely well. Starting fro...

Midnight Alley (The Morganville Vampires #3) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: When Claire Danvers learnt that her college town was run by vampires, she did what any intelligent, self-preserving student would do: she applied for a transfer and stocked up on garlic. The transfer is no longer an option, but that garlic may come in handy. Now Claire has pledged herself to Amelie, the most powerful vampire in town. The protection her contract secures does little to reassure her friends. All of a sudden, people are turning up dead, a stalker resurfaces from Claire's past, and an ancient bloodsucker extends a chilling invitation for private lessons in his secluded home. Another great book! Just when I think the story will start to die down, Caine just suckers me right back in. I love that the books start right where the previous one left off, so you can finish one and pick up the next one to continue on with the journey. The fact that Caine is able to fit so much in just a couple hundred pages shows the talent she h...

Bare Minerals | Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss (Review)

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 Product Summary: Vibrant color loaded into a refreshing formula that slips on satiny-smooth for sheer to medium coverage with non stop glistening shine. Lips look fuller and more voluptuous. Vitamin A,C, and E complex helps to deliver antioxidant defence. Cost: $18 color in Hot Shot  ***Cruelty free*** This has got to be one of the worst lip glosses I have ever tried. It looks cute for about five minutes then as soon as I drink anything it clumps together. And forget about reapplying over it because if you do then it clumps together even worse.   I like the pink color and it does make my lips look full. However, it does not feel comfortable at all. And this thing cost $18 to make matters worse. It doesn’t matter how cute something looks I value my comfort over anything else.  Rating: 0 stars on 5! Absolutely, was a waste of money and I do regret buying it. Live and learn lol.

The Pope’s Exorcist (Movie Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, uncovers a centuries old conspiracy while investigating a young boy's terrifying possession.  "When we jeer at the Devil and tell ourselves that he does not exist, that is when he is happiest."  -Father Gabriele Amorth  I have known of Father Amorth for many years. He has done tens of thousands of exorcisms and have helped save just as many people. He has had many movies made about him and his experiences and has penned many books in hopes of teaching others and leaving his knowledge behind. His quote about the devil being at his happiest when we mock him rings true. Even if we do not believe doesn't mean it isn't real and cannot effect us. I've had many moments in my life where it felt like I was living my own personal hell on Earth. Now whether that be the devil's direct actions or influence it's hard to say but by the grace of God and prayer God ...

Grudge (The Morganville Vampires #2.5) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary:  This story details events discussed in The Dead Girls’ Dance about the death of Shane’s sister Alyssa. Here, in its entirety, is the story of that night told mainly from Shane’s point of view. Another great short story by Rachel Caine! The first two books briefly mentioned Shane's sister; Alyssa and her tragic demise but it was nice to get a different perspective on the Morganville residents prior to Claire's attendance. Of course, Michael and Shane are the best of buds and we had a insight to the dynamics of Shane's family. Mother is absent working to keep the family afloat, the father is a drunk drowning in his sorrows which if you asked me being drunk would be the last thing I would want to do in a town full of vampires. Finally, we have baby sister Alyssa and big brother Shane. Both have the usual sibling dynamic and Shane being the older brother took up that mantle quite easily.  A bitch is a bitch and unfortunately ...

VENeffect | Micro-Exfoliant (Review)

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 Product Summary: This ultra fine exfoliant with grape seed, soy, pomegranate and willow bark. It gently removes dead skin cells, helps keep skin clear and radiant. Plus it hydrates and improves skin tone. Cost: $60 ***Cruelty Free*** I ended up receiving this item in a Ipsy glam bag which is a monthly beauty subscription service where you get 5 items from sample to full size for around 20$ Canadian. Click  here to check them out.   I love using s scrub, especially, during the summer months where my skin tends to get quite oily and sweat more than normal. I don't tend to spend many hours outside during the summer but when I do I need a good scrub to help me rid of the accumulation of sweat and grim on my face. Seems simple enough? Apparently, not. And don't let the price tag fool you, expensive does not mean better quality.  I am beyond disappointed in this product! It does nothing for my skin. It's so 'gentle' that it doesn't exfoliate anything off my face. And...

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (Movie Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the Island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.  I have been a fan of the Jurassic films since I was a little child. And being born in the 90's I have watched the original trilogy so many times I have lost count at this point. I absolutely loved the first Jurassic World film when it came out and am so happy they came out with a sequel. I will say sometimes sequels have a hard time surpassing the original film and quite frankly this one while being great just was not as good as the first Jurassic World movie.  I am happy that the story finally continues, however, I wish they would have been a little more original. A volcano erupting on the isla...

Amelie's Story (The Morganville Vampires #1.5) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

 Summary: A brief vignette to understand Amelie's and Oliver's relationship. This was written very early on, between Glass Houses and The Dead Girls’ Dance... This really was a short story of maybe 4 to 5 pages. I wish it would have been longer since I find Amelie from what little has been introduced about her in the first two books quite interesting. We don't know much about her. We don't know how old she is, how she came to become a vampire or why Morganville is so important to her. Out of all the places to choose to reside in, the United States wouldn't be my first choice. Especially, as a vampire.  Amelie doesn't seem to like Oliver either but yet she allows him some leeway. I do wish to see these two go head to head which seems to be coming up soon in the series seeing as how in The Dead Girls' Dance he was plotting with Shane's dad to get rid of Amelie. I know Amelie doesn't take kindly to disrespect and I hope she puts Oliver in his place.  Fr...

True Blood | Season 3 Episode 3: It Hurts Me Too (Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** This definitely felt like a filler episode in the sense that it focused more on the minor characters and less on Bill and Sookie. We definitely got a break from those two for the most part. This episode feels a little like the calm before the storm. With the way this one went I can say for certain next episode shit will hit the fan!  Poor Tara is about to see a whole lot more darkness before she sees the sun. Her one night stand with Franklin the vampire was definitely uncomfortable to watch and despite her trying to keep her distance from him, he doesn't seem to want to let her go. Not only does he try to find out more information on her, he glamours her so he can get into Sookie's house. He screams danger and from what we've seen with the first two seasons is that once a vampire sets their sight on you, it's damn near impossible to get rid of.  Sam was better off not knowing his family because he can't seem to shake them. A...

The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life (The Morganville Vampires #0.5) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Eve Rosser is turning eighteen. Does she accept the Protection or go without? This is a short story about Eve prior to the start of the series and the Glass Houses book. It is technically before the start of Glass Houses but I preferred to read a couple of the books in the series first and then read some of the short stories of our favourite or new characters. Makes it easier for me to understand the whole story and I love getting an insight on characters since the Morganville series is read from Claire's point of view.  I am impressed with how much Caine was able to include in a short story. Eve had to endure more than anyone should have to, especially, on their birthday. She is out with some friends drinking and celebrating her eighteenth birthday but things turn for the worse when one of her friends drives while under the influence. Of course it leads to an accident and only but two girls make it out alive. Eve and her best ...

The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires #2) By: Rachel Caine (Book Review)

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 ***This review will contain spoilers*** Summary: Claire Danvers has her share of challenges---like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains, dealing with the homicidal girls in her dorm, and above all, finding out that her college town is overrun with vampires. On the up side, she has a great roommate (who tends to disappear at sunup) and a new boyfriend named Shane, whose vampire-hunting dad has called in backup: cycle punks who like the idea of killing just about anything. Now a fraternity is throwing its annual Dead Girls' Dance and---surprise!---Claire and her equally outcast best friend, Eve, have been invited. When they find out why, all hell is going to break loose. Because this time both the living and the dead are coming out---and everybody's hungry for blood. I just need to start off by saying how amazing this book was! We have murder, action, teen angst and a whole lot of vampires. Despite it being the second book in the series, we weren't overw...

True Blood | Season 3 Episode 2: Beautifully Broken (Review)

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***This review will contain spoilers*** This was such a phenomenal episode! There were no dull moments! Bill surprisingly held his own against the pack of werewolves. Have I mentioned that I do not like Bill? Bill was supposedly not abducted but ‘invited’ by the King of Mississippi; Russell Edgington.  Russell abducted Bill to try and learn of Sophie-Anne’s secrets, bring Bill to his cause and help convince Sophie-Anne to marry Russell so they can share territories. Seeing how broke she is…doesn’t sound like such a bad proposition. However, what is most interesting is that Russell’s pack of wolves are the same ones that Eric and Goodrich were hunting during World War II. It was so great seeing Godric again! He seemed like the only one to keep Eric in check and it was devastating when he passed away. I hope to see some more flashbacks with him in it.  Russell obviously sent men after Sookie seeing as how Bill doesn’t have a sense of self preservation. One vampire who trashed Bi...