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