Hey, world! Apologies if I haven't updated you on what's going on in my life. I haven't really got the time to sit down and just write. So much has happened in the past 5 months that's why I'm excited to share with you tidbits of what's happening in my life. Read below!

Books

• July •

Disney Manga: Stitch! Best Friends Forever! | I think a big chunk of the books I've read in the past 5 months were graphic novels and I started with this cute manga. I'm such a huge fan of Disney so I simply can't resist reading these kinds of books. When you're in a stressful environment, I really suggest for you guys to try reading children's books or fun graphic novels/comics. It will really help to de-stress you in an instant. You'll feel light-hearted in a jiff. This is a good book to share with your kids (for parents) or to your friends. Read my full review here.

It's truly a dream come true to receive your favorite Korean beauty products at your doorstep. Thanks to Althea, every Filipina can happily discover the right products for their skin for an affordable price. Now that I'm addicted to skincare as well, they truly made it easier for us to shop. But what made them stand out from other e-commerce sites is that they also offer their limited edition and thematic Althea boxes which are specially curated by their glam squad. Surprisingly, I just found out that they just launched this feature last year. Way to go, Althea!

Dark Fang #1 by Miles Gunter & Kelsey Shannon

(Started & Finished: November 18, 2017)

Summary Description:

“EARTH CALLING,” Part One Her name is Valla. In life she was a fisherwoman. In death she is a vampire residing peacefully on the bottom of the ocean. When a mysterious dark plague descends upon her aquatic paradise, she must venture to the surface in search of answers. What she finds is a world headed towards an environmental collapse that will eventually wipe out her food supply. If Valla is to continue to have the blood she needs to survive, then she must stop the fossil fuel industries from destroying the planet—no matter the cost. From MILES GUNTER (NYC MECH) and KELSEY SHANNON (BASTARD SAMURAI) comes an action-horror middle finger to the politicians and propagandists who choose to deny the reality of climate change. Prepare yourself. DARK FANG is coming. (From Image Comics)

Two years ago, I had the privilege to write about the advocacy (read here) of one of my closest friends, Clarissa Saclag: ARCHITECTure STUDENT GRADUATE GIVES BACK (ASGB). The goal of this project is to give back or pay it forward once a year through simply having a sincere commitment to volunteering and supporting, as much as they can, the needs of the less fortunate kids.

You must think I have skipped a step. Nope, I’m just too excited to share my verdict about this upcoming product of Benton. I’ll continue my chronological 10 step skincare series next time. So I’ve always been curious about their product line so thank God I was one of the chosen applicants to review this product. Just a wee bit sad that I was not able to meet the cut of the deadline of review due to shipping/customs problems. The product arrived here in the Philippines on time since I checked with the courier but I received it months after... So I’m really frustrated how it was handled by the local post.

Lady Mechanika: La Dama de la Muerte #1 by Joe Benítez & M.M. Chen

(Started & Finished: August 06, 2017)

Summary/Description:

After suffering a tragic loss, Lady Mechanika takes a trip to a small Mexican village just in time for their Día de los Muertos celebration. But the festivities turn truly deadly after the arrival of the Jinetes del Infierno, the mythical Hell Riders. A very special Day of the Dead Lady Mechanika three-part story! (From Goodreads)

Finally back to complete this series! Okay! So if you're done breaking down those dry skin, it's time to dampen your skin so it can absorb a bit more moisture. The best way to do it is to use a toner.

Vidia and the Fairy Crown by Haruhiko Kato

(Started: July 30, 2017; Finished: August 05, 2017)

Summary/Description:

When Queen Clarion's crown goes missing on the night of Pixie Hollow's biggest bash, all fingers point to one thief: the rude and stand-offish fairy Vidia! To keep from being banished from Pixie Hollow forever, Vidia and her friend Prilla go on an outrageous hunt for the crown that takes them from one end of Never Land to the other. Can they find the crown in time to save Vidia's reputation?! (From Goodreads)

A clean face doesn't mean it's smooth and clear. Double cleansing might remove all the dirt on your face but you still need to peel off the layer of dead skin cells. The key is to exfoliate once or twice a week if possible to help your skin absorb the rest of the products you'll apply.

Disney Manga: Stitch! Best Friends Forever! by Miho Asada

(Started: July 24, 2017; Finished: July 29, 2017)

Summary/Description:

You know and love Stitch's Hawaiian adventures... so join your favorite alien as he visits a Japanese island near Okinawa, where he befriends a young girl named Yuna, who excels at karate. This is a diary of their adventures throughout the island. (From Goodreads)

Review: 5 stars

Publication Date: July 18, 2017

Publisher: TokyoPop

Source: TokyoPop via Netgalley

Shelf: Goodreads

When you've been trying to finish a very serious book and you haven't read for quite some time now, a kawaii (cute) graphic novel is a good way to take your mind off things. Miho Asada's Disney Manga - Stitch Best Friends Forever! is such an adorable read. It's short, sweet, and entertaining. I found myself smiling and laughing with some of the conversations between Stitch and the other protagonist, Yuna, and even their misadventures.

Stitch is such a fan character that you won't be able to get enough of him. I love how he's still unaccustomed to some of the most mundane things we, humans, do. It triggers his curiosity and he will always find a way to learn or try it. If it leads to disaster, he will damn sure make up for it. What a cutie! It's also nice to see familiar faces like Jumba and Pleakley. It made me miss the movie and the series. You might be wondering where Lilo is. Unfortunately, she's not in the manga. I know it feels like it won't be complete without her but thank God Yuna is there to fill in the gap. She's gentle, she loves the sea, and she is a good friend to Stitch.

Plot wise, I was expecting one whole story but this manga actually holds short stories for the readers to enjoy. You can see how Stitch's character will progress while adjusting in a new world and culture. Plus it can be shared and enjoyed by children and kids' at heart. Overall, it's a nice addition to your growing manga collection or a good starter for first-timers.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

It has been a long and winding journey and I can't help but ask myself where to next? There will always be an inkling feeling of what ifs, regrets, and hope this road will lead you to your next destination. But I'm still eager to find out and discover what awaits me. I can't wait for future trips to enjoy, cities to explore, and adventures to share. Whatever it is, I'm ready to keep moving forward.

Missing You by Meg Cabot

(Started: September 17, 2010; Finished: September 20, 2010)

Summary/Description:

Good-bye, Lightning Girl.

Ever since a walk home on a particularly stormy day, Jessica Mastriani has had an ability like no other. She became known worldwide as Lightning Girl--a psychic who could find the location of anyone, dead or alive. Jess finally had no choice but to embrace her newfound talent, and ended up lending her skills to the U.S. government.

But her work for them has taken a terrible toll, and Jess resurfaces months later a shadow of her former self, her powers gone, Lightning Girl no more. Her only hope is starting over in a new place, a big city where nobody knows her.

It's only when Rob Wilkins unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep that she's forced to face her past. Rob, all the way from back home, needs her help. But how can Jess, her powers gone, find anyone, let alone the sister of a man she once loved . . . when she can't even find herself?

Missing You, the fifth and final book in the 1-800-Where-R-You series. (From Goodreads)

Review: 4 stars

Publication Date: December 26, 2006

Publisher: HarperTempest

Shelf: Goodreads

Disclaimer: This is an old review (published last September 17, 2010) but this version is improved and edited.

This is a Twitteresque review (but I think exceeded 140 characters :P) so please bear with me and don't expect a lengthy one. Here we go:

Honestly, I was not satisfied and hooked with the story. It felt flat. The series started great and it should've been given a stronger ending but Meg Cabot wasn't able to do that. As for the characters, I think if the young adult characters, like Rob and Jess, were a little older and mature, I believe the plot would've worked better. Plotwise, I appreciate how the author tackled a worldwide issue that's still rampant nowadays. A bulk of it was still predictable but I wish it wasn't that easy for Jess to solve every single situation just to make it more real and relatable. Maybe if the difficulty of her obstacles were heightened, it could've also boosted the thrill and excitement of the readers--this applies to the second and fourth book of the series as well.

Overall, it was still a decent read and thank God it's over. I'm more than ready to move on to my next book!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

After the oil cleanser, the second product to use is a water-based cleanser. It is double-cleansing for a reason, right? Remember how you break down the barrier of dirt, makeup, etc. on your face with the oil cleanser? Well for sure, there are still some debris leftovers on your face that you have to wash off and your water-based cleanser will be the one to take care of it. Think of it this way: if this is a fantasy video game of some sort, we already destroyed the wall of the castle and all that's left to do is to chaaaaaaaaaaaaaarge and remove that unwanted dirt comfortably sticking on your skin. Yikes!

• Riverdale: Despite having that Pretty Little Liars feel, it was able to leave its audience mind blown, thanks to the revelation of the killer and another mystery to solve.

• Pretty Little Liars: Caught up with the latest episodes and nothing has changed. It's still a disappointment.

While I was browsing my files, I saw folders of images that I haven't seen or touched for a year. One of these was when I covered an Avon event for their new fragrance then called Avon Cherish. It was a beautiful event. From the venue to the setup, to the food, and guests, it's perfect. Uncovering this made me somehow miss doing it.

Sanctuary by Meg Cabot

(Started & Finished: September 17, 2010)

Summary/Description:

JESS MASTRIANI

Knew she wasn't going to be able to hide her psychic powers from the U.S. government forever. But she never thought that she and Dr. Krantz, the special agent brought in to convince Jess to join his elite team of "specially gifted" crime solvers, would have something in common.

When a local boy's disappearance is attributed to a backwoods militia group, it turns out that Jess and Dr. Krantz have the same goal. Suddenly Jess finds herself collaborating with one enemy in order to stop a far worse one. In an atmosphere of hate and fear, Jess and Dr. Krantz must work together to unite a community and save a life...without losing their own. (From Goodreads)

Sweet dreams are made of these.

Safe House by Meg Cabot

(Started: September 14, 2010; Finished: September 17, 2010)

Summary/Description:

JESS MASTRIANI was on vacation when Amber went missing. Most people blame Jess for Amber's brutal slaying, but how could Jess -- even with her psychic ability to find anyone, anywhere -- have stopped the cheerleader from turning up dead, without having known she was even missing? When yet another cheerleader disappears, Jess has a chance to redeem herself. If she can just find the girl before it's too late, maybe Jess will finally have a chance to be part of the in crowd. Except that it's starting to look like being in might just get you -- not to mention your loved ones -- killed. So much for popularity. (From Goodreads)

The first product one should use when starting a 10 step skincare routine is an oil cleanser or a makeup remover. Washing your face with your go-to cleanser is not enough to remove all obstacles your skin have, from makeup, excess sebum, dirt to other dreadful impurities. Hence, the infamous "double cleansing". For those who are well-versed in the beauty scene, you sure don't need this lecture but for those, like me, who are late bloomers or constantly discovering the path to a beautiful skin, I got you!

Here's last month's round up of what I was up to and new discoveries in general. Read on below!

Books

Since I'm the worst reader awardee this year (don't throw stones at me huhu), I'm just gonna share with you the ones I'm interested in reading and the #Bookgasm content I posted this year (click the books to know more and the book names for the reviews).

Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Brooke A. Allen

(Started: January 09, 2016; Finished: January 10, 2016)

Summary/Description:

FRIENDSHIP TO THE MAX!

At Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's camp for hard-core lady-types, things are not what they seem. Three-eyed foxes. Secret caves. Anagrams. Luckily, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five rad, butt-kicking best pals determined to have an awesome summer together... And they're not gonna let a magical quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! The mystery keeps getting bigger, and it all begins here. (From Goodreads)

So remember when I reviewed The Lost Dacomé Files: The Battle for Arcanon Major (you can read it here)? Alexandra May messaged me a while back and I think it was during my trip in Korea. I got excited because she kept tabs and would love for me to review her new book. It was out last March 01 and I can't wait! I'm looking forward to have her over Style Reader for an interview or a guest post. We'll see. I'll be putting some sneak peek information below, enough for you all to get pumped up to read her next novel. I really hope it's better than the first installment.

It felt like November, December, January, February, and March were too short but I hope that I was able to spend it well. Wow. I still can't believe it's April already and we're in the second quarter of the year. I know it's been a while and I'll be sharing with you a bulk of what happened, what I did, and all of my musings for the past months in just one post. I hope you'll read it 'til the end.

Books

I'm so bad at reading these days that the only book I finished in a span of October 2016 to March 2017 is My Neighbor Totoro. I KNOW RIGHT!?!?! I don't even understand how I cannot finish a book lately. I wish I can really squeeze in some reading time on a normal and daily basis.
That's why in advance, I want to take this time to apologize to all the publishers who have been contacting me for blog tours, reviews, and spotlight features. I'm sorry for the delays and for not being able to respond as soon as I can but I want you to know that I'm really trying my hardest to be consistent and to accomplish everything.

Anyhoo. I'm currently reading the following awesome books:
I haven't updated my Goodreads yet, but I did some reading during my trip last week. I do it alternately so I can accomplish my goal for this year. (Oh please, help me reach it!)

Music

I'm pushing myself to discover more music and to catch up with the new releases. I've been a laggard ever since Grooveshark left me. Huhu I know. So my current jam is just the Global Top 50 of Spotify. I don't know. I just don't feel like thinking and curating my music lately. Tough times.

Games

I stopped playing a lot of games for a bit due to my schedule but I tried keeping up with my Disney Emoji Blitz. I love how I can play it even offline and while on the plane.


TV Series

As you all know I'm a TV show buff. I binge-watch everything and almost every time as long as I can. So here are the shows I recently watched and discovered (and some I forgot to share in the past few months):

• 666 Park Avenue: I rewatched the show and I finally got to finish it. It was good while it lasted. It had so much potential. I wish it had a bigger fanbase because I feel like the series can show so much more. It was intriguing, scandalous, and dark. But too bad it got canceled and too bad on how they ended things.

Hello everyone! I just got back from my recent trip and still recovering (and a bit lazing around, I suppose). I know it's not too late but I want to introduce you guys to this book by Zoe Cruz called Beastia. If you are one of those who love fairy tales and interested in reading the modern versions of it (like me), then this book is a cool addition to your TBR pile or your must-read list. Here's a brief background of the book and of course, an excerpt to give you a sneak peek on what's in store for you!

Summary:

The meanest of the mean girls, Rebekah Austin rules her Chicago school with sharp outfits and an even sharper tongue. She has a way of making even the most beautiful and brilliant girls in her class feel like dirt. But underneath the queen-bee façade is someone who feels ugly, repulsive…beastly.

When Rebekah falls prey to a madman, the bully becomes the bullied. Scarred and tormented, she abandons her previous life and adopts a new identity, but her ghastly appearance haunts her everywhere she goes. Only with the help of determined friends can she move past her horrifying experience—and maybe even let herself be loved.

And if the madman returns to finish what he started, will she be ready, or will she give up hope? (From Goodreads)

Excerpt:

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34451708-beastia

Get it on:
Amazon

Happy Reading!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success--Online and Off by Michelle Phan

(Started: January 02, 2016; Finished: January 10, 2016)

Summary/Description:

Michelle Phan has believed in makeup since the first time she was allowed to try eyeliner. When she looked in the mirror and saw a transformed version of herself looking back, she fell in love with the sense of confidence that makeup could give her. Ever since she posted her first makeup tutorial on YouTube, she has dedicated herself to inspire millions by using makeup as a tool for transformation and self expression.

Now, Michelle has compiled all of her best wisdom into Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success--Online and Off. From creating a gorgeous smoky eye to understanding contouring to developing an online persona, Michelle has advice to help you transform every facet of your life. Make Up is packed with Michelle’s trademark beauty and style tutorials, stories and pictures from her own life, and advice on the topics she is asked about most, including etiquette, career, entrepreneurship, and creativity. From the everyday (such as how to get glowing skin) to the big picture (such as how to turn your passion into a profession), Make Up is a practical and empowering resource to help anyone put their best face forward. (From Goodreads)

Review: 5 stars

Publication Date: October 21, 2014

Publisher: Harmony

Source: Bought from FullyBooked

Shelf: Goodreads

I'm no stranger when it comes to Michelle Phan. I remember discovering her through my cousins. They used to mention her tutorials frequently and it obviously got me curious. At that time, I only knew how to put a blush, apply on powder, and wear a lipstick. But the rest were unexplored territories. I never thought I would get hooked on a beauty blog, let alone a vlog because I'm not really a Youtube user but somehow, Michelle Phan was able to speak to me. I wouldn't say I'm a fan but I do admire her success, her passion for her craft, and her genuine personality. It really transcends to her videos and of course, in this book.

On to the review, I'm giving it 5 stars because of the following reasons:

1. It's very personal. Unlike the other celebrity or influencer books I've read, I believe this is as real as it gets. You can clearly hear Phan's voice narrating all throughout, which makes it more relatable. You know that she's not saying all these things just so you would buy her book. You can feel that every word is from the heart. That's what others usually lacks and Phan already mastered that art naturally. I also like how she went all out and shared her life's story.

2. It's motivating and moving. Every tutorial, advice, or guide makes you want to do it, be a pro, and create your own empire as well. It's really amazing how she's good at her niche and it makes you want to find your passion as well. I do agree with most of the reviews that the main demographic of this book are young adults, but I do believe that anyone can still get a lesson or two from her especially those who are feeling lost, just starting their journey, and those who doesn't have the drive to move forward.

3. The different topics she tackled. I really appreciate how she not just focused on makeup and skincare, but she also talked about manners, jobs & resumes, and the digital self. I think these are crucial for kids nowadays and I believe she was able to use her influence and voice right by writing about it. We are all aware of how millennials are being viewed in this day and age. No matter how we disagree, it's still an honest reality that we have to face. It might not apply to all and I'm definitely not generalizing, but we still have to responsible be with our actions by having the proper manners & etiquette, if we have enough sensitivity to see how we act and how these lead to various results, good or bad, and how we portray ourselves online. Remember that everything we do or say is a reflection of ourselves. It's really helpful and kudos to her for reserving chapters for it.

4. I always look forward to her beauty tips and tutorials. Phan absolutely knows what she's doing and talking about. It's well-researched and that's what makes me trust her advice. I know most of us would feel that "we already know these things. Why is she talking about?" Again, remember the demographic she's talking to. But compare to the rest, it still has comprehensive details and enough to feed your beauty knowledge. Like some, I did have reservations of my own--like how some tutorials are a bit confusing or unachievable, some facts felt that it need to be elaborated more, etc. However, we also have to consider that the medium she is using, which is a written version of most of her videos, is not exactly the best channel to discuss these things. So I think when you read the book, you might also want to check our her videos to know more and to see. Come to think of it, is a good marketing strategy because it goes side by side.

Overall, there will always be a room for improvement and for more stories, like always. But I strongly believe it was a great start for her and I do look forward to watching or reading more of her work.

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

Besties by Solenn Heussaff and Georgina Wilson

(Started: January 01, 2016; Finished: January 02, 2016)

Summary/Description:

"We made this book for anyone who looks at her life and hates it because of what she sees around her - her peers, her environment, the media. This is us telling her, hey, we've been there. We've been dumped. We've had horrible relationships. We've been bullied. We've been humbled. We've had our highs and lows. We go through the normal girl shit. We want you to feel like you've sat down and had coffee with us and gotten to know us better in a real way." (From Tales and Escapades by @Louisechelle)

romper and kimono Cotton On • sandals Grendha

Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen

in a different order than the one you have in mind.

-- David G. Allen

You can be comfortable or courageous, but you cannot be both.

Everything feels like a blur lately. I'm not sure if I am feeling lost or I just have too many unanswered questions to the point that it's already stressing me out. I just want to run away and escape but I know I can't. At the end of the day, I just have to deal with all of it and face all of my fears.

I don't want to return to that negative cycle I had in 2016. So instead of sulking and having sleepless nights, I will be spending my time learning more and reading more until I am ready. Well, it's actually helping me prepare for anything in the future.

I'm not sure if I am making any sense but let's just say, I'm planning to take up on more webinars, workshops, I will read more articles and books, I will watch more videos, etc. Every day will be a learning curve for me.

Have a meaningful Sunday!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the worlds of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity. Includes issues 6-11 of the series, plus supplementary material. (From Goodreads)

Review: 3 stars

Publication Date: July 01, 2015

Publisher: Image Comics

Source: Bought at Comic Odyssey in FullyBooked

Shelf: Goodreads

What really amazed me with this graphic novel is the art. The illustrations were beautifully done and vibrant. While reading, I found myself staring at each page just to admire everything. But it did not change the fact that I'm still lost in the story. I kept trying to understand what's happening and it felt like I missed a page when I didn't. Maybe it was just me but I think there were mini stories in this volume that they were trying too hard to attach just so they can say it's all connected.

In conclusion, it was a massive roadblock of confusion and I hope the authors will shed light to readers like me because I still believe that there's more to it than the art. I still think that the story can be as wonderful and colorful as all the illustrations.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

It's good to be back! After a well-spent trip at Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year, I'm so excited to be back on my own bed. I'm spending the last few minutes of my Sunday reading and catching up with my blog-logs. LOL! Back at it, too!

How are you spending yours? :)

More updates soon!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

Remember 2016? What a year it was. It almost felt like it will never end. It was challenging, frustrating, heart-breaking, and it made us nearly give up on hope. Almost everyone hates it. It was the worst.

But when I decided to start 2017 with a more positive perspective, I saw everything in a different light. Last year might be harsh and we might have lost someone or something along the way, but I believe most of us still got something out of it. I believe we all became more resilient, stronger, wiser, and fearless. As cliché as it may sound, you probably felt the same way. Instead of losing the idealism we've been holding on for so long, we clasped it even tighter with conviction.

Everything might not be forgotten, but at this point, it's all forgiven. At least for me.

This year is about moving forward and welcoming another chapter full of new beginnings. Let's all face it with the most beautiful smile we can muster.

Love lots, xx

Style Reader