Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Book Review: Scarlet


Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles, #2)

Scarlet

Author: Marrisa Meyer
Publisher:  Feiwel & Friends
Publish Date: February 5, 2013
Series: Lunar Chronicles # 2
 Book Rating 4/5
Amazon /  Goodreads / Barnes and Noble

Publisher's Description 
The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner
Frist Five chapters free
Book Received: Rented

Why I Picked it up:  I wanted to read more of the world Meyer had created and to see how Red Ridding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf fit into the story. Cinder's sceret is out, well at lest to a few people. While being hunted by the young man she loves she must find a way to save him and stop a war.  

Cinder gather friends and allies in her " Captain" Thorne who help in her prison break, Iko her android friend, Wolf, who has is own links to Queen Levana and Scarlet who needs to find her grandmother. 
Why I finished it: Scarlet continues the strong story and world building of the previous novel, Cinder. It also has a fast pace plot and interesting characters who learning form what the have done and from each other. 


Who I would give it to: Everyone


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


The sea

This is one of my favorite outfits to wear once the weather gets warm. The top layer is a silk wrap skirt that I bought at the beach. I buy one almost every time, sometimes I keep them other times I give them as gifts. Due to the nature of the top piece I can turn it into a dress and layer it over leggings, or wear alone, or even over another skirt. Which I did today and the next time I think I will try it with the new shirt that arrived in my Loot Crate.  So post on that soon. This is a nice travel option.  Oh....added a link to the yoga videos I used on the last post.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


Skirt a find at the beach
UnderskirGitana

Monday, May 19, 2014

Forest colors

Today was a very good day. My housemate has a new job. Yay!! In this economy that is a great thing. One step at a time. I am learning how to do inversions, for yoga. I was able to get mostly up into a handstand. Well part of it, but small steps. I need to keep working on my upper body and core strength. This will also allow me to continue with my flexibility. I had removed the idea of doing inversions for myself all together. They were not taught in class and for a while online it was a just figure it out yourself kind of attitude . But now, now there are videos and  help and information. I just needed a little bit of a push and I was able to make so much progress in a a single day.  It was a good day.

Video link:
Inversions Simplified | Intermediate Yoga With Tara Stiles
You Were Meant to Fly- Preview

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Top simple black tee
Skirt a find at the beach
Underskirt Gitana

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Ballet ^_^


Today I was going to ride my bike into town. That was my goal. Well I got into town, but by car. It was safer. The roads I would have taken on my bike were a bit too flooded for that type of transportation. So I ditched the jeans and tank tops for something a bit more fun and airy. After all the rain it was just warm and nice out. Time to soak up some sun, with sunscreen. So shopping downtown. I am trying to shop a bit more local. Today I was out getting a feel of the prices and what I could get where. Even if I want to shop local I still need to get some bang for my buck. It is a fine line to where do you go for what and how much can you pay to help keep the stores and your neighbors in business. Will I still need to buy things at big name stores  It is down to pricing, but can I spread the wealth around, carefully.  It is not easy making this choice, but I think it is the right one. I am not sure how this will work out but hopefully over the next few months I will figure out where to buy produce and the like once the farmer's markets are gone.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Top Simply vera vera Wang from khols
Skirt something similar 

Friday, May 16, 2014

Jun Kaneko Exhibit




I went to the Jun Kaneko Exhibit at the Kennedy Center, it was different.  He is a renowned Japanese American artist and painter.  His work was used for the sets and costumes  in this spring's production of The Magic Flute.  I was unable to see the play, but my mother who accompanied me on this visit, had seen the play. The costumes to many reviewers were consider over powering. My mother and I found them fun and lively, they remind us of quilts. The customs and the set added a sense of whimsy, humor and mysticism to the play.  The ceramic sculptures that we were able to view are form the artist series of HEADS, Dangos ( meaning "round form" or dumpling, in Japanese), and Tanuki. Tanuki are mischievous shape-shifters that are in the from of raccoon dogs. The exhibit is free to the public. For more of his work click here.
Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Sailor Days


So I have seen a few posts on other blogs and pinterest about wearing a shirt over a dress. I figured why not, give it a try. It seems to have worked well enough. As for the day it has been quite. between the rain and having a break between classes. I will miss the free tie when it is gone. I have been reading new books and and learning how to make new things. It has been a quite few days. Summer rains and hot days ahead. 



Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


Top target

Monday, May 12, 2014

Book Review: Blood and Snow



Blood and Snow (Blood and Snow, #1)

Blood and Snow

Author:  RaSelle Workman
Publisher:  Polished Pen Press 
Publish Date: June 6, 2012
Series:  Blood and Snow #1
The Complete Season (click here)
Book Rating 4/5
Amazon /  Goodreads

Publisher's Description 
"Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. Drink your true love's blood, become the Vampire, Snow White."


EVERY THOUSAND YEARS THE VAMPIRE QUEEN SELECTS A NEW BODY, ALWAYS THE FAIREST IN THE LAND, AND THIS TIME SHE'S CHOSEN SNOW WHITE.

Snow White lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her dad, stepmother, and her cat, Gatsby. Her entire life she's been teased for her fairy tale name, and the fact that her seven best friends happen to be guys whose names begin with the same letters as the seven dwarves.

Everything changes two months before her sixteenth birthday. She's bitten by The Hunter, and transformed into a revenant—not quite human, not quite vampire.
Book received: Bought

Why I Picked it up: I was recommended this story and I though I would give it ago. I am so glad I did. Vampires and Snow White a different combination  Not a new one to me, but a good one. I enjoyed the many twist and turn in this short novel. If you enjoy this first short I suggest spending a bit more and buying the complete season it will save you money and frustration as you will be able to read till the story is over. 

Why I finished it: It was different and had live a movement. It was unexpected and fluid. 


Who I would give it to: Those who want a new take on an old fairytale.

Long weekend

Hope everyone enjoyed Mother's Day weekend.I know I did. Spent the day hanging out with my mother and just catching up. Well, as much as we could before work. Ah...well. It is one of the few days I do not try to get off it I work. I know I should to spend more time with my mother, but most of my co-workers are moms....It just would not feel right making one of them come in to cover me on their day. It just would not. So I spent the morning with my mom, watching movies and eating cake before breakfast. It was nice.I did not take any picture of the cakes I made. I will try to remember next time.

As for the gap since the last post, well I think I an on the other-side of what ever  cold I had. Beside polo shirts and jeans are just no fun to post ^_^


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


Top lochers Shoes American Eagle 
Skirt something similar 

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Teal and Tangerine

So, I am finally up and about. Still a little under the weather. I figured bright colors could brighten up my day. It is very warm but that is to be expected as we are in to Summer. Good bye Spring, and Hello Summer. Now some of you might be wondering Summer..no that is not until the 21st of June. The 21st if June is the Summer solstice. This would be when the day is longest and night is shortest. Okay, so it was as know as mid-summers. So, how can we celebrate Mid-Summer and Mid-Summer's eve on the same day that is the start of  Summer? Well, you can not. The current calender was created to give an evenness to the seasons. It dose seem odd that Mother Nature would give us 3 month of each season. Sometimes she gives all four season in a week, at lest here..... So Happy Summer.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


Top and pants JC Penny

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Sick days and dreaming of Japan

Two days of a fever. Ah, Spring. How lovely you are, why must you try to kill me? It has a been a crazy few days. Mostly filled with sleeping and work. Lots of work.  I cancelled my glossy box, one of the past few days. I am just underwhelmed by it. I am leaning towards Ipsy, Q box or just right books. All three really interest me. If money was not an issues I would buy all three in a heart beat. Ipsy for the beauty products and the price $10 a month. Q box because it is from Japan. I have love for Japan. I speak Japanese badly, I was better at before when I had people to practice with everyday. Just right books, because I love to read and while the up front cost is $286.88 that is about $23-24 a month so the same cost as Q box.  I will let you know which box I chose. I am still receiving the May box, more likely some time in June.  It has been an odd day.  If you would like a tour through Japan click here. Enjoy the trip. I hope to be back there soon.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


top Eddie bauer 
skirt a fabric oasis 

Book Review: Cinder


Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, #1)

Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Square Fish
Publish Date: January, 8 2013
Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
Book Rating 5/5
Amazon /  Goodreads / Barnes and Noble

Publisher's Description 
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
First five chapters free 
Book Received: Given 

Why I Picked it up: This book saw given to me as a gift. This is a retold fairy tale about Cinderella.  There are twists, Cinder is a cyborg and lives in a futuristic China. this is a combination of two of my favorite genres fairy tales and sciences fiction. Meyer creates a world in intrigue, romance, and mystery. Humans are not the only ones involved in the plotting, the series is called the Lunar Chronicles, because their are Lunars. Lunars, are another race that lives on the moon. 
Why I finished it: The world build was wonderful and lush. The characters form the stepmother to the Evil Queen are full of life and depth. The  ethical dilemmas that each character faces or creates adds a new layer to each of them.  Cinder is wonderful she is not what one would think of in the typical Cinderella story, but that is best thing about her.  She hardly wears dresses, and is the best mechanic is new Beijing. I would take her my car in heart beat


Who I would give it to: To anyone who likes fairy tales and science fiction. 


Have a berry orange day,


Sú talún

Book Review: Glitches


Glitches (Lunar Chronicles, #0.5)

Glitches

Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher:  TOR
Publish Date: December 5, 2011
Series: Lunar Chronicles # 0.5
Book Rating 5/5
TORAmazon/Goodreads

Publisher's Description 
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. In Glitches, a short prequel story to Cinder, we see the results of that illness play out, and the emotional toll that takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch...
This is free read. 
Book Received: Part of paperback edition of  Cinder
Why I Picked it up:  This short story was part of the paperback of Cinder I was given. I had no idea how luck I was to have it tucked away in the back of the book, just waiting for me. It is a gem of story. This quick little read helps you understand how Cinder came to be with her Stepmother and part of why her Stepmother hates her so. 
Why I finished it:  It was a fast 17 pages and too hard not to finish. It ease the wait between book on and book two. 


Who I would give it to: Any one wondering if they will even like the first novel. 


Have a berry orange day,


Sú talún

Sunday, May 4, 2014

May the 4th be with you

It is a punny day...funny day. It is Star Wars day. What better way to celebrate then watching Clone Wars or the Star Wars Movies back to back. Well, I do not think I will be able to watch all of them but it is a nice idea. Also, I am over the space station for the cast announcements for Episode VII. 
Image via StarWars.com
Many members of the original cast with be joined with new talent to bring the long awaited new chapter in this space story. The prequels , while told the story were not all that was hoped for, with this new set of  chapters there is ....a new hope ^_^.

May is a big month for Star Wars fans as Episodes I-VI all premiered in May. Maybe watch each episode could we watched on its premier date. Disney is host special Star Wars Weekends thought all of the month.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Apple Blossom Festival

Welcome to the Land of the Pink and Green was the greeting we received. The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival begun. Well, it started on the 25th of April and will continue for ten days. In Winchester, Virginia home to White House Apple company there is an annual festival and parade. In honor of the pink and green I dress accordingly. It is a lovely day, not too warm and too cool. The nice thing about being up in the mountains is that Spring lingers there just a bit longer that in dose elsewhere. We spent the day at the festival and checking out farmers market and making plans to return. We bout some rout 11 chip, apple cider dounts and a gallon and a half of apple cider, cherry and balckberry. I was a nice day trip. I am thinking about getting something to commemorate the trip. 
What do you think?



Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún



Top Ae long and lean
pants New York and company

Saturday, May 3, 2014

April Glossy Box has Arrived


My April Glossy Box has arrived...in May. Okay, so they were two weeks or so late. I found that this a common problem.  That is a bit upsetting.  The box form the UK and is now an international brand that ships to the US.  This is nice as there can be of brands for the UK to try. They do lovely packaging. It is a great box to unwrap.  This cox cost $21 a month and you can save more with a 3- month, 6-month or a annual subscription.

The box offers deluxe and full size beauty products.





Aqua Spa Relax Body Creme – 2 oz Value $1.75.
This has a lovely scent.  It is very relaxing not overly sticky.  This was a deluxe sample. 




The lip gloss is lovely. It is not sticky or tacky. On me it is a nice neutral shade, with a pearlescent shine. 
Ciate Paint Pots in Beach Hut – FULL SIZE! Value $15
The Caldrea body wash smells lovely. I can not wait to try it. After I contact glossy box as mine leaked all over itself. I hope that this is an isolated incident. 

Over all I paid $21 this box. I am a monthly subscriber. This box yield about $50 worth of items, less then month value count. Even thought the value of the box is great, I am just underwhelmed. This is my secod box and I am not impressed. I was thrilled with my first box, but this time it was so-so. Thought every works for me and I can use everything and I was expecting more. This  box felt like they company was having an off day. I thought do to pictures that we were getting 4-mini nail polish in each box. The box itself is great, everything is full size or deluxe item. I give this box one more month before changing subscriptions.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Black and White ...Astonish Me

Well giving in to a spring tradition of cleaning and let go. I found this skirt and decided to keep it. It is a nice white pinstripe skirt. I was able to match it with a simple black top. A whole new outfit and I did not even have to go shopping. I need to shop the back of my closet more often. I was also give a nice gift in the mail. I won a book form First look Book Club ^_^ I almost never win these things, so image my surprise went husband tells me I have a package in the mail. I am think it is my glossy box! Nope >.< Stilling wait for that one, but that is fine. It will get here when it gets here. I am still trying to figure out how I want everything to look  on this blog. I also need to figure out what I would like to review, from the last box. I am excited for the May box as they have teamed up with an exclusive partner.


Okay back to the book. I due apologies  for the sight tangent. The book I won is Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead. I have only read the first few chapters of this book and I am looking forward to reading more.

















Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


Dress Papaya and top target 






Wicked !!!




Happy Belated Birthday!!! So went out to see Wicked with my family, yesterday. Hence, why i am a few days behind.I was along drive there and day and I slept in most of the next day and puttered around the house.My weekend is in the middle of the week.  It was wonderful. I was not sure what to wear as theater outs have become very casual in the last few years. Oh my word. I sound like my mother. This was something that did concern me, so I chose something that I could wear anywhere that was not a formal event. Yes, society often dictates what people should wear and how they should act. Often, I chaff against this, but I think dressing in what make you feel comfortable and toward the institution that  you are visiting are not mutually exclusive. I thought had worn this outfit earlier this month and I have oh well. These things do happen >.< It is a nice outfit in my defense.


Wicked is great play about accepting  yourself and fighting for what is right. It is based off of the book by the same title. There are few book in this series, review on them to come.
















Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


Dress Target and Sweater New York and Company 

A rainy day reflection.



This has been no stop rain here for the last few days. Hopefully April showers will bring May flowers. This semester is over and I have a two week break between now and summer semester. I have been craving fresh food now that winter is over. Such a wonderful about of product is soon to be in season.  In the next few months pineapple and kiwi will ripe. Right now it is strawberry season.  Breakfast was simple scrambled eggs with fresh rosemary, tomato and cheese and toast. 




Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Pants JC Penny, Top American Eagle, Sweater Khol's