Top 3 books of 2015!

As I said in my previous post, I did not do to well with my reading last year. I only read 9 (!) books last year. That number is very embarrassing I must admit, but I am determined to read MANY more this year. 

Though that is a small number, there are three books that definitely stand out and I want to recommend! So without further ado, here are my top three books of 2015!

3. Written in Red by Anne Bishop

This urban fantasy was a surprising read. I am not normally drawn to a novel with paranormal aspects (such as vampires and werewolves) but I really enjoyed this book! This first book in a series follows Meg, a "blood prophet" who is on the run. She lives in a world where "The Others" and humans live together. My favorite part about this book was seeing the world "The Others" created and how similar it was to our world. I think that fans of Harry Potter would enjoy this series because its similar in the fact that we saw how wizards also built a world that was similar to ours. I really enjoyed all of the characters and I loved how romance was NOT the focus. I gave this a book a 4/5 stars on goodreads! 

2. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

I loved this short book! Again, I normally don't choose YA romance books, but I've heard so many wonderful things about it, I decided to give it a try. I finished it in one day! This book follows a young girl who is stuck in her house because she is highly allergic to the outside world. It starts when a young boy moves next door and they begin to form a relationship. This novel was so sweet and heartbreaking. It's filled with pictures and diary entries, as well as a regular narrative. I definitely recommend this if you are looking for something short and sweet. I gave this a 5/5 on goodreads!

1. Night Film by Marisha Pessl

My number one book of the year! I LOVED this book. I still think about it to this day. It follows a reporter investigating the death of a famous cult film director's daughter, and let me tell you, things get creepy! Though it is over 600 pages, I FLEW through this book. I had no idea where the author was going and every plot twist was a surprise! This book is filled with internet pages, pictures, and other evidence the investigator uses. If you want a very well thought-out and smart thriller, I highly recommend this one! I also gave this a 5/5 on goodreads!

What were your top three books of 2015? 

My College Essentials

It's that time of year again! Back-to-school shopping! Am I the only one who loves school shopping? My brothers start school Monday, and I start grad school in two weeks, so I thought this is the perfect time for a back-to-school post! 

For all you starting college, I thought I would make a college essentials post. There are items that are a must for me, even as I head off the grad school. (These item don't cover everything you need of course!) 

Rain Gear || Walking to class in the rain is no fun -- better to be prepared!

Yellow Highlighters || These are my favorite! I highlight my textbook, notes, planner, basically everything!

Water Filter || Keep this in your fridge and fill it up with tap water! It will save you loads from buying the plastic bottles (not to mention it's better for the earth). 

USB Drive || Back up everything!! Trust me, your laptop will shut down on you when you are writing that essay. I always keep a copy on a USB drive just in case. It will also come in handy for group projects and presentations. 

Agenda || Life gets infinitely more complicated in college. You must stay organized! (this elephant pattern is also too cute!)

School Sweatshirt || Buy some school gear to feel a part of your school! I think a sweatshirt is best because the library can be cold on those long study nights. P.S. GO DAWGS!

Coffee Maker and Tumbler || Just yes. I started making my own coffee to take to class and to study. Saved me lots of money! 

Backpack || I'm definitely a backpack girl. I just had too much stuff to carry around to put it all in a tote. Get a cute one and you'll be set!

Headphones || Block out noise from roommates/loud students.

Shower Shoes || Just trust me on this one. 

ID Holder || I found this was the best way to carry around my wallet. My school ID was in easy reach along with my debit cards. I could just carry this with my phone if my friends wanted to grab lunch. It's perfect. 

Small Whiteboard || This saved me in organic chemistry. Writing all those mechanisms is perfect on a white board (no wasting paper). I also used it for drawing out diagrams for my physiology class. If you are a visual learner, I would really suggest studying with one of these. 

That's it! Good luck to everyone going back to school! 

July Favorites

I can't believe July is almost over! This was a pretty relaxing month. I mostly spent the month with my family and mentally preparing myself for graduate school. Nonetheless, here are my July favorites! 

1. Zoella and Beautycrush: I have been obsessed with their youtube channels this month. I can't tell you how many of their videos I've watched. They have also inspired me to get back into making my beauty videos! The are both gorgeous and have such great advice about fashion, makeup and just life in general. I also love their accents! If you haven't watched their videos, then go do it now!! (click on their name!)

2. All the Light We Cannot See: I'm only about 50 pages in, but I am loving it so far! I have definitely been in a reading slump this month but this book is slowly getting me out of it. 

3. Interior Design: I have been going crazy researching new things for my apartment. I am so excited to move-in and start decorating! Check out my pinetrest to see what I'm loving.

4. ELF Cosmetics: OMG. I bought a few products from them and I am in love! They are so cheap, yet work so well! This contour/blush set is only $3 (!!) and it is so pigmented! And this eyeliner ($2!!) is seriously better than the $8-$15 eyeliners I've been using lately. This line is perfect if you want to try a trend but don't want to spend the money. 

What are some your July Favorites?

My Summer Essentials

IT'S SUMMER!!

Here are some of my summer essentials!

High-Wasted Shorts || These are basically the only thing I wear in the summer! I get mine from goodwill and just love them.

SPF Lip Balm || I always make sure to wear sunscreen in the summer and that includes the lips!

A Good Book || Summer is the time for me to catch up on my reading! I've already finished Gone Girl and it was amazing! I definitely recommend it for a summer read.

Iced Vanilla Coffee || My go-to choice at Starbucks!

Sunglasses || Of course, I need a cute pair of sunglasses. These are from TOMS and I am so glad my grandma got them for me. They are exactly my style, modern with a vintage twist. 

SOCCER || Of course I'll be watching the World Cup this summer!! (USA! USA!) 

What are some of your essentials?

Top 5 Movies of 2013

It's time for another post of my "Monday Favorites!"

Today, I will share my top 5 favorite films of 2013!

5. The Wolf of Wallstreet

I reviewed this film yesterday! Martin Scorsese just can't seem to disappoint me!

4. 12 Years a Slave

This movie was in one word, breathtaking, both in how difficult it was to watch and in how beautifully it was filmed. 

3. Out of the Furnace

I reviewed this as well! This film was a big surprise for me! I was not expecting much but as you can see it ended up being one of my favorites!

2. The Great Gatsby

My review explains why I loved this film! It was so brilliant and Leonardo was the perfect Gatsby!

1. The Place Beyond the Pines

This independent film told such an incredible story filled with dark  metaphors about life, family, and the police force. I highly recommend it! Check out my review as well!

Runner-ups:

- Gravity

- The Conjuring

- Monsters University

Remember these are only based off the movies that I have seen. There are some that I am sure would have made the list if I would have seen it (American Hustle to name one!!!).

What were your favorite films this year?