April reads

I have been binge reading this month.  I actually tried to read 2 other books but they did not make the cut.  I just could not do it.

Lowcountry Boneyard
Genre: sluething, southern read, murder, mystery
Netgalley

I normally do not like stepping into a series this far in but I am glad for the outcome.  Lowcountry Boneyard was a great adventure!  Yes, I spent a lot of time being confused about Colleen and the romantic background of Lix but it all was sorted by the end.  Great twist, I kinda had an inkling there was a big turn coming but it was a a blind turn.  This is another great weekend/beach read.  I would defiantly recommend this to many friends.  Hey go read this!

A Discovery of Witches
Genre: fantasy, magical realism, drama, romance

I am in love with Diana and Matthew.  I will just come right out and say it.  I love them.  They are amazing.  Matthew, a vampire, drawn to Diana, a witch, in a taboo love story.  I mean what could be better.  Oh yeah, the fact that the ruling body for Vampires, Daemons and Witches want them to end their affair and deliver their magic book.  This story is a whirlwind of mystery, intrigue, seduction and self discovery.  I am absolutely foaming at the mouth for the next one.  (already purchased and started)

Blackbird House
Genre history, fiction, short stories

This was checked out on a whim.  I was not sure what I was expecting but it was totally not what I got.  I got something so much better.  This is a collection of short stories that all connect to the same house over the course of several decades and several families.  Each story was just the right size with great plots and characters.  I listened to this in audio format which was just magical.  Each story was read by a different person making the stories really stand out.  I just cannot recommend this book enough, and please listen to the audiobook (storytelling bonus!).

Shadow of the Night
Genre: fantasy, magical realism, drama, romance, history

I had to jump right into this book when I finished A Discovery of Witches.  I am not sure that was wise.  May be it would have been best to have a palette cleaner in between.  I did really enjoy this book.  Matthew and Diana are still entrancing and awesome.  Their adventures in 1590 were amazing.  Yet, by the end of this book I was a bit overdone.  Too much too soon.  I am going to get the last book in a few weeks.  This is a great series and I still want everyone to read these books.  Great characters, great dialogue, and a wonderful story.


I am trying to use the goodread widgets just becasue, well they are easy!

TBR

Meg's favorite books »

random dress idea

I like to sew but I have not done it much in the last few years.  Inspiration has hit but I don't think the dress will come to be.  Still I want to share my idea.

The dress pattern from Colette.

The dress is in 2 parts.  The base dress and a cumberband.  The base can always be worn alone.

I would want something more durable for the base dress.

I think the cumberband allows for some fun and whimsy to be added to the dress.

both fabrics are from spoonflower.com

yep I am a fangril.

Red Lips

Ages ago I wrote a post about buying RED lipstick.  I was struggling with the idea to wear it.  Would I look trashy?  Would I be mocked?  Would it turn bright orange?  Ok, the third one is an issue I have with many lipsticks.  I actually had a cosmetic clerk take it as a personal challenge to find one of her red lipstick products that would not turn orange on me...I cannot wear Clinque reds.  I have come to find out that I am not the only person who has those first 2 issues.  Loads of people do.

After several weeks, I cracked and wore it.  I was quiet and tried to hide that day.  When I say hide I mean from everyone, myself included.  That first day I was so nervous but nothing bad happen.  My coworkers commented that I had bright lips and asked if I normally wear make up (I do everyday).  Today is probably the 4th or 5th time I have worn my RED lips.  I love them!  I feel more confident, more attractive, and more outgoing.  I find on days when I wear this lipstick I think more about my other make up and about my appearance overall.

Many men and loads of women do not understand the power of lipstick.  I grew up with my Grandmothers always wearing lipstick.  I do not remember either of them wearing a true red in front of me, but I have seen the pictures where Grandmother Kelley was wearing hers.  She was a knock out!  When I became a teenager they both (Grandmother Wilhoite too) started hinting that lipstick was important.  "A lady always wears lipstick" one of them would say as they quickly applied lipstick before getting out of the car.  By this time in their life both wore muted or subtle lips,  I was young and very much a tomboy so I just rolled my eyes.  It was not until I was in Grad school that I understood.  Lipstick was not only a way to look pretty but a way to feel pretty inside.  I am still a tomboy, and I will go lazy days without lipstick.  But I feel more like myself with it.

Katy Kelley

Margaret Wilhoite

and me

I am not the only one who has noticed this trend.  I just read an article about red lips; How Lipstick (Yes, Lipstick) Can Instantly Make Your Day Better.  Reading this article is a good way to see into how I see lipstick.

"The most important part of wearing lipstick, however, is how you feel when you wear it. A recent poll by the British Heart Foundation found that 26 percent of women reported feeling more confident while wearing red lipstick, and it's not hard to see why."

So break out a red lipstick and try it out.  Feel the boost!  My color of choice Revlon Super Lustrous in Certainly Red.