tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45208150529915607362024-03-05T09:23:42.744-05:00mademoisellejoseea beauty and lifestyle blog JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-16350611718365822632017-04-30T12:06:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:18:11.478-04:00Book Review: When Dimple Met Rishi by Sendhya Menon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC1GAA1NPaGGTEX24ZMMyQ3ep_kZUYjeQ8ZdgXr2iQIHRvfwmePIgYRwrBbUfU8WvczfL0pTZcIOYfP9cdSzaEiI8pUfQzy_zghhFL8xwXoNR3r9aBL8EbKSkDs23WYwGZnVc1PSujP_0/s1600/Whendimplemetrishi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC1GAA1NPaGGTEX24ZMMyQ3ep_kZUYjeQ8ZdgXr2iQIHRvfwmePIgYRwrBbUfU8WvczfL0pTZcIOYfP9cdSzaEiI8pUfQzy_zghhFL8xwXoNR3r9aBL8EbKSkDs23WYwGZnVc1PSujP_0/s1600/Whendimplemetrishi.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28458598-when-dimple-met-rishi" style="float: right; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="When Dimple Met Rishi" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475687488m/28458598.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28458598-when-dimple-met-rishi">When Dimple Met Rishi</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14834224.Sandhya_Menon">Sandhya Menon</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1886731904">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Dimple and Rishi have been arranged to be married. They're complete opposites. Dimple doesn't like traditional Indian ideals and tries to stay far away from them. She's not interested in finding the perfect Indian husband. Her main priority is this awesome summer program where she can use her web developing skills. Rishi is a hopeless romantic, the perfect Indian boy, total boyfriend material. He can't wait to woo his future wife. Both of them are attending the same summer program because their parents thought it would be a great way to begin their arrangement. And the adventure begins.<br />
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This book is everything I wanted and more. We have the trope of opposites attract, a swoon-worthy romance, a strong independent female lead, a sweet and wonderful male lead, and enjoyable characters overall. Rishi Patel is what book boyfriend dreams are made of. The book is told in dual perspectives, which is great because you get to see what both Dimple and Rishi are thinking. They both have wonderful character development.<br />
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This book is about self-discovery, love, and family. This has been my most anticipated book of the year and I'm so glad that I had the chance to read it. It's an outstanding debut novel. It's a great representation of Indian culture and a wonderful own voices novel. I look forward to reading more of Sandhya's work in the future. If you love contemporary romance novels you NEED to read this book. If you only read one book this year it has to be this one.<br />
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<i>I received an ARC from the publisher via Net Galley.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-87161195740405369982017-04-25T23:31:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:18:32.853-04:00Book Review: Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges78Yo7UCtclzolcKf2VSaTJ407rAEZ5-mG04rKnV99vNNMqY35Ocpv3gpie-rp0isHynzezEba6T8owHJ8eA4AR7IHFLDpjBd935-3UThLctzEw0aVrEmFNzGWmuqZwYEK13-IIRQlfI/s1600/File+2017-04-14%252C+2+00+07+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges78Yo7UCtclzolcKf2VSaTJ407rAEZ5-mG04rKnV99vNNMqY35Ocpv3gpie-rp0isHynzezEba6T8owHJ8eA4AR7IHFLDpjBd935-3UThLctzEw0aVrEmFNzGWmuqZwYEK13-IIRQlfI/s1600/File+2017-04-14%252C+2+00+07+PM.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32510778-heart-on-the-line" style="float: right; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Heart on the Line (Ladies of Harper’s Station, #2)" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1478018344m/32510778.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32510778-heart-on-the-line">Heart on the Line</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3114906.Karen_Witemeyer">Karen Witemeyer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1799465506">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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4.5/5<br />
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Grace Mallory, a telegraph operator has found a safe haven in Harper’s Station, a colony run by women. After the murder of her father, she’s sent into hiding to preserve the documents her father risked his life to save, and hide from the man who wants to make those documents disappear. When her life is in danger she must prepare to keep everyone in the town safe. Amos Bledsoe, a fellow telegraph operator strikes up a friendship with Grace through the wire. When he finds out that her life is in danger he’ll stop at nothing to help her. Will a long distance friendship turn into something more?<br />
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If you take online dating and put it in 1890’s Texas you’ll get the story of Grace and Amos. They never met in person but they were slowly falling for each other. Both were insecure about meeting in real life wondering if their appearance would satisfy their imagination. The thing I liked most about the romance is that it wasn’t based on physical attraction, it was based on actually getting to know a person based on their intellect and personality.<br />
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Helen’s story captured my heart. She is a tough woman who doesn’t trust men but when she found a wounded man she put her prejudices aside and did everything in her power to help him.<br />
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I really enjoyed this book. I liked reading about a colony run by women. The inhabitants of Harper’s Station are such wonderful, strong, inspiring women.The men who fall for them compliment their personalities and support them in any way possible.<br />
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Karen Witemeyer is the queen of Christian Historical Fiction in a Western setting. The way the author intricately describes her characters makes you feel as if you can look into their souls. The character development is wonderful because it shows how a person changes when they put God at the center of their lives.<br />
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This book has a great dose of romance, friendship and action to keep you on your toes and enjoying the ride the whole way through. I would recommend all of Karen Witemeyer books to anyone who loves a historical fiction and sweet romance novels.<br />
<i><br /></i> <i>I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. </i><br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥<br />
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Love books? Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mademoisellebookish/">Instagram</a> for more content.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-83712922785933066712017-04-13T16:40:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:18:48.709-04:00Book Review: The World's Greatest Chocolate-Covered Pork Chops by R.K. Sager <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA-3qiVSYASbJR-rosiyTFjcRP5MpOTuKWHFumi_JlpvIQFB30LfvxZBg0uWrtaebmpbcHZvEIktTj3bHGVLAJ2V5o80VedpnEAn3HbdByiuMFKzI64S7uql5wpqBqzTHglsniFciSCaT/s1600/File+2017-04-13%252C+4+34+24+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA-3qiVSYASbJR-rosiyTFjcRP5MpOTuKWHFumi_JlpvIQFB30LfvxZBg0uWrtaebmpbcHZvEIktTj3bHGVLAJ2V5o80VedpnEAn3HbdByiuMFKzI64S7uql5wpqBqzTHglsniFciSCaT/s1600/File+2017-04-13%252C+4+34+24+PM.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28107111-the-world-s-greatest-chocolate-covered-pork-chops" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The World's Greatest Chocolate-Covered Pork Chops" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1482715736m/28107111.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28107111-the-world-s-greatest-chocolate-covered-pork-chops">The World's Greatest Chocolate-Covered Pork Chops</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14739437.R_K_Sager">R.K. Sager</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1963089326">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
Genre: Middle Grade, YA<br />
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<i><b>"I'm Zoey Kate, culinary prodigy, gourmet innovator, child chef extraordinaire."</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i> <i><b>"... I know how to say bon appétit in fifty-two languages."</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i> Zoey is a child chef genius. Her recipes are all about mixing together ingredients that normally wouldn't go together, but it works and people love her cooking. She wants to open her own restaurant so that the whole world will get to experience her amazing cooking. She has wonderful people who support her along the way. She also makes a few enemies who don't want her to succeed.<br />
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This book was hilarious. It had me laughing from the first page. Zoey is such a quirky character. Following her adventure was really fun. I loved that different food cultures are talked about and that we get to explore some of San Fransisco. This book is full of unique and imaginative characters.<br />
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This book would be great for children as it teaches them to dream big and that anything is possible if you work hard for it. It also shows us the importance of friendship. As an adult, this book will let your inner child run free. I like that recipes are included at the end, especially one for chocolate-covered pork chops.<br />
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Overall, I enjoyed it and I think that children would love this book. Since there are many children who have a passion for food and cooking they will really enjoy it and relate to Zoey.<br />
<i><br /></i> <i>I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-85141090106923971992017-03-29T02:35:00.002-04:002018-05-02T15:19:14.631-04:00Book Review: A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSR0ZftEG2m8RrJMzNXaghrF9Ky36yhwBc1UNvRbpWA4wx6NPdjugyBI0-xZgFQm1jGGnPNsJi9qMuEVhfFnuLHdUItEH9D4XIr1UdjsEsp52wIIk02RFl9c76R-tfO_2QKHSXm87K_NRb/s1600/File+2017-03-13%252C+9+35+46+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSR0ZftEG2m8RrJMzNXaghrF9Ky36yhwBc1UNvRbpWA4wx6NPdjugyBI0-xZgFQm1jGGnPNsJi9qMuEVhfFnuLHdUItEH9D4XIr1UdjsEsp52wIIk02RFl9c76R-tfO_2QKHSXm87K_NRb/s1600/File+2017-03-13%252C+9+35+46+AM.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b>A Crown of Wishes</b> by <b>Roshani Chokshi</b><br />
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My rating: <b>4.5</b> of <b>5</b> stars<br />
Genre: Fantasy, YA<br />
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Vikram has received an invitation to the Tournament of Wishes but in order to compete, he needs a partner. Gauri reluctantly becomes his partner. They're complete opposites. The Fox Prince can charm his way out of anything. He can spin a tale so intricate that anyone will be enchanted. His words are his weapons. Instead of fighting he uses his speech. The Jewel of Bharata is a mighty fighter. In a battle she's lethal. She doesn't trust anyone or anything but herself. On the surface, Vikram and Gauri appear to be different but if you look closely you’ll see that they’re two halves of the same coin. They both want the same thing: freedom. An unlikely alliance is formed by two people who were destined to meet. They must learn to work together in order to win.<br />
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This book has everything you could possibly want in a great story. We have a strong, fiercely independent female protagonist and a wonderful, optimistic male protagonist. It's told in multiple perspectives, which allows the reader to understand what each character is thinking. Vikram endured a difficult childhood and he didn't let that turn him hard. He still believes in magic and has faith in himself. Gauri's childhood taught her how to be a fighter and to survive. They need each other to break their walls and finally let someone in.<br />
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This book has a slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance. This is one of my favourite tropes. It was nice to read about the progression of the romance. It was also nice to see both characters grow on their own. What I loved about Vikram is that even though he was sure of his feelings for Gauri he gave her the time that she needed to discover who she was before she could be with him. He waited for her. He let her decide and never pushed her to be with him. We need more characters like him. Both of these characters were extremely pleasant to read about. I loved them both.<br />
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This book is lyrically written.This is a companion novel to <i>The Star-Touched Queen</i>. I'd consider it a sequel because it's set in the same world and it feels like it starts in the time period where the previous novel left off. I also think that this book can be read as a stand-alone because it's different enough from the first one. <i>The Star-Touched Queen</i> has a larger focus on mythology and immortality, while <i>A Crown of Wishes</i> is mainly about these two people thrust into a magical world and encountering magical creatures. Roshani Chokshi's prose captivated me and brought me to another world. I would read anything from her because she has such an enchanting way with words. I love that she takes elements of her own culture and creates a story around it. This story takes you on an action-packed adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. If you love fantasy novels this book is for you. I highly recommend that you read it.<br />
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Have you read this book? Do you plan to read it?<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥<br />
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<i>*Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher. </i>JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-84527267971230241832017-03-15T09:35:00.004-04:002018-05-02T15:19:50.405-04:00Book Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m78agDipcFimWWSHA7X7ZaQYwvGDB89J8f1ofZ1bLz0ga6wXgXd2LwJnwkXbZiG4Pad-oAGl1JTnAbNjU_j0ufFVevH1N7XVUY2mq0EhAgs6KD2XsPL3YH9_WQlsfHqQYmcfn2QJotuC/s1600/File+2017-03-13%252C+9+34+50+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m78agDipcFimWWSHA7X7ZaQYwvGDB89J8f1ofZ1bLz0ga6wXgXd2LwJnwkXbZiG4Pad-oAGl1JTnAbNjU_j0ufFVevH1N7XVUY2mq0EhAgs6KD2XsPL3YH9_WQlsfHqQYmcfn2QJotuC/s1600/File+2017-03-13%252C+9+34+50+AM.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><b>Persuasion</b> by <b>Jane Austen</b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">My rating: <b>5 of 5 stars</b> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><b><br /></b></span> <span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><i><b>“I am half agony half hope… I have loved none but you.” </b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><b><i>“Her affection would be his for ever.” </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">I haven’t read Jane Austen in a while. I’m glad I read this one as a means to get back into her works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Persuasion tells the story of Anne Elliot. When she was nineteen she was persuaded to reject the proposal of the man that she loved because he had no net worth. Eight years later he reappears in her social circle as a rich captain. He treats her as if they’re strangers and seems to be interested in someone else. When someone else shows an interest in Anne will his true feelings come out? </span>This book deals with love, loss, self-worth, and jealousy.<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">I think that Anne Elliot is the most mature Austen heroine. She has become one of my favourite literary characters ever written. She’s an over-thinker. She needs time alone to get her thoughts in order. She like spending time with people but she also needs to spend some time alone. When she was young she let the influence of others, particularly Lady Russell determine her decision to reject the man that she loved, but as she matured she didn’t blame anyone but herself for it. She accepted the fact that it was her decision and didn’t regret it even though it brought her great suffering. There were parts of the book where she thought about how her life would have been different if she would have accepted the proposal. She never stopped loving him. Anne spent most of the book watching the love her life interacting with someone else not knowing that he was still in love with her. She would have married him the second he popped back into her life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">I strongly disliked Anne’s family. Her father doesn’t see much worth in her as she didn’t marry when she was young. I felt indifferent towards her sister Elizabeth. Her sister Mary is selfish and acts as if she's the center of everything that goes on. At the start of the novel I completely disliked Lady Russell, but I grew to tolerate her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">While I do think Captain Wentworth should have been clear about his feelings from the beginning but, I think that he’s a good person. He understood why Anne rejected his proposal when she was young. It’s understandable that he was angry at first. Even in the times that he’s ignoring her he still speaks highly of her. He spent eight years away from her but his love for her remained constant in all that time. He was ready to accept rejection a second time, but he just had to let his feelings be heard. </span> He gave her the choice of whether or not she wanted to be with him.<br />
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If I would have read this when I was younger I wouldn’t have been able to appreciate it as much as I do now. I’m pleased with the ending. This was Austen’s last novel and it’s her most mature.<br />
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Who's your favourite Austen heroine?<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥</div>
JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-18838535323184289902017-03-07T06:00:00.000-05:002018-05-02T15:20:34.554-04:00Book Review: Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30630812-agnes-grey" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Agnes Grey" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488125041m/30630812.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30630812-agnes-grey">Agnes Grey</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8249.Anne_Bront_">Anne Brontë</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1925064254">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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"Reading is my favourite occupation when I have the leisure for it, and books to read."<br />
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Agnes Grey tells the story of Miss Agnes Grey who becomes a governess to help with her family's finances when her father loses their money. It gives you the impression that it was written as a journal about her time as a governess for two families: the Bloomfields and the Murrays. She often addresses the reader which makes it feel like she's writing to you. You get the impression that she wrote it knowing that she would have an audience. I don't particularly like it when the author addresses the reader; but, in this case, it works because she's telling exactly what she wants us to know.<br />
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I believe this is a semi-autobiographical account taken from Anne Brontë's experience as a governess. It's exquisitely written. Anne Brontë doesn't romanticize life in the 19th century. She depicts a realistic picture of the difficulties that come with this occupation. You really understand how Agnes feels. Agnes was treated horribly by the children yet her faith never wavered and she persevered. The portrayal of love is real. The love interest is not romanticized. I would say it'a slow-burn romance because you're not sure if anything is going to happen and when it does it leaves you extremely pleased. If I had to make any criticisms of the book it would be that the love story is too short. There's not enough of Agnes' love story in the book; however; the main point of this book is not the love story, it's about life and the treatment of women in the Victorian era.<br />
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I think that Anne Brontë was ahead of her time as her writing focuses on women and the reality and difficulties that came with being a woman during that time period. She also explores themes that were taboo in the 19th century. She hints at the reality of marriage in the 19th century. You also clearly understand that you're reading the work of a religious person as religion is the main part of Agnes' life, which reflects that Anne was a religious person. Her works are underrated but I think they need to be read. If you've never read her before I urge you to give her a chance because her views on life surpass those of her sisters.<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-10586118988331185282017-02-28T23:38:00.000-05:002018-05-02T15:20:49.737-04:00Book Review: Three Souls by Janie Chang <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFuI8-BKR4s7Z9zGzLrxboBV5Ql_SnmvaMiapuOMwokwP7QyaCp6Bp7dyNV5dTr6F1d_wBXyEmNZi6GG2sjWnQN26FNoObIfIW9hLT6it0Tar04msoElnLDYQue49_TPGBdu_4XsjH8ac/s1600/File+2017-02-28%252C+5+11+33+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFuI8-BKR4s7Z9zGzLrxboBV5Ql_SnmvaMiapuOMwokwP7QyaCp6Bp7dyNV5dTr6F1d_wBXyEmNZi6GG2sjWnQN26FNoObIfIW9hLT6it0Tar04msoElnLDYQue49_TPGBdu_4XsjH8ac/s1600/File+2017-02-28%252C+5+11+33+PM.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18169712-three-souls" style="float: right; padding-left: 15px;"><img alt="Three Souls" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1373291528l/18169712.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18169712-three-souls">Three Souls</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7020203.Janie_Chang">Janie Chang</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1895246705">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Genre: historical fiction, fantasy<br />
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This book recounts the life of Song Leiyin. We meet her watching her own funeral and where she first encounters her three souls (in Taoism it is believed that a person has three souls: yin, yang, and hun) as we take a journey to the day she finished high school and the choices she made that changed her life forever. We see the consequences of her choices, how they affected everyone around her and how she must make amends before moving onto the afterlife. We also uncover the mystery of how she died. Now that Leiyin is essentially a ghost she begins to see her life and the people around her in a different way. She understands why her father made certain choices and wishes to see him again. As a ghost, she is given a second chance to help the people she cared about. This book is set in 1935 China with flashbacks to the late 1920's. You get a sense of the social and political changes that were occurring that the time.<br />
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This is an intriguing tale that keeps you wanting more till the last page. It's lyrically written. I liked that the story stresses the importance of education and family. It shows us how one choice can dramatically change every part of your life. The novel ended up being darker than I initially thought and some parts felt uncomfortable for me to read. The beautifully crafted narrative is what prompted me to finish the book.<br />
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What books have you been reading?<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-64370649017391985882017-01-30T09:14:00.002-05:002018-11-21T15:29:12.825-05:00Top 5 Beauty Discoveries of 2016 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My favorite makeup products rarely change. This year instead of doing yearly favorites by choosing my favorite product from each category I decided to pick five products that were game changers for me in 2016. When I was gathering my products to take photos I noticed that three of them are from Too Faced. 2016 started my love affair with Too Faced makeup.<br />
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<u>Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer</u><br />
This face primer is what started my love for Too Faced products. I'm already on my second tube of it. What made me pick it up is the fact that it's silicone free. I love that it's formulated with coconut water. It does a great job at adding some hydration to my skin and leaves a smooth base for my foundation. It smells like coconut. It feels like applying a moisturizer. It's the only face primer that doesn't break me out. I like that it comes in a tube with a pump. I love everything about this primer. I'm glad that I finally found a primer that works well with my skin.<br />
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<u>Too Faced Love Flush Blush</u> in <u>Baby Love</u><br />
I bought this blush in September and I haven't used any of my other blushes since then. If you love <u>Tarte Exposed</u> you need this one in your life. It's a nude shade with gold shimmer. It looks really natural on your cheeks. It gives you a healthy glow. I find it to be quite pigmented. A little goes a long way and it lasts all day. You can't go wrong with this blush. It goes with any makeup look.<br />
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<u>Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette</u><br />
I love this eyeshadow palette because it's really easy to create looks with it. It's a neutral palette with some colourful shades. You can create a subtle everyday look, a smoky look and even add a pop of colour. The shades blend smoothly and have great pigmentation. It smells like chocolate, which is really cool. My favorite shade is Marzipan, which reminds me of MAC All That Glitters.<br />
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<u>Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact</u> in <u>01</u><br />
This is the perfect subtle highlighter for fair skin. It kind of melts into your skin and give you a natural glow. When you wear it people won't be able to tell that you're wearing highlighter. It's been my most worn highlighter since I purchased it. It may be pricey but it's worth the investment because you only need a tiny amount and the product will last you forever. I've used it so much and it still looks brand new.<br />
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<u>Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer</u><br />
If you have pale skin you need this bronzer in your life. I didn't like bronzer until I tried this one. It's the perfect shade for me. You can never go overboard with this product. It blends effortlessly and never looks muddy. It's heavily scented with a coconut scent, so if you're sensitive to scent you might not like it. My skin doesn't usually agree with scented products but this one doesn't break me out. (If you're sensitive to scents try the Body Shop's Honey Bronzer instead.)<br />
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What makeup products are game changers for you?<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-614647119739970372016-12-19T09:15:00.001-05:002018-05-02T15:22:45.962-04:00November/December Loves List <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since my favorite beauty products don't change very often I've decided that my monthly favorites will now be renamed a loves list. I just got tired of calling everything my favorite. This post is to give a shout out to all the things I've been loving lately. (It's the same as a favorites post but I'm going to only talk about things I really love.)<br />
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My go-to work makeup look consists of adding the following products to my daily makeup routine: <i>Essense Make Me Brow</i>, <i>Makeup Geek and MAC eyeshadows</i>, and the <i>L'Oreal Infalliable Contour palette</i>. I know that these products are foolproof and will always allow me to create a quick makeup look.<br />
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<u>Essense Make Me Brow </u><br />
This product is a dupe for the <u>Benefit Give Me Brow</u>. I love this brow gel because it's tinted and has fibers in it. I can go in with this and my brows look full and stay in place for the whole day.<br />
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<u>L'Oreal Infalliable Contour palette in Light </u><br />
I've said it before and I'll say it again: this is the foolproof contour palette. You can't go wrong when you use it. It has the right amount of pigment, which means you can never go overboard with the countour. It blends easily and it's very quick to use. It's perfect when you're in a hurry.<br />
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<u>MAC and Makeup Geek Eyeshadows</u><br />
For a quick and easy warm eye loo,k I take <b>MAC All That Glitters</b> all over the lid for a soft wash of colour. Then I mix <b>MUG Crème Brûlée</b> and <b>MUG Bake Sale</b> in the crease for some extra dimension and then I add <b>MAC Blanc Type</b> on my brow bone and inner corner for a subtle highlight.<br />
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<b>Barcelona: A Love Untold </b><br />
I'm such a fangirl when it comes to filipino love teams. Kathniel was the first love team that I was introduced to. I loved Kathniel before I loved Jadine. Over the years I've kept tabs on their projects, especially their movies. When I heard about the movie Barcelona I eagerly awaited the day that I could watch it. This turned out to be my favorite Kathniel film. <u>She's Dating the Gangster</u> was my favorite for a long time but <u>Barcelona</u> tops it. You'll love this film if you love Kathniel or filipino movies. These types of films always have a similar formula but they're enjoyable to watch because they touch your heart and make you believe in love. It's a beautiful love story.<br />
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<b>When a Snail Falls in Love</b><br />
I'm slowly getting into Mainland China dramas. This is the third one that I've watched so far. This drama mainly a crime drama with great friendships and a little romance. It's quite slow paced but I loved it. The main couple was extremely adorable. It's a slow burn romance but it's completely worth it; however, if you don't like crime dramas you won't like this. If you want to see an adorable Chinese romance watch <i>Love O2O</i> and <i>Boss & Me</i> instead.<br />
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<b>Goblin </b><br />
This kdrama started this month but I have to include it because I'm loving it so much. It's the first drama that my friend and I are watching at the same time. (She's the person responsible for my obsession with kdramas. She introduced me to Secret Garden, which is also written by Kim Eun Sook, the writer of DOTS and Goblin.) This is a fantasy romantic comedy with some melodrama. The story is about a 939 year old goblin (Gong Yoo) and a girl who can see ghosts (Kim Go Eun). She's the Goblin's Bride and only she can help him rest in peace. There's also a bright woman named Sunny (the flawless Yoo In Na) and a socially awkward Grim Reaper (Lee Dong Wook). There's also a young chaebol who is the descendant of the Goblin's servant (Yook Sung Jae) and the goddess of birth ( Lee El)who seems to have a role in everyone's lives. The bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper is the most entertaining part of the drama.<br />
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Part of the reason why I love this drama so much is that it was partially filmed in Quebec City. <i>Quebec is my home province</i>. It's so exciting to see a city that I've been to and landmarks that I've stood in front of in a Korean drama. They showcase the beauty of Quebec City. I love the entire main cast. I already ship the second couple so much. I have a feeling that Goblin is going to be the next DOTS for me.<br />
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KES dramas are always hit or miss. You either love her dramas or you hate them. I loved Secret Garden and DOTS but I hated Heirs. I thought On Air and City Hall were okay, and I actually didn't know that she wrote those two dramas until now.<br />
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<b>Music</b><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/eFS85BQqHKo">Emmanuel</a> - Hillsong (the meaning of Christmas in a song)<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/6MBYn8v96oI">No One Else</a> - Lee Sung Chul (a beautiful love song)<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/NVXK75bHaeM" target="_blank">Love Story</a> - Lyn (Legend of the Blue Sea OST)<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/W0cs6ciCt_k" target="_blank">Beautiful</a> - Crush (Goblin OST)<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/--zku6TB5NY">Last Dance</a> - BIGBANG (try not to cry)<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/Iakm62mjVlM">Yes I Am</a> - BTOB (I also love <a href="https://youtu.be/ZuBS_GDvBaY">I'll Be Your Man</a>)<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-7882157938187848362016-11-02T23:28:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:26:25.501-04:00October Favorites <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another month has ended. A new month has begun. This year is going by way too fast! November is my favorite month of the year. It's my birthday month and it means that I can listen to Christmas music. Let's backtrack a little bit and go over everything I've loved in October.<br />
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<u>Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless</u><br />
I was never a big fan of Maybelline foundations until I tried this one. I've had this foundation in my collection for a while; but, I didn't try it until two months ago when I needed a to wear a matte foundation with no SPF. I was having an ID photo taken so there needed to be no shine on my face. It provides medium to full coverage and keeps you matte. It lasts all day. My face doesn't get as shiny as it normally would throughout the day when I wear this foundation. The shade 112 is a good match for me. My preferred way of applying it is with a damp beauty blender because it flawlessly blends the product into your skin. The one thing I don't like about this product is that the bottle doesn't have a pump.<br />
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<u>Too Faced Love Flush Blush</u> in <u>Baby Love</u><br />
This blush has been raved about for months. I was convinced to buy it because everyone was saying that you'll love the shade Baby Love if you love Tarte Exposed. They were right. Tarte Exposed has been my favorite blush since I bought it. Too Faced Baby Love might actually take its place as my number one blush pick. It's a nude pink shade with golden shimmer. It lasts all day and gives your cheeks a beautiful natural flush. The packaging is adorable!<br />
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<u>Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder</u> in <u>Highlight 01</u><br />
This highlighter has been on my wishlist for the longest time. I finally allowed myself to splurge on it. I'm glad that I did because it's the best highlighter I've ever used. It's subtle enough to wear every day because it gives you a natural glow. The name is misleading because it's not matte at all. It's very shimmery but contains no chunks of glitter. I think it's the best highlighter for pale skin. It's a pale gold, slightly white, which makes it perfect for my fair skin because it looks like my cheekbones are naturally have that glow. It's worth the splurge because the product is essentially going to last forever. I've been using it almost every day and it doesn't even look like I touched it.<br />
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<u>MAC Jubilee</u><br />
This lipstick has been on my wishlist for years. Ever since I saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/pixi2woo" target="_blank">Tanya Burr</a> talk about I wanted it. I would describe it as a brown based nude. MAC describes it as a "naked beigey pink." It's a straight-up nude. Because of the sheerness of the formula, it can be built up and it will suit a variety of skin tones. It may look underwhelming in the tube but it's magic on your lips. The next time you're at a MAC counter check it out.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><u>Kdramas</u>:<br />
<u><a href="http://mydramalist.com/17319-second-to-last-love" target="_blank">Second to Last Love</a></u> - This drama is one that I didn't really get into at first but I ended up enjoying it. It was definitely worth the watch. My favourite actress, Kim Seul Gi is in it. I obviously had to watch it for Kim Hee Ae. The cinematography was so beautiful. The drama has the same feel as an older drama, which was nice. It got extended, which had me expecting more for the ending. This is one drama that I enjoyed watching so much that I didn't want it to end. Overall, it was a great watch. It was a nice change to watch a drama that put a focus on the romance between people in their forties. I'd recommend it if you're into a slow burn romance and like a lot of secondary characters.<br />
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<u>Movies</u>:<br />
<u><a href="http://mydramalist.com/18916-one-smile-is-very-alluring" target="_blank">One Smile is Very Alluring</a></u> - This is the movie adaptation of <a href="http://mydramalist.com/15031-love-o2o" target="_blank">Love O2O</a>, which is a cdrama that was in my favorites last month. The movie is just as cute as the drama except for the fact that the development was more rushed. Some scenes and characters were cut out. I really liked the main characters of the movie. If you liked the drama watch the movie and vice versa. I personally think the drama version was better but the romance is so adorable in the movie that I had to share it.<br />
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<u>Pumpkin Pie Wars</u> - Hallmark Channel movies are my guilty pleasure. I love the fluffy romance movies they put out. Pumpkin Pie Wars is about two families from rival bakeries. The son of one bakery and the daughter from the other both enter the town's pumpkin pie contest. They essentially form a friendship that becomes more. Winning the contest is important for both bakeries. Only one can win or can they?<br />
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<u><a href="http://mydramalist.com/15940-little-big-master" target="_blank">Little Big Master</a></u> - This is a Hong Kong movie based on a true story. It's about a teacher who decides to go teach at a village kindergarten that only has five students and is in danger of closing. She ends up making a difference in an entire community. I loved this movie because it shows you what it truly means to be a teacher.<br />
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<u>Music</u>:<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/yU71IPo9ly8" target="_blank">Today</a> - Kim Bo Hyung<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/tdqlSDVBxx8" target="_blank">Haru Haru </a>(Japanese Version) - BIGBANG<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/6Bk-MAbEiSU" target="_blank">After You</a> - Britt Nicole<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/rO3Vw3lF5mM" target="_blank">Better</a> - Britt Nicole<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/mr7rT5CtcHo" target="_blank">Your Royal Blood</a> - Rend Collective<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/vc4WNBKa7Eg" target="_blank">What A Beautiful Name</a> - Hillsong Worship<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/VGR9DfLTefw" target="_blank">High School Musical Medley</a> - Anthem Lights ft. Alex G.<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-43173980596303878012016-10-24T09:28:00.000-04:002018-11-22T13:34:14.902-05:00Jouviance: A Skincare Revolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since the summer I've felt like a lot of Canadian YouTubers that I watch have been talking about Jouviance skincare products. Everyone loves their micellar water. I really want to try it because it's on par with Bioderma. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MelSoldera" target="_blank">MelSoldera</a>'s entire skincare regime consists of Jouviance products. I decided to try the Exfoliant (exfoliator) and Detox (face mask). Both products are marketed for all skin types including sensitive skin. As someone with sensitive skin, it's hard to find an exfoliator and face mask that won't break me out or irritate my skin. I'm happy to say that these have reached HG status.<br />
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<u><a href="https://www.jouviance.com/exfoliator" target="_blank">Jouviance Exfoliant: Gentle Purifying Scrub</a></u> ($24 CAD)<br />
This exfoliator claims that it deep cleanses and retextures the skin. It also claims to "gently lift away dead skin cells and impurities, unclog pores and soften fine lines." It contains natural organic bamboo and olive stone extracts to "purify, revive and even skin tone without irritation." <b>It does what it says on the tin.</b> It gets rid of any dead skin and deep cleanses your skin. After I use this my skin feels soft and smooth. It gets rid of any texture issues as well. It has a light scent that I would describe as quite soothing and spa-like. It smells like something natural. The grains are very fine. Rubbing it on your skin feels gentle but at the same time, it feels like the product is doing its job. I've been using this exfoliator for the once a week for the past 2 months. The most important thing I have to say is that <b>it doesn't break me out.</b><br />
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<u><a href="https://www.jouviance.com/index.php?_route_=masque-purifiant-peau-neuve&language=en" target="_blank">Jouviance Detox: Skin Renew Revitalizing Mask</a></u> ($24 CAD)<br />
This clay-based mask claims to plump and purify the skin. It also claims to "soothe, renew, revitalize and reduce signs of aging." It contains kaolin and a Mediterranean clay called illite. It smells like clay and has a natural spa-like scent similar to the exfoliator. It's meant to be worn for 10 minutes and washed off. Using this mask takes a while to get used to because it never dries, it always stays wet on your skin. This makes it easier to wash off. <b>It does what it says on the tin.</b> After doing this mask my skin always feels fresh and clean. It's a quick way to feel refreshed. I've been using this mask once a week for the past two months after using the Exfoliant. Like the exfoliator, <b>it doesn't break me out.</b><br />
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I highly recommend both of these products. They've completely changed my skincare regime. I've actually noticed a difference in my skin. They've made the appearance of my skin healthy and glowy. My skin has less redness and I've noticed that I don't get many breakouts anymore. My skin feels and looks smooth.<br />
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Jouviance products are made in Canada. They're not tested on animals. They're free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, colourants or artificial fragrances. Full disclosure: I bought these products with my own money and all opinions are my own.<br />
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Have you tried any Jouviance products?<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-50488157762691974822016-10-11T09:06:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:27:50.952-04:00September Lifestyle Favorites! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I've had a lot of beauty favorites to talk about this month, I decided to write a separate post about all my non-beauty favorites. (It's also partly because I have a lot of kdramas to talk about.) If you want to see my beauty favorites click<a href="http://mademoisellejosee.blogspot.ca/2016/10/september-beauty-favorites.html"> here</a>.<br />
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<b>KDramas:</b><br />
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<u><a href="http://mydramalist.com/18896-age-of-youth" target="_blank">Age of Youth</a></u> - This is a 12 episode kdrama about 5 girls that are roommates. Each girl has a different personality and is going through different life situations. It's a slice of life drama. I love that it's a female-dominated drama and that the girls were always supporting each other. There is romance but it's not at the center of the drama. It's one of my favorite dramas of the summer. I think it's a must-watch. It's a JTBC drama and I tend to love dramas from them.<br />
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<u><a href="http://mydramalist.com/9916-bad-guys" target="_blank">Bad Guys</a></u> - This drama was recommended to me. It's not the genre that I normally watch. It's a crime/action/thriller drama. I was hesitant about watching it at first because there is no romance but I ended up loving it. The story is about a gangster, a contract killer, and a psychopath who get released from prison to help solve a serial killer case. Together with a suspended detective, they solve crimes. The action scenes are epic. The acting is amazing. This drama is definitely underrated. No one really talks about it but the people who do praise it.<br />
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<u><a href="http://mydramalist.com/15031-love-o2o" target="_blank">Love O2O </a></u>- This is a cdrama based on a novel by Gu Man, who is also the author of the novel that Boss & Me (my first cdrama) is based on. The story is about Xiao Nai a gaming genius who's also the most popular guy in school. He's perfect at everything. He falls in love with Bei Wei Wei, a computer science major, at first sight, but what he notices is the way she controls her game. They first meet in an online gaming community and eventually meet in real life. I love that this drama supports women in STEM and female gamers because it shows girls that you can choose a career in any field that you love. The romance is adorable and the main couple has a healthy relationship based on trust. (There's also a scene related to basketball where the main couple reminded me of season 1 Naley.) Friendship is also the main point of this drama. Everything about this drama was well executed. The cinematography was beautiful. The gaming scenes were really cool. It's a must watch if you love a fluffy rom-com.<br />
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<u><a href="http://mydramalist.com/138-smile-you" target="_blank">Smile, You</a></u> - This is an older drama that's been on my watch list for a while. The main reason I watched it is because Jung Kyung Ho is the lead. It's about a rich girl whose family goes bankrupt and gets left at her wedding because she has no money. She meets the grandson of her family's driver and sparks fly. The romance is a slow burn but it's so adorable. The male lead isn't the typical jerk. He's a great person from the beginning. Even though it's a 45 episode family you can actually get through it quickly. It will make you laugh and cry but you'll enjoy the entire ride with this family.<br />
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<b>TV Shows:</b><br />
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<u>The Great British Bake Off </u>- Do I really need to explain why I love Bake Off? It's a baking competition and I love watching anything about food. Just watch it if you aren't. You'll thank me later.<br />
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<u>La Prova Del Cuoco</u> - I remember watching this with my grandfather when I was a child. It's a daily Italian cooking show. Whenever I'm home during the week I watch it. The first part of the show is about showcasing different recipes of the day. They put a spin on traditional Italian recipes and introduce various cuisines to the Italian audience. The second part of the show is about two teams that get two different baskets of ingredients inspired by a region of Italy. Each team needs to create a dish in 20 minutes and the judges decide which one is the best. Think of it as a cross between a show like Racheal Ray and Chopped.<br />
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<b>Music:</b><br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/lFCzotS62Dg" target="_blank">Through Your Eyes</a> - Britt Nicole<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/qEeDUZhxUMI" target="_blank">Live Alive</a> - Rend Collective<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/u0FTHtYwp-g" target="_blank">Moonlight Drawn By Clouds</a> - Gummy<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/LlJYh6TG4_w" target="_blank">Don't Push Me (Ballad Version)</a> - WENDY & Seulgi<br />
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<b>Recipes:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-and-olive-oil-fig-cakes-recipe.html"><br /></a> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-and-olive-oil-fig-cakes-recipe.html" target="_blank">Chocolate and Olive Oil Fig Cakes</a><br />
I love chocolate, I love figs and I love olive oil cake. Put them all together and you get this delicious and light dessert. It’s a twist on a classic olive oil cake. It’s not too sweet but it satisfies your chocolate craving. All the flavours blend so well together. It’s one of the best desserts you’ll ever eat. It’s really easy to make but it tastes like something you would find at a high end, gourmet restaurant. This dessert will definitely impress people.<br />
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<b>Youtube: </b></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/xe-UZu2tLYA" target="_blank">4-in-1 Tutorial: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette</a> - Bailey B.</div>
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I was unsure about this palette but this video made me put the palette on my wish list. She creates 4 looks from minimal to bold. It really shows how versatile and wearable this palette really is. Now I just have to wait for the palette to come back in stock. </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-X4BAoKxwGYIKrKfqk7yug" target="_blank">Gothamista</a> - Renee has the best in-depth beauty product reviews. She talks a lot about Korean skincare and I've learned a lot by watching her videos. I found her video about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1TZwTDlzw4" target="_blank">face oils</a> extremely helpful because she talks about which oils are best for your skin type and what each oil does for you. It showed me why certain oils never worked for me and which ones I should try. I also loved her video reviewing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al_sRyVqDAg" target="_blank">sheet masks</a> because those are my favorite kinds of face masks. Now I have a list of masks that I need to try.<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-71684516214305728882016-10-03T13:44:00.003-04:002018-05-02T15:28:21.835-04:00September Beauty Favorites! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been MIA for the past few months. A lot happened over the summer. My house has been under renovation (it still is). I've been in a blogging rut. I'm writing this post in an attempt to get out of my slump. I've missed writing posts. This is my September/August favorites.<br />
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<u><b>Bourjois Volume Reveal Waterproof Mascara</b></u><br />
This mascara has a misleading name because I don't think it gives you a lot of volume. It's a great everyday mascara when you're not wearing much makeup but you want to enhance your lashes. This mascara does a great job at separating your lashes and gives you a tiny bit of volume. If you want a false lash effect you won't get it with this product. I love that it has a magnifying mirror on the side of the tube because it allows you to see all your lashes and ensures that your wand will coat each of them.<br />
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<b><u>Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector </u>in <u>07 Toffee Pink</u></b><br />
I've always wanted to try one of these glosses. I'm so glad I did because this is a great lip product. It's perfect when you're on the go because you can apply it without a mirror. It's so moisturizing and feels comfortable on the lips. It's basically a lip gloss and balm in one. The scent is pleasant and sweet. This shade is the perfect MLBB shade for me. This lip gloss lives in my bag.<br />
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<b><u>Cover FX Custom Cover Drops</u></b><br />
This product took me a long time to get a hold of because my shade (N10) was sold out for the longest time. I spotted one in my local Sephora and grabbed it because it was the last one on the shelf. The reason I bought this was to mix it with my <u>MUFE Ultra HD foundation</u> because I felt the shade 115/R230 was too pink (I should have gotten 117/Y225 so that was my bad) and didn't provide enough coverage for me. Mixing these two foundations together gives me the perfect shade and full coverage. The Custom Cover Drops allow me to create my perfect foundation shade (pale girl problems) and <i>customize</i> (haha) the coverage that I want. I think it's definitely a product that worth trying if you have trouble finding your perfect color match and if like the finish of a product but want it to have more coverage. <i>Essentially, this product perfectly does what it says on the tin</i>.<br />
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<b><u>Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish</u> in <u>Galavanting</u></b><br />
This shade is the perfect deep burgundy nail polish for Autumn. This is the first polish that I've tried from the gel couture range. I wore the polish for 6 days and only one of my nails had a significant amount of chipping. It wears similarly to a gel polish in the sense that it wears away as the nail grows. I applied a base coat even though it doesn't say to do so. Two coats gave me full opacity. The top coat from the gel couture range feels like the <u>Essie's Gel Setter top coat</u> so I'm wondering if it's the same top coat in different packaging. I think it's a step above the regular line because it hardly chips but it's not going to replace getting a gel manicure. If you love Essie polish give the gel couture range a try. You'll definitely find a shade that suits your style.<br />
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<u><b>Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner </b></u><br />
This conditioner is simply amazing. It makes the ends of my hair look and feel thicker. It smells like coconut and it's a pleasure to use. I bought this because <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ViviannaDoesMakeup" target="_blank">Anna</a> kept raving about it and everything she said about it was right. It might be the best conditioner I've ever tried.<br />
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<u><b>Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo</b></u><br />
I heard great things about this dry shampoo over the years but I was never able to find it. I saw it on <a href="http://www.sephora.com/pronto-dry-shampoo-P254307?skuId=914101&icid2=products%20grid:p254307" target="_blank">sephora.ca</a> and grabbed it without a second thought. It's the first powder dry shampoo that I've tried. It's revolutionary for my hair. It removes all the oil in my hair and gives me instant volume. It doesn't weigh down your hair. After you use it your hair looks like it's been freshly washed and it feels clean. It leaves a lemon scent so your hair smells fresh all day. I love this dry shampoo.<br />
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What beauty products have you been loving recently?<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-47737827629183732212016-08-01T08:39:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:29:25.328-04:00July Favorites! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer already half over? It feels like it just began. Some days feel excessively long and yet a month has already passed. I've been really busy. Any free time that I had was spent watching kdramas. I haven't been wearing much makeup but there are a few things that deserve to be mentioned.<br />
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<u>CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream </u><br />
I was excited about this product before I even saw it in person. A BB cream that's matte is a dream, especially in the summer heat. This product does everything that the name says. It keeps you matte throughout the day and has decent coverage. It's the perfect everyday base. You don't even feel like you're wearing makeup. I like that you can basically slap it on, blend it out quickly and you're good to go. I set it with a powder and then I don't even need to think about my makeup for the rest of the day. The only thing that would make it better if it had SPF.<br />
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<u>MAC Omega</u><br />
I've had this eyeshadow in my collection for a while. I didn't really know what to do with it because I find that it's too cool-toned to wear on my eyes and it's a little too light for my brows. I heard that this eyeshadow was great to use as a contour shade for pale skin, and it is. This is my new favorite contour shade. It does a great job at defining my cheekbones, and I know that it won't look too harsh because it's pale enough for my fair skin.<br />
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<u>Colourpop Supershock Shade in Smash</u><br />
I love gold eyeshadow. This shade is subtle enough to wear every day. It never looks too shimmery or glittery. Colourpop shadows are quick and easy to apply and blend out with your fingers. They last all day. Once they set they're not going anywhere.<br />
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<u>Music</u>:<br />
I've been obsessed with Leeland's new album 'Invisible.' My two favorite songs are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpWTCHN_cy4" target="_blank">Beloved</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7yxd_9ZgUo" target="_blank">Carry It All Away</a>. I recommend checking out the entire album. It's simply amazing.<br />
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I've also bee loving The Uncontrollably Fond OST. The actual drama is overrated but the OST is really good. I'm still watching the drama because seeing Kim Woo Bin on my screen is always appreciated. I love <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DDAXaoSN0I" target="_blank">Only U</a> -Junggigo. I'm completely infatuated with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_eqw4kH-0A" target="_blank">Picture in My Head</a> - Kim Woo Bin. I didn't know that Kim Woo Bin. This song somehow reminds me of something from Il Volo.<br />
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I've also been loving <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLte9WilT_o" target="_blank">Faded Pictures</a> - Van Ness Wu, which is the opening theme song for Better Man.<br />
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<u>TV Shows</u>:<br />
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<b>Let's Fight Ghost</b> - This drama is basically the love child of <u>The Master's Sun</u> and <u>Oh My Ghost</u>. It also reminds me of <u>Sensory Couple</u> a little. If you loved any of those dramas you'll enjoy this one. A ghost and a boy who sees ghosts live together and fight other ghosts. It combines action, thriller, mystery, comedy, and romance. I don't think too much about it while watching or else I'll question everything. There are so many elements of the story that haven't been answered yet, but it's entertaining to watch.<br />
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<b>W - Two Worlds</b> - This drama is really cool. It's unlike anything I've seen before. What happens when the real world and the world of a webtoon collide? What happens when an ordinary girl gets tangled into the world of the main character of a webtoon? What happens when the main character becomes aware that he's a fictional character and that his world is a made up one. This drama is a combination of action, thriller, melodrama, and romance. The first episode didn't impress me but the second episode got me hooked.<br />
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<b>Better Man</b> (twdrama) - When I first heard about this drama I wasn't going to watch it because it's set to be 80 episode. (edit: It got cut to 60 episodes.) It's about three brothers who are too focused on their work to even think about love and three women who turn their worlds upside down in the name of love. The main characters are loveable and the couples are super cute. I love the relationship between the three brothers and the strong female friendship present in this drama. The grandmother is crazy but means well and her antics are hilarious. I started watching it for Yi An and Zhen Hao but stayed for You Zhen and Zhen Kai. The drama hasn't gotten too heavy yet but I suspect it will soon. The pacing of each episode is quite moderate.<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-68345710348889840962016-06-30T06:00:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:30:30.128-04:00June Favorites!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIr3ykw12qpb2js4LBFyjDt1BFy9VsACCYve-b1UXVkkDENjjidg-teMW2sCJ2Ldu3wQcmy-rxHYmMXU9ywIJcKrrjXgoY58Cu4RYirIfm0r8Lj6QiwF2Xa_d9p6Tt0pcTkbCpCeWctLFD/s1600/2016-06-29+17.28.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the best drugstore beauty products " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIr3ykw12qpb2js4LBFyjDt1BFy9VsACCYve-b1UXVkkDENjjidg-teMW2sCJ2Ldu3wQcmy-rxHYmMXU9ywIJcKrrjXgoY58Cu4RYirIfm0r8Lj6QiwF2Xa_d9p6Tt0pcTkbCpCeWctLFD/s1600/2016-06-29+17.28.50.jpg" title="june favorites | the month of drugstore beauty " /></a></div>
<br />
June has been the month of drugstore beauty for me. The drugstore always has great makeup products but this year drugstore brands are particularly amazing.<br />
<br />
<u>Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer</u><br />
I've been using this bronzer since April. I've only included it in my favorites now because this month I realized that I've been reaching for this one over my other bronzers. I have the shade Bronzer which is the darker of the two shades available. It's light enough for my pale skin. I know everyone has been raving about this bronzer that's because it's just so good. It smells like coconut, piña coladas, the beach, vacations. The texture is extremely soft, like butter as the name suggests. It's easy to apply as it glides onto the skin and blends in effortlessly. It contains some shimmer but it's unnoticeable when applied. I would say it has a satin finish. It gives life to your skin.<br />
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<u>Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush</u> in <u>Apri-Cot in the Middle</u> and <u>Rosé Champagne</u><br />
These blushes are amazing. I've known about them for years but none of the shades appealed to me. When they got reformulated and added the shades Apri-Cot in the Middle and Rosé Champagne I knew I had to have them. They're extremely pigmented and you need the tiniest amount of product especially if you have fair skin. Both shades are shimmery and give your cheeks a natural glow. <u>Rosé Champagne</u> is a bronzy shade with a peachy pink undertone. It's probably my favorite of the two. <u>Apri-Cot in the Middle</u> is what it says on the tin, an apricot shade. I've never worn an orange toned blush because it always seemed intimidating but I really like it. These two blushes are must-haves in my opinion. They're just as good as high end blushes for a fraction of the price.<br />
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<u>CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick</u> in <u>Sphynx</u><br />
This lipstick has become one of my favorite lipsticks. It's the perfect everyday nude. It's a peachy nude. The colour is pinker than Chanel's Adrienne and lighter than MAC's Velvet Teddy. It's very comfortable to wear throughout the day and has a satin finish. The lasting power is about 6 hours. If you're a lover of nude lipsticks you need this one in your life. If you only get one shade from this collection it needs to be this one. I think it would look beautiful on any skin tone.<br />
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KDrama:<br />
<u>Another Oh Hae Young</u> - I had mixed feelings about this drama while watching it but I ended up loving it. This is a drama that you’ll either really love or really hate. It’s unique in the fact that it’s not your typical rom-com. I would describe it as a serious romance without the heaviness of a melodrama. It has its cheesy moments but it has lots of angst. If you’re looking for something a little different this one’s for you. The acting was amazing, the cinematography was beautiful and the OST was nice. I know some people dropped it towards the middle. If you’re thinking about dropping it stick with it till the end because I promise it will be worth it. The main lesson you should take away from this drama is to love unconditionally.<br />
<br />
TWDrama:<br />
<u>Back to 1989</u> - This is a time travel drama that was nicely done. (Splash Splash Love is probably the best time travel drama.) It’s a good story. It didn’t drag on as much as some Taiwanese dramas do. The romance was adorable! The main couple has a special place in my heart. I loved them so much. This drama is proof that true love conquers all. It also places a large focus on the importance of family. It slightly exposes rape culture. The ending felt incomplete but I enjoyed it overall.<br />
<br />
Music:<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/vcnv3jjWgSc">Remember That</a> - BTOB<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/HlOPhTWyYI4">Resting Place (To The Cross)</a> - I Am They<br />
<br />
Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-52997835916857601422016-06-23T13:42:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:30:54.768-04:00My Summer Bucket List <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i8C_BWBb-f4C-I9ydI81yqKctc2xAT3xqjLlBQx1ZfnjUV4VEJcgh6WNjsQ1RhYn6xeMiyYK2I4gGyrN6EKzYPtZAaZfBoRfQsJIlJhBDZmDadcKIkaoNtaFNOHs4mKAJ1v-poW_Ij6Y/s1600/2015-05-29+14.24.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="paysanne gelato is one of the best gelato places in montreal " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i8C_BWBb-f4C-I9ydI81yqKctc2xAT3xqjLlBQx1ZfnjUV4VEJcgh6WNjsQ1RhYn6xeMiyYK2I4gGyrN6EKzYPtZAaZfBoRfQsJIlJhBDZmDadcKIkaoNtaFNOHs4mKAJ1v-poW_Ij6Y/s1600/2015-05-29+14.24.46.jpg" title="A Montreal Summer Bucket List " /></a></div>
<br />
This summer I'm having a staycation. I've decided to explore my hometown. I'm lucky to live in a major city because there's always something going on. This summer I want to visit places I've never seen before and revisit my favorite spots in the city. I've compiled a list of some things I want to do in Montreal this summer.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<ol>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://espacepourlavie.ca/en/about-botanical-garden">botanical gardens</a>. </li>
<li>Go to the <a href="http://espacepourlavie.ca/en/about-biodome">Biodôme</a>. </li>
<li>Explore neighbourhood parks.</li>
<li>Hike up<a href="http://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/learn-about-mount-royal/homepage.sn"> Mount Royal</a> to see the city skyline. </li>
<li>Walk down the cobblestone streets and spend the day in <a href="http://vieux.montreal.qc.ca/">Old Montreal</a>. </li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/">Musée des Beaux-Arts</a>.</li>
<li>Discover new restaurants.</li>
<li>Eat lots of gelato. </li>
<li>Go to <a href="http://www.marchespublics-mtl.com/en/marches/atwater-market/">Atwater Market</a>. </li>
<li>Get bagels at <a href="http://www.fairmountbagel.com/">Fairmount Bagel</a> and ice cream at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kem-CoBa-158923114173515/">Kem CoBa</a>. </li>
<li>See the fireworks. </li>
<li>Take a walk in <a href="https://www.petiteitalie.com/en">Little Italy</a>. </li>
<li>Get <a href="http://www.mtlblog.com/2016/05/10-great-spots-to-take-a-date-to-in-montreal-if-they-love-dumplings/">Dim sum</a> in <a href="http://www.mtlblog.com/2016/05/11-restaurants-to-take-a-date-to-in-montreals-chinatown/">Chinatown</a>.</li>
<li>Explore <a href="http://www.mtlblog.com/2016/04/montreals-second-chinatown/">Chinatown West</a>. </li>
<li>Take the train to Ottawa. </li>
</ol>
<div>
<br />
What's on your to-do list this summer? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥</div>
JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-28645487414746229882016-06-09T09:18:00.001-04:002018-05-02T15:31:30.898-04:00Top 5 OPI Nail Polishes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDuuIzdFpN4Uj00kO5mqMqGt-TN44wa8Ba3_L6yrVvKh3QNlfvFbIM8OGY1jerldDof7JUuMrBEv-umAPU0z2-jxbxGQw1BmOUiEVVntV3gyIux7-u3Nvm9IaawefOYziNEToGyJoATRE/s1600/File+2016-05-17%252C+1+40+52+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="top 5 opi nail polishes " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDuuIzdFpN4Uj00kO5mqMqGt-TN44wa8Ba3_L6yrVvKh3QNlfvFbIM8OGY1jerldDof7JUuMrBEv-umAPU0z2-jxbxGQw1BmOUiEVVntV3gyIux7-u3Nvm9IaawefOYziNEToGyJoATRE/s1600/File+2016-05-17%252C+1+40+52+PM.jpeg" title="opi nail polish " /></a></div>
<br />
A few weeks ago I posted my <a href="http://mademoisellejosee.blogspot.ca/2016/05/top-5-essie-nail-polishes.html">Top 5 Essie Polishes</a>. Now I'm back with my Top 5 polishes from OPI. I originally wanted to have one post about my top 5 nail polishes but it was hard to narrow it down. Since I noticed that my favorite polishes were either Essie or OPI I decided to do my top 5 of both brands. As you can see most of these are red whereas my favorite Essie shades are all neutral. Why? I think that OPI makes the best red shades. OPI has a wide variety of any shade you can think of but I personally think that their reds stand out more than the rest.<br />
<br />
<u>Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ</u><br />
This is my all-time favorite OPI shade. I've never seen anything that comes close to this color. It's basically the shade of dark burgundy BBQ sauce. It's the perfect oxblood shade for autumn. It's been discontinued. I've tried and failed to find a dupe of it. (OPI Skyfall from the James Bond collection is similar; Essie's Wicked is darker.)<br />
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<u>Quarter of a Cent-Cherry</u><br />
This is my all-time favorite red nail polish. It's a deep blue-based cherry red. It's the perfect red to wear in the fall. I believe it's been discontinued as well. (OPI's Got the Blues for Red is similar, possibly a dupe.)<br />
<br />
<u>Tiramisù for Two</u><br />
I originally bought this shade purely for the name but I ended up loving it. It's a pink toned beige. I'm a big lover of neutral nails and this one looks flattering with my skin tone. (Essie's Topless & Barefoot is very similar but a tad pinker. I have both but you really need both.)<br />
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<u>Amore at the Grand Canal</u><br />
I originally bought this shade because I thought it would be comparable to Quarter of a Cent-Cherry. It's not. It's still a blued based red but it's lighter and brighter. I would describe this shade as classic ladylike red nail polish. You'll always look classic and sophisticated with this polish.<br />
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<u>Cajun Shrimp</u><br />
This is my all-time favorite summer nail polish. It's a bright orange-red. It's a classic summer shade. When you apply this to your nails you look instantly tanned. The last time I went to Florida this was the only shade I wore on my nails and on my toes. I exclusively wear this shade on my toes all summer.<br />
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What's your favorite nail polish?<br />
<br />
Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-73833365878006070642016-06-01T23:44:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:32:19.046-04:00May Favorites! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIebkKwpY1pcyQuXCn4IUD2vHY2S_IjH7uWXcX0q3LDJC3WLnsn9SsVOLcqXLkT5TdHAXjlCbGRj-pJO_mQXHk2LQ12TocBu09ZELuA_cVOVFoJBfb49O7qKk6eKY8r7FgRLkVAulV_MJ/s1600/File+2016-06-01%252C+11+58+10+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="May Favorites, beauty, skincare and more " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIebkKwpY1pcyQuXCn4IUD2vHY2S_IjH7uWXcX0q3LDJC3WLnsn9SsVOLcqXLkT5TdHAXjlCbGRj-pJO_mQXHk2LQ12TocBu09ZELuA_cVOVFoJBfb49O7qKk6eKY8r7FgRLkVAulV_MJ/s1600/File+2016-06-01%252C+11+58+10+AM.jpeg" title="may faves " /></a></div>
<br />
May was a really good month for me. I got to see some friends that I haven't seen in a long time and it felt like we were never apart. This month I have two rediscovered beauty favorites and two new favorites.<br />
<br />
<u>MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul</u><br />
Whenever the weather gets warmer I reach for this blush. It's the perfect bronzy shade to brighten up your complexion. It gives your skin a healthy glow, the I've-just-been-in-the-sun-all-day glow. When I'm in a hurry I know that I can just throw this on and I'll look bronzy and glowy all day. It looks great on its own and can even be used as a bronzer if you're in a rush. If you use it in combination with an actual bronzer you'll look like you just came back from a tropical holiday. MAC Mineralize blushes are one of my favorite blush formulas. A little goes a long way and they last all day.<br />
<u><br /></u> <u>BareMinerals Complexion Rescue</u><br />
I love this base product so much. I can just put it on without thinking about it. It doesn't need much blending. It covers all my redness. It does a great job at evening out my skin tone. If I'm in a hurry I know I can apply this, a little powder, some blush, mascara and I'm good to go. Since it contains SPF 30 I know that my face is protected from the sun as well.<br />
<br />
<u>Too Faced HangoveRx Replenishing Face Primer</u><br />
This primer feels so nice to apply. I love that the tube has a pump because the right amount comes out every time. It helps my makeup last all day. I don't find it extremely hydrating but it doesn't make my skin feel dry. It works really well. I like the coconut scent.<br />
<br />
<u>The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Balm</u><br />
I've been wanting to try this product for a really long time. I decided to try this instead of repurchasing the Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm because it was cheaper. I honestly think that both products feel exactly the same both in consistency and when applied to my face. They perform exactly the same. The only difference is that the Clinique one is unscented and The Body Shop one has a light chamomile scent. I'm glad that it's working for me. I like that it comes in a tin.<br />
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Music:<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/yM_j208ixu4" target="_blank">All Right </a>- Black Swan<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/ug-apYafeYQ" target="_blank">Touch Love</a> - Yoon Mi Rae<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/_8xpk9HFTxc" target="_blank">You Are My Everything (English Version)</a> - Gummy<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/9jTo6hTZmiQ" target="_blank">Let's Not Fall In Love</a> - BIGBANG (and <a href="https://youtu.be/Ef2X1Uge534" target="_blank">this</a> cover of it by Jason Chen and Arden Cho is amazing.)<br />
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3D4oYI0QoT7FiEjbyd1Ngn" target="_blank">Trust</a> - Hillsong Young & Free<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/BFR-tV2whAU" target="_blank">This is Living (Acoustic)</a> - Hillsong Young & Free<br />
<br />
KDrama:<br />
<b>The Master's Sun</b> - I was hesitant about watching this drama for a long time. The plot didn't sound great to me and I'm not a big fan of ghost stories. It was recommended to me by someone who likes the same taste in dramas as I do. I ended up loving it and it's now one of my favorites. I used to think it was overrated but now that I've watched it I admit that all the hype surrounding this drama is completely true. The main couple is one of my OTPs. Gong Hyo Jin is now one of my favorite actresses. It's definitely worth the watch.<br />
<br />
KMovies:<br />
<b>Salut D'Amour</b> - If you love the notebook here’s a Korean film that has a similar feel. This movie was absolutely beautiful. It's really cute and sweet but towards the end, it's a tear-jerker. It really shows you the importance of family and to live each day to the fullest.<br />
<br />
<b>Like for Likes</b> - If you love Love Actually then you’ll enjoy this. It was really nice rom-com. It’s so heartwarming. There is some sadness but overall it’s a happy and enjoyable movie. It’s the story of three couples and how they fell in love. Social media plays a different role in how all 3 couples get together. It starts off kind of slow but the ending is amazing. The music is beautiful and the whole cast is wonderful.<br />
<br />
Books:<br />
Her One and Only by Becky Wade<br />
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella<br />
<br />
Youtube:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SeonkyoungLongest" target="_blank">Seonkyoung Longest</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MelSoldera" target="_blank">MelSoldera</a><br />
<br />
Sincerely, JoJo. ♥<br />
<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-63217118984489821552016-05-26T20:22:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:33:09.721-04:00NOTD: Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel in Stay Classy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2HxCtXqRy04aknU6L9miMXp2ivUUtf2d3CorPH5x7DFX34dYjz4NqnwCANaaYVPjBcnsx7xv1Xm4EeppGHwPcgZfn-DC8GyZzTuhyYd_H6afw22YFWHo-EUs-BNoWRfSTTJuf6-cU3ZD/s1600/File+2016-05-15%252C+10+59+15+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wet n wild 1 step wonder gel in stay classy, is it worth the hype?" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2HxCtXqRy04aknU6L9miMXp2ivUUtf2d3CorPH5x7DFX34dYjz4NqnwCANaaYVPjBcnsx7xv1Xm4EeppGHwPcgZfn-DC8GyZzTuhyYd_H6afw22YFWHo-EUs-BNoWRfSTTJuf6-cU3ZD/s1600/File+2016-05-15%252C+10+59+15+AM.jpg" title="wet n wild stay classy" /></a></div>
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I love my neutrals. The main reason I bought this nail polish was the colour. Stay Classy is a neutral mauve shade. I thought it would be similar to my all-time favorite polish: Essie Ladylike, but it is not. It's darker and pinker than Ladylike. This nail polish range intrigued me because the premise is that you only need one coat of polish without a base coat or top coat and it's supposed to last 14 days. I didn't think it would work because that is a very bold claim.<br />
<br />
I initially applied one coat on my naked nail (no base coat, no top coat). It applied streak free but I felt like one coat wasn't opaque enough. I applied a second coat and it looked nice. The finish was slightly glossy. I noticed that it enhanced all the ridges of my nails that I didn't know I had. My nails a pretty smooth. It showed me the importance of a base coat; a base coat makes your nails smooth and removes any appearance of ridges. I loved that it applied easily and dried quickly.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Within 12 hours the nail polish was already chipping, which I found extremely annoying. I took it off right away because it looked awful.<br />
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I decided to reapply the polish the way that I typically do my nail routine, (base coat, 2 coats of polish, top coat). In the photo above that's how it's been applied. Applying it this way made it last for 5 days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d2qs74g_AyZ7KfkMJ3gZhek61jgdSUojuU88tISFeHBdWjbvlTiqoZQK5k-UHpNrxTu5cMOO2bFn3_X5ZQfSckApPKFqt8FmoeRnkDP5olWnqi131TC7y0SaNqLk9Q_nEu5eU6hw1plV/s1600/File+2016-05-18%252C+11+40+42+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wet n wild 1 step wonder gel, is it worth the hype, major chipping after 5 days " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d2qs74g_AyZ7KfkMJ3gZhek61jgdSUojuU88tISFeHBdWjbvlTiqoZQK5k-UHpNrxTu5cMOO2bFn3_X5ZQfSckApPKFqt8FmoeRnkDP5olWnqi131TC7y0SaNqLk9Q_nEu5eU6hw1plV/s1600/File+2016-05-18%252C+11+40+42+AM.jpeg" title="wet n wild stay classy day 5 " /></a></div>
<br />
Most of the nails had small or unnoticeable chips. One of the nails had a chip that got bigger each day. By day 5 it was actually peeling off. I knew it was time to take it off. The nail polish comes off very quickly with nail polish remover. It was the fastest nail polish removal I've ever experienced.<br />
<br />
This polish retails for $5.99 CAD. I got mine from <a href="https://well.ca/products/wet-n-wild-1-step-wonder-gel-nail_113996.html">well.ca</a>. They don't have the full range there. I've seen it in-store at Walmart and they a lot more of the shades.<br />
<br />
Overall, it doesn't live up to its claims (false advertising, right?). I knew the claims were far-fetched but I'm disappointed that it's been marketed to be so amazing when it's just a regular nail polish. It doesn't work used on its own. Like any normal polish, you need a top coat and base coat if you want your manicure to last. I love the shade so I will continue wearing it. It's easy to apply, dries fast and it has a nice formula. Just beware that it won't perform well on its own.<br />
<br />
Sincerely, JoJo. ♥<br />
<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-28590949309165858472016-05-19T00:04:00.000-04:002018-05-02T15:32:39.745-04:00Top 5 Essie Nail Polishes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLmA56ayE8UzXWdQWLNraDahSr26G8f_EpkbRWAgWDdJn76AIgDxyz9_thUC0FAFhVOMkYVXN9aAKALf7c2OlbzN6XHucGJDk96cYCCXxuC_fLRIAooJsBMmq9E4Z-yCdvrJGutmtQkNa/s1600/File+2016-05-17%252C+1+40+26+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="top 5 essie polishes, netural nail polish lovers rejoice " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLmA56ayE8UzXWdQWLNraDahSr26G8f_EpkbRWAgWDdJn76AIgDxyz9_thUC0FAFhVOMkYVXN9aAKALf7c2OlbzN6XHucGJDk96cYCCXxuC_fLRIAooJsBMmq9E4Z-yCdvrJGutmtQkNa/s1600/File+2016-05-17%252C+1+40+26+PM.jpeg" title="essie nail polish junkie " /></a></div>
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Nail polish was my first love. It was my gateway to the beauty world. Essie is my favorite nail polish brand. The other day I was thinking about which shades were my absolute favorite nail polishes. If I could only keep five these are the ones that I would choose. You can see that there's a theme here. I love my neutrals and these are the ones that I wear the most.<br />
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<b>Romper Room:</b> The perfect pastel pink. <a href="http://www.essie.com/colors/pinks/romper-room.aspx">Essie</a> describes it as a<i> pale tea rose pink</i>. It's basically white with a drop of pink in it. It's pink enough that it makes me feel comfortable wearing it. It's the closest to white I'll ever go.<br />
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<b>Topless & Barefoot:</b> The ultimate nude. <a href="http://www.essie.com/colors/neutrals/topless-barefoot.aspx">Essie</a> describes it as a <i>soft beige pink</i>. It's not so nude that it gives you mannequin hands. It's also not so pale where it looks unnatural. It's a nude that will look flattering on fair to medium skin tones.<br />
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<b>Ladylike:</b> My all-time favorite nail polish. It's a neutral mauvy pink shade. <a href="http://www.essie.com/colors/pinks/lady-like.aspx">Essie</a> describes it as <i>an elegant soft mauve</i>. It always looks beautiful. I'm obsessed with the color. If you want to look classy and put together this is the shade you need. I think it would be flattering on a lot of skin tones. If I had to recommend an Essie polish to anyone I would pick this one. <i>Everyone needs this nail polish in their collection. </i><br />
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<b>Angora Cardi:</b> The muted berry. The berry for the ones afraid of bold berry shades. <a href="http://www.essie.com/Colors/plums/angora-cardi.aspx">Essie</a> describes it as a <i>deep dusty rose</i>. If you want to dip your toe into the pool of berry nail polish this is the shade for you. It's the gateway to the world of berry nail polish.<br />
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<b>Merino Cool:</b> <a href="http://www.essie.com/Colors/neutrals/merino-cool.aspx">Essie</a> describes it as <i>mulberry</i>. It's not grey. It's not purple. It's dark but not bold. It's the perfect autumn shade. I love it so much. There's something special about this shade. It looks quite dull in the bottle but when you put it on your nails it just comes to life.<br />
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What your favorite nail polish?<br />
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Sincerely JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-39628309102659824912016-05-12T00:09:00.000-04:002016-06-13T10:11:31.540-04:00Small Sephora Haul <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3sBiowkk4W6rtVofXovpq7M8URmQ923UQnJylb4hE4-mxMlgZ0IHyfU5zUYSYutW1YWzCmViPXvIutnVRTBF7JTgd7mG5o-1S55jTj42z6SOhtpwfj2St15I3LHkWlo2gTXTWJWHYhw9/s1600/File+2016-05-10%252C+11+34+45+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="small sephora haul, MUFE, too faced, lancome " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3sBiowkk4W6rtVofXovpq7M8URmQ923UQnJylb4hE4-mxMlgZ0IHyfU5zUYSYutW1YWzCmViPXvIutnVRTBF7JTgd7mG5o-1S55jTj42z6SOhtpwfj2St15I3LHkWlo2gTXTWJWHYhw9/s1600/File+2016-05-10%252C+11+34+45+AM.jpeg" title="sephora haul " /></a></div>
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I have a never ending loves list on Sephora. I keep adding to it. I don't think I'll ever end up owning everything on that list. I recently got to tick some products off of my wishlist. Two of the items are products that I've been thinking about getting for quite some time but I wanted to see if they were still popular after the hype died down. After all this time the hype is still quite high, so I thought it was time to pick them up. The last one is kinda of gimmicky but the idea behind it is really cool.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/ultra-hd-invisible-cover-foundation-P398321?skuId=1709013&icid2=brand%20content_make_up_for_ever_lp_hdcomplexion_carousel_brand:make%20up%20for%20ever_p398321_image" target="_blank">Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation</a> ($43 USD/$52 CAD)<br />
I've heard so much about the Make Up For Ever foundations way before I started blogging. Every beauty youtuber raved about the original HD foundation. When they reformulated it and replaced it with the Ultra HD foundation there were mixed reviews. I was hesitant about picking up until I saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/beautywithemilie" target="_blank">BeautywithEmilyFox</a> talk about it. She's just as pale as I am so when a foundation matches her well I know that it's going to be a good match for me. I also saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NatashaBure" target="_blank">Natasha Bure</a> talk about it being her everyday foundation. I got the shade R230, which used to be 115. The shade matches me perfectly. The only other foundation that matches me as perfect as this one is NARS Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc. I call the NARS foundation my skin tone in a bottle. In terms of coverage it's light to medium. It works well as an everyday base because it blends quickly and it provides enough coverage to even out your skin tone. I haven't tried it enough have a solid opinion. For now I will say that the shade match is perfect and that you don't really feel in on your skin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTe0oUyGzyy0DdA1PYdW7y5PKqYuNWJbJkMoEQ_2HRmkBY3Rh-PLnJh3KpQC5BBnk6UvRmH5-QAWC5GwNAznKUxYVVn5Mt6VGymJ3O42UYlH3DwRyMcsJlioVgO8aLuLA5WsO15QuJzwp/s1600/File+2016-05-10%252C+11+34+30+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTe0oUyGzyy0DdA1PYdW7y5PKqYuNWJbJkMoEQ_2HRmkBY3Rh-PLnJh3KpQC5BBnk6UvRmH5-QAWC5GwNAznKUxYVVn5Mt6VGymJ3O42UYlH3DwRyMcsJlioVgO8aLuLA5WsO15QuJzwp/s1600/File+2016-05-10%252C+11+34+30+AM.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/hangover-replenishing-face-primer-P387589?skuId=1626043&icid2=category%20search_makeup:face%20makeup:face%20primer_p387589_image#" target="_blank">Too Faced HangoveRx Replenishing Face Primer</a> ($32 USD/$40 CAD)<br />
My Hourlgass primer ran out and I wanted to try something new. This primer caught my attention since its launch because it's a silicone-free primer. Silicone primers break me out so any primer without silicone is already a winner in my book. I was skeptical about trying it because it's described as hydrating, but then I saw people with oily skin raving about it. Since I have combination skin I figured I would like it too. <a href="http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/by-brand/too-faced/_/HangoverRx-Replenishing-Face-Primer" target="_blank">Paula's Choice</a> gave it a good review, which is what ultimately convinced me to buy it. I haven't tried it on my face yet; however, I've tried it on my hand and it felt smooth, but it also had a tackiness that gave me the impression that makeup will adhere to it well. I also smells like coconut, which is very pleasant. I love that it comes with a pump so that I'll have an equal amount of product every time. I'm excited to use this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/juicy-shaker-P408293?skuId=1815570&icid2=brand%20content_lancome_lp_whatsnew_ca_carousel_brand%3Alanc" target="_blank">Lancôme Juicy Shaker in 301 Meli Melon</a> ($21 USD/$28 CAD)<br />
This was a somewhat of an impulse buy. I knew about this product way before it launched because it launched in the UK months ago. I didn't know that my local Sephora already had them in stock because the week before they weren't there. I saw the shades. I swatched a few of them. This one smelled like melon so I grabbed it. I also knew that <a href="http://www.lilypebbles.co.uk/2016/03/lancome-juicy-shakers.html#6YXgkK0wD2sa4YCp.97" target="_blank">Lily Pebbles</a> liked this shade. I've worn this a few times. I'm torn about how I feel about it. I like it but I think that it's gimmicky. <i><u>It does what it says on the tin.</u></i> It's really fun to shake it up and pat it onto the lips. You don't need a mirror so it's good for touch ups on the go. The colour is a pretty pink that enhances my natural lip shade and makes my lips look a little fuller. I think it's cool that each shade has a different scent and I love that this one smells like melon. It feels moisturizing on the lips but the shine doesn't last. The staying power isn't really long but it leaves a bit of a stain on your lips, which is to be expected with a lip oil. It wears off evenly though. They're fun but they're not an essential product. I think it would be a nice gift for someone who's just getting into makeup or someone who doesn't like to wear lipstick. I don't think you need to have more than one though.<br />
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What are your latest beauty purchases?<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-7544311986167976082016-05-05T00:07:00.000-04:002016-10-07T19:40:08.405-04:00Link Love #3: Foodie Edition <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvmniD5NXGwTlSlBCoPsO2h2AhCBIEeaBgPeyJWfWjmDHj5nV4a35ZZ86yvJtwSQjjn_ArbPWSak8Da4Nwhl17-QONg5MVX3VOINOeQDwBM4uMKMGnl7LRNtyVHGPnvGd1kacaUwnVTcn/s1600/2016-04-30+19.53.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="link love #3 foodie edition " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvmniD5NXGwTlSlBCoPsO2h2AhCBIEeaBgPeyJWfWjmDHj5nV4a35ZZ86yvJtwSQjjn_ArbPWSak8Da4Nwhl17-QONg5MVX3VOINOeQDwBM4uMKMGnl7LRNtyVHGPnvGd1kacaUwnVTcn/s1600/2016-04-30+19.53.51.jpg" title="flourless chocolate cake and chocolate mousse " /></a></div>
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Link Love is a feature where I share things I've been loving. This edition will be featuring five amazing recipes and food videos that I've recently tried. I've always enjoyed cooking and baking, and I love discovering new recipes.<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/_-D32Nl5z1s" target="_blank">Avocado Smoothie</a> (Honeysuckle)<br />
I love avocados. Avocado on toast is one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast or lunch. I never thought I would like it in a smoothie because smoothies are rather sweet. This one tastes amazing. I think it's because the smoothie has sweetened condensed milk (which I love) and bananas. I was skeptical in trying it but I'm glad I did. I think anyone who loves avocados should try this.<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/4AFDFEO0YXs" target="_blank">Flourless Chocolate Cake and Coffee Mousse</a> (pictured above) (Home Cooking Adventure)<br />
I discovered this cake in by seeing a gifset of it on tumblr. This is proof that spending too much time on tumblr is actually a good thing lol. This is one of the best cakes I've ever had. It honestly tastes better than a cake you'd find in a pastry shop. The chocolate cake tastes like a chocolate lava cake without the lava center. The mousse is so light and fluffy. Since it's a coffee mousse it taste similar to a tiramisù. I wish I had a piece in front of me right now.<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/kpkfdz_nqHc" target="_blank">Roasted Tomato Pasta</a> (Donal Skehan)<br />
I love pasta and tomatoes so this is the perfect dish for me. Roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, pasta, fresh basil and cheese. Yes please! It's so easy to make because the sauce basically cooks itself. It smells amazing. It's one of the best pasta dishes I've had in a long time and I eat pasta on a weekly basis. Donal's recipes always turn out great. His videos are so pleasant to watch as well.<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/zCLXPYG3BTQ" target="_blank">Sansa's Lemon Cakes </a>(Rosanna Pansino)<br />
I love anything with lemon in it, especially lemon cake. I've always wondered what Sansa's favorite lemon cakes would taste like. They look so delicious and they're adorable. I haven't made them yet but based on the ingredients it's a foolproof cake. The addition of sour cream will ensure that the cakes turn out moist. I plan to make these for Mother's Day because my mother loves lemon desserts.<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/okBNmwIG8IQ" target="_blank">5 Fruit Hacks</a> (The Domestic Geek)<br />
Some fruits are very difficult to cut perfectly. This video shows you easy ways to cut them to make sure you get perfect results every time. I've tried them myself and they really work.<br />
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<b>My Favorite Food Youtube Channels:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/GemmaStafford" target="_blank">Gemma Stafford</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheKatiePix" target="_blank">Katie Pix</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/donalskehan" target="_blank">Donal Skehan</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/gennarocontaldo" target="_blank">Gennaro Contaldo</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/honeysucklecatering" target="_blank">Honeysuckle</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/sortedfood" target="_blank">SortedFood</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/tastemade" target="_blank">Tastemade</a><br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-68393976532244232542016-04-28T13:51:00.003-04:002016-10-07T19:41:02.639-04:00April Favorites! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrTxNzqPJU7_KoSDI7Yopg66l65n9fxhreOBo-Ytp8UNducBZIzcmCY85s0ZoqFW6Ea3W-hXU6IqzzlkSlOpuisqyRWqqKbYSOP5fk14b82npOV3uzNZdsl3ewHUeNbf1EQ6t7Ru_kxuu/s1600/File+2016-04-27%252C+1+07+26+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="april favorites, milani, opi, mac and more " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrTxNzqPJU7_KoSDI7Yopg66l65n9fxhreOBo-Ytp8UNducBZIzcmCY85s0ZoqFW6Ea3W-hXU6IqzzlkSlOpuisqyRWqqKbYSOP5fk14b82npOV3uzNZdsl3ewHUeNbf1EQ6t7Ru_kxuu/s1600/File+2016-04-27%252C+1+07+26+PM.jpeg" title="april faves" /></a></div>
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April went by faster than I thought. The semester ended and my favorite dramas ended. It feels like time passed before I was even able to process what was going on. Here's what I've been loving this month.<br />
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<u>Milani Everyday Eyes Palette in 01 Must Have Naturals</u><br />
I'm a big fan of the Milani Bella Eyes single eyeshadows and when I found out that they brought out palettes I needed to get my hands on them. Lately I've been loving the Must Have Naturals palette because it has all the shades you want when creating an everyday neutral eye look. The shades are every pigmented and blend easily. With a primer they last all day. I love that drugstore brands are bringing out palettes.<br />
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<u>MAC Modesty</u><br />
Modesty is a shade I've had in my lipstick collection for about a year now. It's a beautiful MLBB nude shade that doesn't get enough love from me. It's a cremesheen which means it doesn't have the best lasting power but it's creamy and doesn't overly dry out your lips. MAC calls it a muted neutral pink. It's brown with a strong pink undertone. I think it's underrated. I love this shade. I think everyone needs this in their collection.<br />
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<u>OPI Cajun Shrimp</u><br />
This is my favorite Spring/Summer red nail polish. I always crack it out during this time of year. It's an orange/coral based red. This shade reminds me of summer and Florida because I always bring it on vacation with me. It makes me look tanned when it graces my nails. I have nothing else to say besides I love it.<br />
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<u>KDramas:</u><br />
<u>Marriage Contract </u><br />
I mentioned this drama last month but I need to mention it again now that it's over because it's just so good. I'm going to make a bold statement and call this the best drama of the year. This drama is bittersweet perfection. I don't even like melodramas but I loved this one. Every episode takes you on an emotional roller coaster. The cinematography was flawless. The OST was beautiful. I think this is Uee's best role yet. Just watch it if you haven't already.<br />
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<u>Ms. Temper and Nam Jung Gi </u><br />
The first two episodes of this drama didn't impress me. I contemplated dropping it and didn't even keep up with it for about three weeks. People said it gets better in episode 3 and they were right. It gets better and better after each episode. I think that this is an underrated drama. It really exposes Korean business culture and depicts how hard it is for people, especially women in the corporate world. Yoon Sang Hyun will always be Oska to me but it's nice to see him in a currently airing drama.<br />
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<u>D-Day</u><br />
I was aware of this drama while it was airing but overlooked it because it's a medical drama. I was having Descendants of the Sun withdrawls (which is on my favorite dramas list) and this was recommended to me. I can see the similarities between the two dramas. D-Day is more serious. Even though the main focus is the medical aspect it has a little bit of everything: action, comedy, politics and romance. The main couple is too precious. I'm glad I watched it now and not when it aired because it would have been difficult to wait between episodes. Every episode keeps your on the edge of your seat and you just want to know more. I marathoned it in 3 days. Jung So Min did a great job with having a Busan accent and her acting was phenomenal. The entire cast was fantastic. It think it's underrated and needs more recognition. If you love DotS then you need to give this one a try. While the entire drama is based on a tragedy it has a happy ending.<br />
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<u>TV</u>:<br />
Running Man<br />
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<u>Music</u>:<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/erErBFKPbMY" target="_blank">Spring Love</a> - Eric Nam & Wendy<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/y6OcvS54KYQ" target="_blank">Without You</a> - NCT U<br />
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<u>Movies</u>:<br />
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2<br />
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Books:<br />
The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥
JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-1508627776043166232016-04-21T00:21:00.000-04:002016-06-13T10:13:33.232-04:00NOTD: OPI Gelato on my Mind <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYm3cJxyLBN6XCZ9qaz4p313HMaHlWk2HvRPIw5DtETmLHEiXbX8bl704sGTD-R_tcKCOlY3GjYrdbb3CtMpvSsLBtPSoYK5ErVUNGVMyqEf-Rs79igCpomXQGvX4IUBovYsOnczmY5-A/s1600/2016-04-17+10.49.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NOTD: OPI Gelato on my Mind " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYm3cJxyLBN6XCZ9qaz4p313HMaHlWk2HvRPIw5DtETmLHEiXbX8bl704sGTD-R_tcKCOlY3GjYrdbb3CtMpvSsLBtPSoYK5ErVUNGVMyqEf-Rs79igCpomXQGvX4IUBovYsOnczmY5-A/s1600/2016-04-17+10.49.07.jpg" title="gelato on my mind " /></a></div>
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I love gelato. I love gelato so much that I bought a nail polish purely because it was mentioned in the name. Gelato on My Mind was part of the OPI fall 2015 Venice Collection, and that's when I bought it. The shade immediately scream Spring to me and so I wait till now to wear it. The <a href="http://opi.com/color/gelato-my-mind-1#uHAXETogJ4e7ffWv.97">brand</a> describes this shade as a "deliciously sweet and icy-cool, pastel blue." I would say it's more of a duck egg blue most of the time. It has a hint of green but it's more blue than green. In sunlight it's very bright and almost neon pastel aqua blue. In other lights it looks more muted like a duck egg blue. It's a beautiful shade. It's probably not the most unique shade but the name sucked me in. I don't know why this polish is gelato's namesake because I've never seen gelato this colour, not even pistachio gelato looks like this. I have Essie's <a href="http://mademoisellejosee.blogspot.ca/2014/03/notd-essie-mint-candy-apple.html">Mint Candy Apple</a>, which I thought would be similar but it's actually slightly darker and more blue. In terms of application, you need three coats. The first coat applied streaky on half of my nails. The second coat evened out the streakiness, and the third coat made everything opaque. This shade lasted 4 days on my nails with minimal chipping. OPI polishes are $10.25 on <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/">nailpolishcanada</a>. If you already own Essie Mint Candy Apple you don't need both, if you're a nail polish junkie then maybe you need both. If you love gelato then you might want to own Gelato on My Mind. </div>
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I'm gonna go eat some gelato now.<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo.♥ JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520815052991560736.post-611288795164568222016-04-13T23:38:00.000-04:002016-10-07T19:41:39.960-04:00All About That Base Coat + Top Coat <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxfKYhDylfYYofv3HlprzCVaePw2XBmztNiYzY5woIdfDhiG6Zhl3xwZddKW3aP4Fk_vpgJJ9t3O9tkgrayRlXwEmIqc7_ZwpY-g2MrbRTog-L_F9801mNa1fsv-Fozuh_njEyulGgl_N/s1600/File+2016-04-13%252C+11+41+47+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="all about that base coat + top coat " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxfKYhDylfYYofv3HlprzCVaePw2XBmztNiYzY5woIdfDhiG6Zhl3xwZddKW3aP4Fk_vpgJJ9t3O9tkgrayRlXwEmIqc7_ZwpY-g2MrbRTog-L_F9801mNa1fsv-Fozuh_njEyulGgl_N/s1600/File+2016-04-13%252C+11+41+47+AM.jpeg" title="base coat and top coat" /></a></div>
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Finding the perfect base coat and top coat is a struggle; especially, for a nail polish junkie like me. I've spent years trying countless base and top coats and I never found any that I used for longer than a few months. I've been using these two products together for the past 6 months but I've been using this base coat for the past year.<br />
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The <u>Orly Bonder Base Coat</u> is my currently base coat of choice. I heard about it a very long time ago from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/missglamorazzi">Ingrid</a>. They call it a rubberized base coat. It creates a coat over your nails that allows your nail polish to stick to it. As a result, this base coat extends the wear of the nail polish and prevents chipping. I can go three days with no chipping and the colour of the polish looks vibrant. I applies smoothly and it helps your nail colour apply easier. I also think that it prevents my nails from staining. Red, berries and blue nail polish tends to stain your nails even with a base coat. I find that I don't get staining when I use this base coat, or if I do it's not as noticeable as it would be with a regular base coat. It retails for $12.50 CAD (on <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/products/bonder-basecoat-0-6oz-by-orly.html" target="_blank">nailpolishcanada</a>).<br />
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The <u>Essie gel setter Top Coat</u> is my favorite top coat at the moment. Essie is my favorite nail polish brand. Until now I wasn't wowed by any of their base and top coats. The gel setter top coat dries fast. It gives your nails a shiny and glossy, almost gel-like finish, which I love. It smooths out any streakiness that your nail polish brush left on your nails. I think that this top coat works best when paired with Essie polishes but I works well with other brands. I just find that it extends the wear of essie polishes more than others. For example, when I use it with an essie polish it doesn't chip for at least 4 days, but when I use it with an OPI polish it lasts for 3 days with no chipping. The manufacturer's suggested retail price on <a href="http://www.essie.com/nail-care/top-coats/gelsetter.aspx">essie.com</a> is $10. I believe I paid around $12 for my bottle at Shoppers/Pharmaprix.<br />
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I currently pleased with these two products but nail polish junkie in me is never satisfied with sticking to the same products. I do think that these ones are really good, but there could be better ones that I haven't tried or hear of yet. It's probably because I'm very picking with my nail products. Nevertheless, this base coat and top coat are high quality products and they're definitely worth a try.<br />
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Sincerely, JoJo. ♥JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01319714722812245113noreply@blogger.com0