Review: Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Beauty

Seventeen Ultimate Guide To Beauty
By: Ann Shoket and The Editors of Seventeen
Source: From Publisher for Review
Published: July 3rd

Review: As a fan of Seventeen Magazine, I was extremely excited to get a chance to review another Seventeen book. The surprisingly large book is filled with great advice about hair, nail and makeup. There isn't a single thing in here that a teenage couldn't use. Actually this isn't even just for teenagers. Anyone looking for hair, make-up or nail ideas can find some great ones in here.

Seventeen's Ultimate Guide to Beauty starts out with a letter from the editor of Seventeen Magazine. She explains why this book is so useful and I thought it was a great way to start everything off with, just as they go in the actual magazines. After that there is "Your Ultimate Make-up Guide" which is sectioned into Girly, Glam, Classic, Edgy, and Boho. This makes it easy to find a make-up style for you. I honestly would wear any of them besides Edgy, so there is just so many styles to chose from.

Each section has a title page of sorts. Where it lists a bunch of make-up products that are good for the particular looks and a short description of that style. For example here is Girly "The perfect girly look mixes sweet, romantic colors with refined touches for pop and polish. Try ultra-feminine lips with thickly lashed eyes. Or play with sheer textures and dress them up with a little sparkle. You'll get a look that's equally cute and cool." Following that page there are sections of different 'girly' make-up looks for different occasions. It sets you for everything from school to dates.

That section in followed by tips, such as using vanilla colored liner instead of white because it isn't as harsh. This was my favorite section of each make-up style. It was filled with great tips and the most use full parts of the while book. Then Seventeen found a normal everyday girl for each section to give some tips and tricks. And lastly they finished off the sections with celebrity styles.

After make-up, there is the Ultimate Hair Guide. This is basically the same layout as make-up but separated in to groups of waves and curls, braids and twists, sleek, ponies, and updos and buns. I didn't find this section as informative and helpful as the make-up. If you tried to do a fish tale braid off of their instructions, you won't get anywhere.

The last section of the Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Beauty is the Ultimate Beauty Resource Guide and it's exactly what the title says. Anything you wanted to know about your skin tone, hair, or nails is here. From what colors look good on your skin tone, to the products that are good for particular skin types. It even has tips to fight acne and how to get your skin smooth all over. I really loved this section, so many useful tips to use every day.

To finish off the book there are two sections Nails, and Special Occasion Looks. While the special occasion looks didn't come to much help to me, I've already tried three different nail styles that they use in the book. Such as tattoos. I didn't even know they made tattoos for your nails!

I've had so much fun trying out everything in this book and I would recommend it to any teenager. No matter what style you have or what kind of make-up/hair/nails that you like, you'll find tons of different ideas in this book. A much have for everyone!

--Danielle

Giveaway Winners.

Sorry it took me so long to pick the winners. But here they are...

For the Clockwork Angel Manga Giveaway is ...


a Rafflecopter giveaway

For The Pushing The Limits Giveaway is...


a Rafflecopter giveaway



I'm sending the emails out now, if you didn't win, don't worry I still have a few more giveaways to do!

--Danielle

Interview with Tracy Deebs the author of Tempest Unleashed!

Here is an interview with the very talented Tracy Deebs! She is the author of the great book Tempest and the sequel Tempest Unleashed which just recently came out. 



1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

First of all, I wanted to say thank you so much for having me here today. I appreciate it A little about myself, hmmm …. I am a writer, a mom of three boys, a wife, a college professor, and a serious make-up afficianado. I like to swim and surf and dance and read and shop, love to hang out with my friends and my kids, and I adore dragging my friends (also writers, but they’re all introverts) into conversations with complete and total strangers. I’m also completely addicted to lipstick.


2. Can you describe your Tempest series in 5 words or less?
A dark, passionate mermaid adventure


3. Tempest Unleashed is the second book in the series. Did you find it easier to write this one, compared to the first, or more difficult? 
That’s an interesting question. In some ways it was easier because I’d already built the world and worked out the basic story question in the first book. In other ways, it was harder, because I did build the world in Tempest Rising and in Tempest Unleashed I had to play by the rules I established, no matter how inconvenient.


4. How many books do you plan on writing for the Tempest series? 

It’s a trilogy, so there will be one more. Tempest Revealed—I’m writing it right now.


5. What made you write a story about a mermaid? 
I love mermaids and have from the time my mother brought me home a VHS tape of the Hans Christian Anderson version, where she turns into sea foam … So when I told my agent I wanted to write YA and she said, “what do you think of mermaids,” it was a match made in heaven!


6. Do you have a favorite time or place to write?
I’m a morning writer. I write all day because I write so many books, I have to take advantage of when the kidlets are in school, but I particularly love to write from four to seven in the morning. My fingers just fly across the keyboard. As for a place, I write any and everywhere, though I guess I am partial to my living room couch.


7. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Believe in yourself. This is a tough business and you’re going to get a lot of rejection and a lot of criticism for every compliment. Don’t let it get you down. Also, read and write every single day—you’ll be shocked at how much your craft improves by doing these two simple things.


Thanks so much for the interview Tracy! 


And I also have a confession to make, this interview was suppose to go up on July 12 as part of Tempest Unleashed blog tour. However, I was in a car accident in June and while this is no excuse, I was behind on my emails and this one just got lost. I didn't realize that I had forgotten until yesterday. I just want to say that I'm really really sorry, especially to the author and the publicist putting the blog tour together. 


--Danielle

More Books to Movie News: The Mortal Instruments

Last week I talked about my opinions of the Mortal Instruments cast so far. Well a few more characters now have an actor to play them, here's my opinion on them...


Hodge - The evil-yet not completely bad- character in the series. Is now being played by Jarred Harris. I've seen him in Sherlock Holmes and he did a fantastic job. He will be a great Hodge.


Jocelyn - Clary's mother is a character that I actually never liked. She always got on my nerves and really she's not in the books to much. Mostly just mentioned and flashbacks. But it seems fitting that the actress playing Jocelyn is Lena Headey, who plays the evil character Cersei on the Game of Thrones, who is another character that I really hate and would love to slap in the face. 



and now for

MAGNUS BANE!

He is one of my favorite character in the series. His personality and sarcasm make me laugh all the time. I just can't get enough of him. I'm super happy that  Godfrey Gao will be playing Magnus. He really looks the part, now just needs the glitter and crazy clothes will make him perfect, and just look at this gif...





Now we just need some Alec...


--Danielle

Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Wake (Watersong #1)
by Amanda Hocking
Source: ARC from publisher
Release Date: August 7th 2012
Summary: Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets

Review: From self published writer to bestselling author with publishing deals, I have to say I admire Amanda Hocking. I have yet to read her Trylle series but when I got my hands on Wake I had high hopes. I couldn't wait to see what everyone was talking about with Amanda Hocking's books. Now I know, her writing is emotional and descriptive. I got sucked in from the very beginning. 

While the writing was a high point of the novel, I did have a few issues with it. There wasn't much character building. I just didn't get attached to the characters. Maybe it's because the point of view switched from Gemma and Harper, so the reader is able to see what they are both up too. I don't feel like that was necessary. The two points were so different that it felt like I was reading two different novels. A main novel about Gemma and her story with the mysterious girls. Then the other felt like a prequel. They just didn't mesh and took away from the experience. 

As a whole I didn't like Gemma and Harper's relationship. I have a younger sister so I could easily relate to the bickering and worrying for each other. It was easy to picture the situations and I was able to laugh at them a few times. I really enjoyed the relationship between the two sisters. 

Wake was different. The plot wasn't the same as every other book and set's itself up for a great sequel. Amanda Hocking's writing draws you in and while it was slow, I will be back to read the sequel. I will also be checking out the rest of the authors novels sometime soon. 

Giveaway Winner!

Winner of the Heart Waves Giveaway is.....

Brenda C

Congrats :)

I'll be sending an email her way in the morning. If she doesn't answer me in a weekish, I'll pick a new winner. Sorry it took me so long to end the giveaway. I waited until I had a car to be bale to get it to the post office.

--Danielle

Bookish Accessories 2

These are just some bookish accessories that I'm just drooling over. Really if anyone wants to get me a present, please feel free to pick from something on this list. They are all so pretty.
All these items can be found on Etsy.com

These owls are the cutest little bookends! I just love them and they can be used as paper weights too. I might just like them so much because I seem to have an obsession with owls, but they are just too cute. 
These can be found HERE for $16.00.

Okay, so maybe I'm just a Jane Austen addict, but who can resit this mug? I know everyone seems to have way more then enough mugs, but this one is simple, matches anything AND has a great quote on it. 
The mug can be found HERE for $15.50




















This is an Insurgent by Veronica Roth inspired necklace. What is really great about this necklace is the fact that you can actually where it without getting strange looks. Some book inspired jewelry  you have to read the book to get, this is not only showing your fan girl pride but also a good fashion choice!
Buy the necklace HERE for $15.00














--Danielle

Movie News: City of Bones

This is probably old news to you guys, but I've been out of the loop recently. I haven't been online, so I thought I would post about the City of Bones casting!

Review: Clockwork Angel Manga (Chapter One) and Giveaway!

The Infernal Devices - Clockwork Angel
Manga
By Cassandra Clare
Art By: Hyekyung Baek
Release Date: October 30, 2012Source: Chapter preview from BEA


Summary: A manga-adaption to the prequel of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series, The Infernal Devices is the story of Tessa Gray, a sixteen-year-old American girl traveling alone to Victorian London who runs afoul of the city's sordid supernatural underworld. Rescued by the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, Tessa quickly finds herself caught up in an intrigue that may very well destroy her new friends - including the two enigmatic young men, Jem and Will, who have taken her under their wing...

Review: This is another Manga remake of a popular young adult novel. This is becoming a more and more popular thing to do. So far I've enjoyed that ones that I've read which is why I keep picking them up, such as with the Clockwork Angel Manga. When I got the first chapter I just had to read it. 

I was surprised that I wanted to read the Manga in the first place since I didn't enjoy the actual book. I couldn't really get through the whole thing. I honestly thought it was just so boring. It was the same thing as her other series just during the 1800s, and I'm a huge Mortal Instruments fan. Yet the cover of the Manga and the hype just got to me. I have to say I really enjoyed the first chapter. Even though it was so short. The manga moved at a much faster pace then the novel. It was easy to get caught up in it. 

The artist also did a great job. The outfits and dresses that they had in 1878 looked great. I loved the detail, you could tell when it was taking place. The facial expressions were also great. I really can't wait until the whole novel comes out in October. I'll be taking a trip to the book store that day. 

Here's a few pages:

   

Now the Giveaway! It thought I would giveaway my physical copy of the first chapter. I only got one at BEA but you guys are just so awesome and I feel bad for leaving the blog empty while I was away.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

--Danielle

* I just got back from Ireland. I'll post some pictures and such tomorrow. 

Going on Vacation!

Hey guys! I'm going on vacation for a few days in Ireland. (So EXCITED!) But that means I won't be here to post for the next couple of days. I also didn't have time to pre-schedule any posts. However, when I get back I promise everything will be back up and running. I have a bunch of reviews that I need to finish and reviews to write for the books I read on the looooong plane ride. 

 I'll try and take tons of pictures to show you guys while I'm there. :)


And while I'm gone you should enter my book giveaways! One for Pushing the Limits which can be found in the post below this one. Then Heart Waves giveaway will be ending soon so make sure you enter that one! The link if above this post. 


Be back soon!


--Danielle

Waiting On Wednesday

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Sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone! Do I really have to say more? Can't wait to get my hands on this one. 

Summary: In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed "Daughter of Smoke and Bone," Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was declared a "must read" by Entertainment Weekly, was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon.com, and The New York Times called it "a breath-catching romantic fantasy.

Release Date: November 6th, 2012

Who else is excited??

Giveaway: Pushing The Limits

I ended up with two copies of this awesome book, so that mean's A GIVEAWAY! 

Summary: "I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.   

"An edgy romance that pulls you in and never lets go. I was hooked!"-Gena Showalter,  New York Times bestselling author of the Intertwined series  

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.  Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

^Such an amazing summary! I'm about to start this one now. My review will be up soon. Till then you can enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**I made the end date so far away because I hope to have a car by then. It will make things easier to send it off.


That's it for today. I have tons of reviews to catch up with before I leave for my short vacation to Ireland on Saturday! :)

--Danielle 

My Top 5 YA Dystopian Novels

A few days someone had asked me for my favorite Dystopian novels. For some reason I just couldn't think of any. Then when I got home I starting remembering all my favorites. There are just so many and they are all so good. So here are my top 5.