Back in the game.

So, the first week of school has come and gone. To start off Painting II, we did an alla prima of a still life specifically for each of us. I wasn't too happy with mine, but then again, it's hard for a perfectionist like me to feel great about uncompleted paintings, which alla primas essentially are. I forgot to take a snapshot, sorry! (Not that anyone is too interested, hehe.)

Art History class is pure lecture, and frankly, boring to a right-brained individual like myself. I need to be stimulated. At least in my other education class, the teacher is peppy and non-monotone. Oh well, I shall get by.

I've just received a bottle of SkinMD lotion and am very excited to review it! After doing so I'll post a review, which will contain a giveaway for a full-sized bottle, so stay tuned for that. :)

Speaking of giveaways, please check out this lovely lady's blog: A Blonde Walks Into a Blog... She is giving away an IPOD NANO!! Can you believe that? Wow! Don't miss it!

It ends on Febuary 1st, so get those entries in! I wish I had a cool gadget to give away to you lovely readers, but I don't, so that's why I posted this.

World Market.

For those of you who love imported goods, or are looking for some, try to locate a World Market nearest you. They have such wonderful things from accessories, furniture, housewares, and most importantly FOOD. My mother, being a British person, loves this place for its imported British goods. In the past she had to order overseas and paid a lot just for shipping, but World Market saves all that time and money. A great deal, especially their chocolates. Oh boy...

If you're American and have never tried British chocolate, I highly suggest you do. If you've had Cadbury or Milka, it's close to that. But a little more delicious. I'm not a huge fan of Whoppers here in America, and that's mostly due to my love of Maltesers. These yummy choco-pops are balls of honeycomb wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. One of my favorites ever. And they usually have sales, where a bar of Aero chocolate is only $0.75, and a big box of holiday Maltesers got marked down a whopping 90%!

Another thing I love is their accessories. After-holiday sales really end up being the best part of this store. The earrings online are pretty pricey, but in store they're relatively inexpensive and almost borderline exotic. Here is a pair of lovely earrings, a vibrant purple "dreamcatcher" design encased by metal spirals, and guess how much I paid for them? $2.99!! Incredible, huh? Even the original price of $5.99 is a great deal for pretty jewelry like this. Someone in my art class asked about them, and a friend of mine asked if they were from Etsy, haha!

So if you have a store near you, or can handle/really love online shopping, then check out World Market. Really. Right now. :)

Please forgive my slow posting. Now that school is back on track, it'll be hard to keep it daily or every other day, but I shall do my best!

The Lovely Bones.

Well, I can only think of one word to sum this movie up: beautiful.

Beware, though, die-hard book fans. For those of you who cringe at such changes made to adaptations like Harry Potter, Dan Brown novels, Twilight, and so on, you will probably not enjoy the parts of The Lovely Bones book that were not put into the film.

Luckily, I'm not one of these people. Sometimes I don't understand why the changes occur, or why things are left out, but I can still enjoy the movie. Plus, I don't want to "see" word-for-word a book; I like some alterations: same meal, different flavors. Also, Peter Jackson and the cast explained the reasons for leaving out some of the harsh violence and the love affair, and I think it's reasonable. The main message of loss and hope are still prevalent in this gorgeous film.

The flow is coherent and consistent. The music fits so well, and I'm glad "Alice" reappeared during the in-between scenes. Saoirse Ronan's performance is stunning, and the raves about her are not unfounded. This movie really pulls at every string one's heart has. The one scene where a little girl hugs Susie as she looks up and cries made me lurch forward with emotion and tears came out without me wanting them to. The sorrow and pain is strong, but makes the hope and reforming of a family that much sweeter.

I only experienced a problem when the ending credits rolled. You see, I live in Tennessee, and... I'll say no further on that, to avoid offense. But this guy behind me blabbed, "This f***ing sucked." It makes me question whether people comprehend what a trailer is. But regardless, if you're not into films like that of My Sister's Keeper, or artistic dramas in general, this film might not be for you.

With that, I give this a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Wednesday Wishlist.

(Because internet window shopping is just as fun, and I'm honestly blank right now about a blog post.)

Fancy Swirls Dark gray leather diary, $32

Faux Boot Legwarmers in black, $49.50

Deco Dragonfly Mug, $25

Shakespeare's Sister, $395

Fawnia Oak Leaf with Aquamarine Glass Beads, $16.80

The Stalker 10x8 black cat print, $27.00

Full Agenda Dress by ModCloth, $47.99

London Fog by Piperlime, $119

What are your Wednesday wishlist items?

Orglamix Giveaway Winner!

Wow, I have to say I'm so impressed with the turnout of my latest giveaway! I'd like to thank Cheri for the opportunity to try her fabulous makeup, and her generosity in holding so many giveaways so others can discover her cosmetic treasures.

I put in the numbers and Random.org spat out..........

184!!
Or Lisa of xMaterialGirlsx.blogspot.com! Congrats!

Lisa has a few blogs, one of them consisting of cosmetic news, coupons, and other giveaways going on specifically for beauty products. Please take a look, you might find giveaways for new makeup you've been after!



I'll be contacting the winner shortly for info. If you didn't win, please don't be discouraged, I'll be holding another giveaway as soon as possible. Thank you for everything!