About Books, social media and other
8/13/2022
With all honesty, I don't even know how to start this post, considering I haven't post anything in over two years. Can I blame it on the 'wild-international-bug'? (in part it was because of it, since my life has been quite messy due to it) Anyway, while I was picking up today's book (it's The Thursdays Murder Club by Richard Osman, which so far has been quite fun) I thought about how I got to know this book because of Booktok (funny, because I don't really have a TikTok account)/Bookgram/Booktube/Goodreads mentioning it a lot. I've been thinking a lot about how these social media platform have exploded the art of reading during the pandemic. Not that these didn't exist before it, but I believe it's changing the game for marketing and recommendations, especially towards younger generations.
I've obviously seen good and bad recommendations appearing. There's a certain type of book, depicting rather toxic relationships based on fanfiction that tens to get way more attention than they should. But I've also seen really good books that got shadow-banned in the past jumping into the front row and providing writers a second change that rarely appears in the editorial world. There's also really good book-influencers who have taken their time not only to review books, but also to talk about important issues that connect books and our daily lives. While it's usually scoffed about, pop culture is very well connect with the lives of those who consume it and important lessons can be learnt from it. For those from Portuguese-speaking countries (or those who know Portuguese), I recommend you Elga's project Quem Me Lera, since she reviews and discusses many of these issues at her blog and instagram. And with a different tone, Jake Edwards iconic reviews are hard to pass - I love how he dissed celebrities book tastes and even got one really annoyed by it.
Nonetheless, I've seen others - and experiencing it my self - some kind of pressure regarding the number of books I've read in a year and how long it takes. It's this silent competition no one started but somehow we all in it. And once we get caught on it, it's really hard to get out. This is my reminder to be kind to yourself and read what, how and when makes you feel good. I have a friend who says she is never alone when reading a book and I wholeheartly agree with her.
If you were looking for a review on the book I might do it next week, or another. Basically when I finally finish it and decide to post about.
I guess I'm back to this corner. Now let's try to keep me here a bit more, shall we?
Carry On | A Book Review and more
3/25/2019
I've been thinking about writing about this blog for quite some time. But after this week's revelation (I'll talk about it later) I thought "okay...it's now or never". I got this book last year for my birthday and I committed a small sin: I read this before reading Fangirl. But let me tell you: it was worth it. Like really worth it!
So in case you don't know, Carry On is written by Rainbow Rowell (from Fangirl, Elanor & Park, Landline and she is also currently working on a comic book series with Marvel as well I believe!) and is a follow up book to Fangirl. In Fangirl we are introduced to the world of Simon Snow and Baz, where they appear as altered version of the Harry Potter series (I'll get back to that). After the success of her previous book, Rowell apparently couldn't let go of Simon Snow and ended up writing this marvellous book. (In case you are wondering how we know it, it is stated at the end of the book. At least in my version)
The summary, via goodreads is as it follows
Simon Snow just wants to relax and savour his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he'll be safe. Simon can't even enjoy the fact that his room-mate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can't stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you're the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savour anything.
Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters.
Okay, before I start my breakdown on the book I have to say: I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did. Seriously, it was one of the best books I've read this year (probably only surpassed by Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series) without much thought. And I am so HAPPY that Rowell will be launching another volume about Simon Snow at the end of this year. (It's meant to be launched in September...my birthday month!! I guess we all know what that means...)
The world building
One of the things I really expected was to see this world as wild version of the Harry Potter series. To my delight, it is not. The world of Mages has his own rules, pace and scenario. They work with technology and they do depend on people without magic to keep their magic well - that was really interesting in my opinion. I could see how Rowell wanted to created another fantastic world instead of just mirroring one that was already existing.
The character development
Simon needs love. I can't explain how I felt every time he or someone else would mention how his Summer was and thin he would appear at school - I wanted to punch the Mage at least 50 times because of that. Simon didn't had the same support system Harry had (no Weasley's here...). I felt like he was pushed into doing things he never wanted to - hi Penelope, looking at you.
Speaking of Penelope...I still don't know how I feel about her. She came across really pushy way to many times. There was a particular scene were she got angry because Simon did not tell her someone she did not need to know, since it wasn't really related to her but to Baz, ans I hated her reaction. I don't fully dislike her but....I don't like her either.
Baz was the revelation to be honest. Once his POV started to appear I wouldn't stop reading the book. From the end of chapter 32 I had to read the rest of the book due to my excitement.
Overall, I gave this book a 5 starts rating at goodreads and I can't wait to get the second volume with me (which I'll have to get as a hardcover, otherwise my OCD is going nuts...oops). It was a really fun reading and colides both contemporary YA with a bit of Fantasy YA.
What have you been reading lately?
Why I am broke at the moment |A Haul
3/11/2019
"I solemnly swear I won't be buying more makeup (until I feel the need to"
Most of my purchase was skin care. A mixture of both French Pharmacy and The Ordinary. And two bits from NYX. I also got myself a moisturiser from the Alex Steiner X Primark line and I am currently waiting for a huge order of books - yes...I am back at buying books. Guess I'll have to buy another shelving uni soon, uh?
"From Paris with Love"
Ordinary and yet Important
I also ended up placing an order at Beauty Bay filled with The Ordinary Goodies. It started with me wanting to repurchase The Odinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors +HA as my night moisturiser. It is a simple moisturiser that makes me wake a really glowing and moisturised. I also repurchased The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 because it is the best hyaluronic acid serum I've tried considering it's price point. Alongside with the moisturiser, it makes my skin free of dry patches and any weird texture.
The new kid on the block is The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which I'll be using as my day time serum. I got this after seeing how much Jael from Coquete à Portuguesa loved it and because I wanted something extra for my day time routine. I am yet to try it so I don't have an opinion about it so far.
"More makeup? Yeah kinda"
Probably the last thing I need is makeup but, all of these have a good reason. Starting with The Ordinary's High-Spreadability Fluid Primer, since I was looking after a new primer. I mean, I still love my beloved Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot primer but I've been feeling my skin changing and wanting different products. I also want to test how this goes alongside a foundation like Fenty Beauty's. I've worn this once I really love the look and touch it gave to my skin although...it appeared to leak a bit? It was a bit strange and I need to try it out more for sure.
To finish off my Beauty Bay haul, I finally got The Ordinary's Serum Foundation in the shade 1.1 N. I heard it's a really lightweight foundation - Ruth from A Model Recommends described it as a tinted moisturiser kind of product - and that's what I was looking after. I still love to wear my Fenty foundation for big events and such but I wanted something more natural for when I have classes and other earthly events. I've worn it once and I really liked it! Although I still want to used it more before reviewing it.
I also ended up going to NYX's store after reading Jael's Favourites Blog Post to pick up these two goodies. (actually I picked 3, but the third one is for my friend) The NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Concealer was a really nice discovery and surprise! I am proud to say that my beloved Makeup Revolution concealer has found it's match. This ended up looking more yellow than what I was expecting but somehow it helps with concealing the purple of my dark circles. And lastly but not least, I got my self a mini NYX HD Finishing Powder because I wanted to get a new powder to have on my makeup bag but I didn't want to get anything big or overly expensive. For 3,5€ this does the job and I am now temped to get the Banana powder version to try out as well.
Having this said, I also ended up ordering a few books from Bookdepository. I've been reading more lately and I'll probably take a week this month to post a few reviews here as well.Spoiler alert: the ACOTAR saga is coming.
Having this said, I also ended up ordering a few books from Bookdepository. I've been reading more lately and I'll probably take a week this month to post a few reviews here as well.
Have you bought any of these products?
Makeup I am loving at the moment
2/24/2019
Between Priming and taking it simple
There are day when I want nothing more than just a bit of colour on my lids and run to get the bus. I'll always start by using the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Shadow, because otherwise no eyeshadow will look good. I am so happy I decided to do the investment and get this guy last year. As a wash of colour, I've been loving the Colourpop Super Shock Shadows in La La, which is a lovely Cooper Brown shade with golden reflexes and Weenie, which is a more Red-Brown. I love to blend these all over my lids and I am seriously thinking about getting more shades on my next colourpop haul!
For eyeliner, I've been playing with the NYX That's the Point hella fine eyeliner and although I like it very much has been a favourite, I have to admit that I don't see my self repurchasing it once it's done. To be hones, as soon as I finish it, I'll be back to my beloved Clio Kill Black eyeliner (which costs practically the same). On my under eye area, I've been loving the NYX Faux Whites in Mintcream and I've been thinking about getting either the pink or the lavanda version in a near future. This eyeliner gives a really bright effect, making my eyes seem bigger (which is appreciated, specially when I haven't been able to sleep that well...)
Giving an extra pop of colour
Although I've been enjoying really simple looks, I still enjoys a bit of colour here and there. That is why Colourpop's Give it To Me Straight palette has been a ultimate favourite since I got it. I love the really warm shades like Candid, Be Blunt and TMI and how compact this palette is, alongside the really pleasent eyeshadow formula. I am seriously thinking about picking up another of these palettes in my next colourpop haul!
As for blush, although I've been switching around my collection, the one I've been picking up a lot it Benefit's Rockateur. It is a gorgeous Burnt Rose blush, which although it might sem odd, it really goes with most of my looks without making me seem strange or weird - specially If I go for a more colourful look. I hope they don't discontinue it!
And for lipstick, I've been sticking up for this lovely Makeup Revolution x Soph Lipstick in Fudge. It's a gorgeous brown nude shade that goes with everything and has been providing some 90's vibes I really enjoy. The formula is super comfortable and I want to pick up the other shades before someone decided to discontinue it (please don't!! They are amazing!!)
And for lipstick, I've been sticking up for this lovely Makeup Revolution x Soph Lipstick in Fudge. It's a gorgeous brown nude shade that goes with everything and has been providing some 90's vibes I really enjoy. The formula is super comfortable and I want to pick up the other shades before someone decided to discontinue it (please don't!! They are amazing!!)
What have you been loving?
This mindset probably comes from the fact that I've been really curious about the Hygge lifestyle and I've recently read a book that described it in a very simple way - so simple that made me rethink some of my life choices and how I was embracing things. Simple things like drinking a good cup of tea and reading a book that I love every night before bed have been so simple and so nurturing at the same time. I still want to read The Little Book of Hygge : The Danish Way to life well, alongside other lifestyle book (like the one about Ikigai, lagom and Lykke)
I believe that most of us have this idea that taking time for ourselves is either selfish or a waste of time. It's neither. It's about nurturing ourselves and recharge our soul-batteries in order to face our tasks and challenges. It's about finding inner-peace when the world is always raging everywhere at any given time.
Self-care is probably one of the most important things we can do. It's more than okay to stop and take care. So, take care of yourself! Read that book that you love, take that long bath that you've been wanting to do. Drink that good cup of tea, do that spa session at home that you've been wanting and dreaming about. Because no one can operate non-stop. There used to be a milk advertisement growing up that said "if I don't love myself, who will?" And in today's environment, that's more important than what we realise.
Self-care is probably one of the most important things we can do. It's more than okay to stop and take care. So, take care of yourself! Read that book that you love, take that long bath that you've been wanting to do. Drink that good cup of tea, do that spa session at home that you've been wanting and dreaming about. Because no one can operate non-stop. There used to be a milk advertisement growing up that said "if I don't love myself, who will?" And in today's environment, that's more important than what we realise.
What do you think about the concept of self-care?
Catching up on Life #1
2/10/2019
I was meant to have at least 3 posts online by now but life caught up and....that did not happen. My second semester started early because my faculty is trying out this new calendar thing and...it's a mess. Needless to say, that changed my plans from night to day. I already have a tone of workload to fulfil plus my regular research as I am writing my dissertation.
As for music...I've been mostly into KPOP as always. Although Bring me to Horizon released their new album AMO and sadly...the only two songs I liked are their singles Mantra and Medicine. As for KPOP, I've been loving CLC's No - which is the bomb! - and Cherry Bullet's Q&A (on the cute side).
A Very small haul
1/20/2019
I'll start by talking about my recent pride and joy: my Tiger Bullet Journal! I've been wanting one of these for the longest time, but they were really hard to find here (most notebooks only have lined, blank or grid paper and I really wanted doted) and whenever I did the price point was way too high. On a recent trip to Tiger I saw this and decided that it was a "now or never" type of situation. I had completed my Happy Planner and wasn't really keen on spending another 20 to 30€ on a planner at the moment. The bullet journal will help me to stay on track and to spread my wings in terms of creativity. I've started to fill it and although not everything is rainbows and sunshine, I've decided to see this as a process. Things aren't always as pretty as we see on blogs, pinterest and instagram. Mistakes happen and that's okay.
I am planning to write more about my bullet journey on the blog, specially since I also ordered a pack of Zebra Mildliners and I am contemplating ordering a few stickers and washi tape in the future as well.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
My Whereabouts and other thoughts
1/14/2019
One of my resolutions for this Christmas was to finally get my new book shelf and a new desk (actually I just got a new table top, but it looks like a new desk anyway). This meant I had to do my trip and then step up everything with my dad. (Plus the fact I had a friends dinner scheduled for the renovations day!!)
Everything is finally done, with just a minor thing to be done eventually. My room feels bigger and more accommodating to my needs. I am planning to do a few changes on my vanity as well (which I will explain next). Oh and did I mention I ended up also having to travel for a New Year's Eve party with a friend? Yes, a very busy week!
What happened after New Year's Eve
And if you thought things got slower when I got back....not really! I ended up doing a second IKEA trip in order to get myself a new mattress and I got the flu! Which made me super tired and crankier because I've been coughing for the longest time and not being able to sleep very well. I am finally recovering and looking forward to tackle some projects. 
November flew away at a highway speed. One day we are celebrating Halloween and when we realise we are almost celebrating Christmas and eating Turkey (in my case codfish) with family. Nonetheless, I want to share my November & Autumn favourites, since December marks the beginning of Winter.
My First Colourpop Haul
11/20/2018
Colourpop is no stranger to beauty lovers. I've been dying to try out this products for the longest time and this year, with the help of a friend, I finally place my first order on their website. Spoiler alert: Everything is so nice!
Fenty Foundation Review & Thoughts
11/11/2018
As the end of the year approaches and Festivities start - Christmas parties, New Years Eve and such - if there's something that much be on point is foundation. Fenty Beauty was finally released here at Sephora by the end of August and I was lucky enough to get it right away. After much thought and use, I'll be sharing my thoughts on it.
October Favourites | 2018
10/30/2018
October was a very weird month. With some of the hottest and coldest days of the year, strange things in my personal life and new discoveries beauty-wise. I wouldn't believe it would be like this if someone had told me beforehand.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid | A Review
10/26/2018
This post took a while to come out. But I guess it is better later than ever, specially when the topic is affordable skin care!
New Makeup I recently got | Small Haul
10/21/2018
After my birthday it was expected that I'd have already a major Haul here. But...for now I decided to only get these small bits. Mostly because I am hording until most of the Holiday releases and special kits (also Black Friday!!) And yet I still needed and wanted some treats.
Autumn has finally arrived (although in a bit of a bumpy way) and with that I am finally pulling out my comfy jumpers, stocking and of course: nail polish!
Autumn is slowly peaking through, after a really hot day in the beginning of October. Nonetheless, I have been already preparing my hair and body for the change of season, picking up products that will help me once the cold arrives so that I don't find myself in the middle of as unpleasant surprise.
My September Favourites | 2018
9/25/2018
September was a crazy month! For starters I worked at my faculty because of the new students that were enrolling in their first-year of BA or MA. It was also my birthday month and other peculiar things got to happen. Nonetheless, there I am to share my beauty favourites of the month.
After Blush, what I love the most is lipstick without much question. Specially in the colder seasons where I can got for my shades of choice: reds, wine and deep browns. Today I'll be sharing what shades I'll be wearing while transitioning from the extremely suffocating hot weather to the more pleasant breeze of Autumn/Fall.
The Autumn Blushes Edit
9/05/2018
September is here and with it all the comebacks: coming back to school, coming back to work and of course coming back to university. Another obvious comeback is the Autumn season. It is still really hot here, but I can already imagine myself drinking hot tea at night and getting comfy around my blankets.
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