New Book, outlander, Product Review, review, television

Fangirl Pixie Jar

We’ve both been so busy lately, we haven’t had the chance to introduce you all to any new shops to try! So we’re very pleased to start again with a fun little shop called Fangirl Pixie Jar. It’s run by the lovely Mireille, who specializes in fandom and book themed jewelry that encompasses such books like The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and The Lunar Chronicles. But if none of those tickles your fancy, don’t worry because she also does custom work! And, of course, she has our fav…Outlander! To get ready for season three, she’s sent us both a surprise necklace. Now let’s take a closer look!

♥Kelsey’s Thoughts♥

So the necklace I was lucky enough to receive says one of my favorite phrases, ‘Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ’! We all know and love it as Claire Fraser’s go-to saying in times of excitement, confusion, or frustration. Some fans have even taken to saying it themselves! But it’s not an obvious, flashing beacon to everyone, but a lesser known one that’s almost like a secret message to let other fans know that I love Outlander. But that’s perfect for me, as I’m not one to go over the top with my obsessions…usually.


The necklace itself if beautifully made with a great filigree frame that really brings in the feel of 18th century Scotland. The script used is also fun and the watercolor dragonfly is a delicate and pretty nod to Dragonfly in Amber. With a strong, adjustable chain, light metal body, and streamline design, it’s great for everyday wear for those of us who want to show off our fav fandom without being over the top. Really, the chain being so sturdy is important, as I have a toddler who’s always stealing my jewelry or playing with them while they’re still around my neck!

At $12.35, this necklace is a total steal! Really, I expected it to be so much more in the shop, or at least cheaply made for the great price, but I was so wrong. This necklace is an amazing deal and you can get one for yourself, your BFF, your mom, your neighbor, and your book club buddy without breaking the bank. You can order yours HERE in time for the season three premier!

♥Sarah’s Thoughts♥

My necklace says ‘Sassenach’, the more well known phrase that makes us all swoon when said by a certain red-headed Scot! The pendent is really fancy and sturdy, but not heavy at all. I wore it all day today with no irritation, which is important if you have sensitive skin like me. Although, as you can see below, I was wearing a high-necked shirt. The chain is adjustable so you can change the length, which I totally love. It fits Outlander perfectly, as it’s solid but feminine, just like Claire!

The picture within the pendent is centered perfectly and appears very delicate with the floral border around the words. I also like the fancy script and the fact that it looks handwritten. The only thing that could make this piece better, not that it really needs anything, is if the flowers came in purple like the Scottish heather we see within the series. But the multi-colored flowers are also fun and whimsical.

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This necklace is also only $12.35, can you believe it! For how well it’s made, I also wouldn’t guess it has such a great price. You can order your own HERE! While you’re at it, get Kelsey’s necklace for a friend. It’s like having BFF necklaces, but so much better.
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Overall, Fangirl Pixie Jar has something for everyone in your life, and there are even some steampunk pieces if you’re looking to really spice up your wardrobe!

And there’s something else to get excited about…we have a special 15% off code for Fangirl Pixie Jar! It’s MIDNIGHT15

You can see these and more over at Fangirl Pixie Jar’s shop HERE
Follow the store on Facebook HERE
Like them on Instagram HERE
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See the rest of our product reviews HERE and check out our Outlander posts HERE!

Movie

Beauty and the Beast- What did you think? 

As some of you I undoubtedly assumed, I spent St Patrick’s Day really partying it up! What did I do, you ask? I went and saw Beauty and the Beast in IMAX. Now, SPOILERS! Okay, everyone has been warned. If you read on, do it at your own peril.

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I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, so naturally I was ecstatic to see Emma Watson cast as Belle. Frankly, Hermione was so close to Belle, it wasn’t a huge leap for me. But it’s more than that, because Emma is a beautiful role model for little girls. She fights for women’s rights, she encourages literacy, she rocked the pixie cut, and she went to college. Basically, she’s the girl every momma wants their son to marry and the woman every girl wants to be.

Now, as Belle. So I say this in all honesty, she did the best she could considering she isn’t a natural singer. There! I said it! Let the flogging begin. I am a musical theater buff, so I value a good singer. However, I didn’t care. She fit seamlessly into the role, she did sound nice, and I would never have cast another actress. I was, and am, happy with this choice, but I’ll also continue to listen to the original soundtrack.

Now, the rest of the cast. Josh Gad as LeFou was fantastic. As he does in everything, he steals the scenes. However, Luke Evans is so theatrical and amazingly handsome (it’s the biceps to spare) that he quickly took the scene right back. The two played off each other perfectly and there was a new tension…dare I call it…sexual? I think this was an interesting choice. LeFou worships this man, is it really such a far stretch to think that maybe he has a guy crush? I know a lot of people are upset, but the references and the slight nod to it at the end were so subtle, I doubt any children will be forever damaged by it. In other words, move on. I did love how LeFou changed sides at the end. It was a good change and definitely hysterical to watch him run around with Mrs. Potts.

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Luke Evans, back to him, was the most amazing Gaston. I was a little worried because if you’ve been to Disney, you know that the actors who play Gaston in the parks are some of the best. They really get into character. Well, Luke did. He was sexy, arrogant, and a bad boy. Everyone swooned a little when he came on the screen…wait, maybe that was just me. Anyway, his song in the tavern had some new parts to it and that was fun. However, I had a seriously hard time making out all the words. I’m gonna have to find one of those YouTube videos with the lyrics at the bottom. But he was such a good singer that it’s okay.

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The castle characters were interesting. I know a lot of people were disappointed because they didn’t looked like clones from the cartoon, but I honestly liked it. They were size appropriate, they moved realistically, and the characters are some of my favorites. Literally, everyone in the castle was fabulous and I wouldn’t change a thing about them. I did like (SPOILER IN CASE YOU DIDN’T LISTEN) that they brought Mr. Potts out. I actually have always wondered why he wasn’t around, so it was nice to have that answered.

Now onto the sexy beast himself. Hats off to the writers. He had some really clever lines and instead of making him illiterate (though her teaching him to read was precious) they shared a love of books. As a book worm, there are very few things that make my heart beat a little faster or my knees weaken than a man who can quote Shakespeare appropriately. (Go on YouTube and look up the song, Brush Up Your Shakespeare) The CGI was good, the beast looked fearsome but gentle and when he turned into a prince…dang! I certainly wouldn’t mind dancing on his arm forever. Dan Stevens is the man!

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There were some new scenes and some new original songs. To be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the original songs, but I understand the purpose. You can’t have an exact reproduction. I’m sure I’ll like them more the second time around when I’m expecting them.

Now, to the best part…Be Our Guest and Tale As Old As Time. Yes, they were as magical as I always imagined them. Yes, they exceeded my expectations, and yes, you may tear up during Tale As Old As Time. Again with the amazing CGI, it was perfect and I had a huge smile on my face the whole time. However, there was one minor problem with Be Our Guest…she didn’t try the grey stuff. Come on!

Belle’s yellow dress…speaking of Tale As Old As Time. The yellow dress was obviously different than the cartoon, but I liked it. There was beautiful detailing and it moved with her as she danced. I’d wear it. Hell, I want to wear it. As for the rest of Belle’s clothes, I loved the Something There outfit. It was beautiful. I just didn’t get why her skirt was tucked into her waitband all the time. The best I could come up with is she was trying to take care of chores and it was easier…I don’t know. I thought that was weird.

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Overall, I loved the movie. It was well done and my five year old self as well as my twenty something year old self is pleased. Go see it and comment with your favorite parts.

Sarah and I both have books out now, so if you like our posts, you’ll probably love our books! First Semester is a thrilling college romance that you can get HERE. Queen of Emeralds is a historic romance set in the highlands that you can get HERE.

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book review, Uncategorized

Collab/Inspired Look- Mermaid Vibes

COLLAB/INSPIRED LOOK- MERMAID VIBES

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Hey lovelees ♥ I am so excited to bring you this inspired makeup look! I wanted to do something fun and a little bit different. I was definitely feeling the mermaid vibes. This is in collaboration withAKissAtMidnight you can check them out here. They are two talented writers that have a passion for romance novels.

There are certain elements of fantasy that have captured our hearts but what do we really now about them? Mermaids have become a cultural phenomenon. People are selling crocheted mermaid tale blankets, and swim bottoms that cover your legs as if you were a mermaid. But have we stopped to go over what it means to be a mermaid? What they do besides sun bathe on rocks?                                                          ~AKissAtMidnight

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Products Used: 

  • Too Faced Totally Cute Palette shades in UnicornClover, Storm Cloud
  • Makeup Geek eyeshadow in Mermaid
  • Makeup Geek Blush in Secret Admirer
  • Makeup Revolution Palette in Blush Goddess 
  • Revlon Photo Ready Kajal Eyeliner in Matte Marine
  • MAC Lipstick in Violetta
  • Wet n Wild Liquid Lipstick in Indigo Your Own Way
  • A pair of fishnet stockings

How many of you have seen Peter Pan? Do you recall what happened when Wendy first entered Neverland? They tried to drown her.                                             ~AKissAtMidnight

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Instructions

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  1. Begin by taking fishnet stockings and placing them on the side of your face and forehead. This will create a stencil for the scales.
  2. Dab into your favorite shade and press onto the fishnet stockings, repeat with another shade on top to create dimension. I used MUG, Mermaid mixed with Unicorn from the Totally Cute palette. You can make the scales as dramatic as you want.
  3. Prime eyelids with any eyeshadow primer. Using a flat shader brush, I pressed in MUG Mermaidon the center of lid and blended it into the crease and upwards into the outer V creating a wing.
  4. Then I took the shade Clover and blended that into my crease. I wanted a pigmented crease so I went in about 3x with the same shade to get my desired look.
  5. For my outer V, I wanted it to be a little more dramatic so I used the shade Storm Cloud to deepen it up and make that wing more intense.
  6. Blend, I took the two colors from my eyelids Mermaid & Clover and smudge them on my lower lashline to pull the look together.
  7. Apply your favorite foundation & conceal areas you normally would.
  8. Add a cooler tone blush, I used MUG, Secret Admirer. 
  9. Add highlight, I wanted to create a rainbow effect highlight. I used MUR Blush Goddess Palette which contains 4 highlighters and 4 blushes. I used the first 3 shades mixed and applied them to my cheekbones, nose, cupid bow, inner corners.DSCF0765_picmonkeyed
  10. Last to finish off the look! I thought metallic lips would look really cool so I used MAC Violetta as a base and added Wet n Wild, Indigo Your Own Way for dimension.

Final Look!

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A Little Mermaid History….

Mermaids bring their victims to the bottom of the oceans to die. Some legends say that mermaids do this to suck the life out of the sailors while others say that they do it for fun or to protect their home. Need another pop culture reference? Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides the same thing almost happened except one of them had a heart. She couldn’t let Sam Claflin die. Well I don’t blame her because he is gorgeous.

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So other than Ariel, and the mermaid from Pirates, what are some other mermaid legends that don’t end with Davy Jones’ locker. Well, the Merrow, as the Irish call them, lived along the coast and had beautiful green hair. They would also lure men to them but not to kill them. But rather to bring them to their kingdom and live together. The Merrow just want what most women want…a good looking sailor to stand by their side. They were believed to have magical powers, and if you caught them on a good day (like all women, they were known to have a bad day every now and again) they wouldn’t bring harm to the sailors. There are also Cornish mermaids who are said to have magical powers such as healing or discovering thieves. These mermaids have passed down these powers to humans over the years.

All in all, Mermaids, like everything else, have good and bad sides. People will always be fascinated by them and they will continue to influence our pop culture one book or movie at a time.

Here is a list of a couple mermaid books that you could check out if the idea of brushing your hair with a dinglehopper or using a clam shell bra still lights a fire within your soul.

Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon

The Mermaid’s Sister by Carrie Ann Noble

The Mermaid’s Mirror by L. K. Madigan

Sailor Twain: or The Mermaid of the Hudson by Mark Siegel

The Last Mermaid by Shana Abe

Follow: https://kissatmidnight.wordpress.com/

http://www.irishcelticjewels.com/celtic-wedding/2010/09/irish-mythology-the-merrow-sea-fairies/

http://myths.e2bn.org/mythsandlegends/origins532-a-mermaid-and-a-magic-comb.html

I hope you guys enjoyed this collab/inspired post! Don’t forget to follow for Lalee more beauty posts ♥

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