Book Haul!

Hey there!

As you probably already knew, I'm a total bookworm and have a serious obsession with books. I'm not kidding when I say I spend way too much time (and money) in Barnes and Noble. Since I just graduated and have some spending money, I decided to go on a little shopping spree yesterday. I think I've been to B&N about 3 (or 4) times this month, so I figured I would do a collective book haul in case you guys were curious about what I'll be reading over the next few weeks. 

I have to be honest- I was really only looking to buy one book (It by Stephen King) when I went into B&N. And, as usual, I ended up buying a ton of other stuff. Oops. 

Anyway, let's get started!

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Who doesn't love a giant stack of new books?

Barnes and Noble Haul!

It by Stephen King

So, this is the book I intended to buy when I went to B&N yesterday.  I had just finished Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, and needed a new book to read (even though I probably have about 50 books waiting on my bookshelf; oops).  I texted my boyfriend- who loves Stephen King- and asked him what his favorite King novel was.  He recommended It and Carrie.  Since I've already read Carrie, I decided to give this book a read.  I'm only about 60 pages in at this point, but it's an incredible book so far!  It's creepy and really well-written.  Thanks, Corey :)

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

I just recently finished Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (which was amazing, by the way!), so I decided to pick up this book.  Her writing is absolutely fantastic- I literally can't put her books down.  Gone Girl and Sharp Objects are some of my favorite books, and I'm assuming this will be just as wonderful.

The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson

I've never read anything by Hunter S. Thompson, but he's another one of Corey's favorite authors.  I've been meaning to read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but my Barnes and Noble never has it in stock... Ugh!  Anyway, I'm really excited to read this.

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

For some reason or another, we never had to read anything by Vonnegut when I was in high school.  Weird, right?  I read Slaughterhouse-Five on vacation a few months ago and fell in love with Vonnegut's writing.  Seriously, he has got to be one of the best authors I've ever read.  Honestly, I don't know anything about Cat's Cradle, but I've heard it's pretty awesome.

The Woman in Black: Angel of Death by Martyn Waites

I've never seen The Woman in Black, but for some reason I felt the need to pick up this book.  I'm pretty sure it's based on the second movie, but hopefully it won't be too confusing.  I really like horror books so I'm sure I'll love this one even though I don't know much about the movies/ books.  This is probably going towards the bottom of my reading list just because I have so many other things I've been meaning to read for months.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

We never had to read this book in school (probably because we read a lot of Shakespeare my junior and senior years).  I've read 1984, and it's definitely one of my favorite books.  I love Orwell's writing; it's pretty easy to read, but it's so complex at the same time.  I feel like I could read this book a few times and find something new to analyze each time I read it.  Again, I don't know a lot of information about this book, but I know it's a commentary of several political ideologies.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

This is another classic that I have yet to read... I'm pretty sure we were supposed to read this in my senior English/ comp class, but we ended up reading Dante instead.  I honestly don't know a single thing about The Catcher in the Rye besides the fact that it's one of Corey's favorite books.  At least it'll be something completely new to me when I do finally sit down and read it!

The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star by Nikki Sixx

Oh my goodness, The Heroin Diaries was absolutely amazing!  If you ever want to get inside the head of a serious addict, give this book a read (as long as you're not easily offended by drugs, sex, and rock n' roll).  I feel like Nikki Sixx shouldn't be alive after the amount of drugs he's done; parts of this book are so horrifying and eerie, but it's so incredibly interesting.  I've really been into autobiographies by band members, so this is easily one of my favorite books I've read recently.  Jeremy Spencer and Corey Taylor have awesome books as well, if you're into autobiographies.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Okay, this has got to be one of the best mystery/ thriller/ drama novels I've read in a while!  Like I said before, I love Gillan Flynn's writing; I wasn't able to put this book down once I got about a fourth of the way through it.  It takes a little bit of effort to get into (the first 50 pages or so are a little slow, but it's worth it), but overall, it's an amazing story.  There are some serious plot twists I didn't see coming, especially in the last few chapters!

Bonus Random Mini Haul Thing!!

AP Magazine- 30th Anniversary Issue 

I saw the cover of this magazine on AP's Instagram a few weeks ago and knew I had to have it as soon as it hit stands.  I absolutely love everything about Fall Out Boy, so the fact that they have a huge article in this magazine makes me so happy!  Patrick, Pete, Andy, and Joe are pretty awesome guys, and they're such talented musicians.  What can I say, I'm definitely obsessed with FOB.  I can't wait to see them this July!!

2015-2016 Planner by PlumPaperDesigns  

Since I'm starting grad school in June, I decided to splurge a little bit on a new planner for this year.  One of my favorite YouTubers, Leesha (xSparkage) bought a planner from PlumPaperDesigns on Etsy and was raving about it on her channel.  Seriously, that shop has some of the coolest planner designs!  I bought one of the student planners, but all of the planners are completely customizable.  Definitely check them out if you're in need a new planner! 

Also, the InkJoy pens are by far my favorite things ever!  I'm left handed, so most pens smear (even though they say "no smear"); these don't, thank goodness.  And they come in a ton of colors, which makes it really easy for me to color-coordinate my planer. 

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I hope you enjoyed this post! As always, thanks for reading and keeping up with my literary obsession :)

Keri <3

Campus VoxBox Reviews

Hello!

This is the follow up post to my Campus VoxBox Unboxing I posted a few weeks ago.  Honestly, I was really happy with this box as a whole!  There were some amazing products and I can see myself purchasing some of the items; I love the sunless tanner, the face scrub, and the lip cube.  I've reviewed each of the products below.  Since the reviews are pretty short, I just decided to combine them into one post instead of creating a bunch of different blogs.  Makes things a bit easier for everyone, right?

I included these links in my last post, but if you want to read more about the VoxBoxes I've received in the past, here ya go: 

• Mary Kay VoxBox
• Varsity VoxBox
• Uni VoxBox
• Jolly VoxBox
• Campus VoxBox Unboxing

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DISCLAIMER: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.com.  This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are my own.

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JERGENS Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse ($12.99)

Like I said in my unboxing blog, I was so afraid that this tanner would make my skin look way too orange.  I was sent the shade "Deep Bronze," so I wasn't sure how natural it would end up looking on my pale skin.  I used it on my legs a few times and loved the results!!  The fact that this product is a mousse makes it so easy to use (it's basically fool-proof; trust me).  It's not streaky at all.  I used my bare hands to apply this, but it was fairly easy to remove with some warm water and soap.  I would recommend using a mitt or gloves, though.  This dries quickly so you do have to work kind of fast; however, I love that you can put this on right before you go somewhere and don't have to worry about it transferring onto you clothes.  I would definitely purchase this product.  It's a bit on the pricey side, but I would probably only use it for special occasions (weddings, date night, whatever).

St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub ($3.99 - $4.79)

I've been loving this product recently!  My combo skin usually isn't too horrible in the summer, but I can feel some build up starting to happen as the days get warmer.  Sweat, makeup, all that good stuff.  I use this scrub once or twice a week depending on how my skin looks; it leaves my skin feeling nice and clean without over-drying it.  My skin isn't super sensitive, but I have to be careful about how often I use exfoliators.  This one is so perfect for my skin, and I will definitely be purchasing this as soon as  I run out of my current bottle.

L'OREAL PARIS Advanced Straight System (Shampoo/ Conditioner: $4.99 each, Treatments: $6.99)

I have to admit- this product really didn't do a whole lot for me...  I have fairly straight hair, but it does have a slight wave to it.  After using this system, my hair was straighter than it normally is.  However, after a day in the Arkansas rain/ humidity it didn't stay that way.  I'm not sure if I would purchase this system, mostly because I use Redken shampoo and conditioner on my hair.  It's color-treated, so I try to stay away from drugstore hair products.  This isn't a bad product, it just didn't do anything overly special for me.

Softlips Cube ($3.49)

I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite drugstore lip balm!  It's so moisturizing, but doesn't leave a greasy film on your lips.  I love the taste and the scent (it's really fruity), and the packaging is so freaking adorable! I have to say, this doesn't last a long time on the lips; maybe 2 to 3 hours tops.  But I'm totally fine with reapplying it throughout the day.  I usually put this on my lips when I'm doing my makeup so I can have super soft lips (haha) before applying lip liner/ lipstick.  These are popping up all over my local Walmart, so I'm pretty sure I'll end up buying some of the other scents just to try them out.  I'm interested in the Vanilla Bean one!

Sour Punch Rainbow Straws ($1.29 - $1.59)

I may or may not have thrown these into my purse when I went to see Age of Ultron a few weeks ago.  And they were awesome!  I've had these sour straws before, so there really wasn't much mystery here.  The strawberry are still my favorite, but the new lemon straws were a close second.  I'm not usually a huge fan of blue raspberry, but I love these for some reason.  I would definitely buy these and sneak them into the theater haha

Sour Punch Punchies ($0.89 - $1.29)

I have to be honest- I absolutely love the Strawberry candies!  The rest of them were not all that wonderful.  The Lemon candies weren't bad.  I don't know, I guess I'm just not a huge fan of sour candies if they aren't strawberry flavored.  I don't think I would purchase these, but I'm glad I got a sample of them in my box.  Unless they sold the strawberry ones on their own.  Then I would probably buy a few bags.

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You're awesome for making it all the way through that ridiculously long post!  Thank you :)

I'll talk to you again very soon.

Keri <3

Campus VoxBox Unboxing

Hi there!

It seems like forever since I've posted something about the Influenster VoxBox program.  If you've been following me for awhile, you'll know that I've received a few of these VoxBoxes in the past; here's a few links in case you want to check out some of my older posts:

• Mary Kay VoxBox
• Varsity VoxBox
• Uni VoxBox
• Jolly VoxBox

I'm not exactly sure when this box arrived, but I'm guessing it was sometime earlier this week.  Since I haven't tried any of the products yet, this is more of a show-and-tell type deal; I'll use the products over the next few weeks and post another blog with mini reviews on everything :)

For now, let's start unboxing!

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DISCLAIMER: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.com.  This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are my own.

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The Box

I was so excited to see this box in the mail today!  I think it's the largest VoxBox I've ever received from Influenster. Everything in this box is full sized, except the L'Oreal hair system.

JERGENS Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse ($12.99)

"JERGENS Natural Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse uniquely works with your skin tone to mimic results from the natural sun.  This airy, moisturizing mousse allows for a precise, even application that dries in just 60 seconds, taking you on vacations in an instant.  Welcome to the #goldenlife."

I've got to be honest- I'm slightly terrified of testing out this product.  I haven't used a sunless tanner before, and I'm worried it'll look a little too dark on my skin since it's in the shade "Deep Bronze."  I'll probably end up using this on my legs just so it doesn't look too obnoxious/ fake on my pale skin.

St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub ($3.99 - $4.79)

"St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub contains 100% natural exfoliants to deeply clean pores and brighten dull skin.  The scrub helps stop breakouts before they occur, containing salicylic acid, which is known to help prevent blemishes from forming."

I've used some sort of scrub from St. Ives before, and I remember really liking it.  Their products usually smell awesome and work really well (I have acne-prone combination skin, so I use a scrub once a week or so just to keep my skin clear).

L'OREAL PARIS Advanced Straight System (Shampoo/ Conditioner: $4.99 each, Treatments: $6.99)

"Our first system with Kera-Tourmaline for up to 48 hours of long-lasting straight (based on using complete system with heat styling tools)."

This shampoo, pre-conditioner, and conditioner is supposed to be pretty fantastic.  I haven't used this particular product, but I have tried a few different versions of the L'Oreal Advanced Haircare line.  I usually don't buy shampoo/ conditioner from the drugstore only because I have color treated hair.  I'll probably end up using these samples just to see if it's comparable to my Redken shampoo/ conditioner.

Softlips Cube ($3.49)

"Think outside the stick with Softlips Cube.  Revolutionary 5-in-1 lip care combines an advacned formula with an innovative new cube-shaped package.  Lips look radiant and feel softer, smoother, and more hydrated.  It is available in four delightful flavors: Pomegranate Blueberry, Fresh Mint, Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry."

Ok, I am so excited to try this!  I saw it advertised in my local Walgreens, but I didn't pick it up because I have a ton of lip balms I need to use up.  This reminds me of the EOS lip balms, but I really like the packaging on this a lot more.  I've used Softlips lip balm in the past; I'm not 100% sure if I liked the product or not.  I've been looking for a super-moisturizing lip balm (here's hoping this is the one!).

Sour Punch Rainbow Straws ($1.29 - $1.59)

"Sour Punch Rainbow Straws are soft, chewy, straw-shaped candy that delivers the perfect balance of delicious fruit flavor and our signature sour crystal coating that will make your moth pucker with delight.  Sour Punch Rainbow Straws is first to deliver an assortment of all your favorite sour flavors in one package: Strawberry, Green Apple, blue Raspberry, and our brand new Lemon Straws, only available in this new assorted pack!"

I. Love. Sour. Candies!  Honestly, these are probably my favorite sour candy- I usually end up sneaking these into the movie theater.  I love the flavors (especially the strawberry and green apple), and I'm excited to try the lemon sour straws.  I'll probably end up eating these later tonight while I'm catching up on my Netflix shows :)

Sour Punch Punchies ($0.89 - $1.29)

"The wacky Sour Punch Punchies characters have come to life in a sour, chewy, soft-shell candy.  Each mouth-watering bite-size piece packs the perfect punch of fruity-sweet and sour.  Sour Punch Punchies come in five delicious flavors including Strawberry, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Lemon, and Tangerine, and each piece has the iconic, wacky PUN-CHI face!  Eat them one at a time, or mix them together for a fruitacular candy experience!"

I'm usually not a huge fan of chewy candies, but I'll definitely try these!  I'm glad we got two different sour candies in this box- I've been craving something sweet/ sour for about a week now haha

I'm not sure if I'll like the Tangerine flavor, but we'll see.

eBay Guides Campaign

"Want an easy $25 to treat yourself?  You've got it!  Head to your Dashboard to check out your exclusive access to the latest and greatest eBay Campaign.  Share your expertise on topics from the Inspiration Tool by writing 2 guides on eBay that follow the requirements (on the badge page), and that's an easy $25 to eBay in your pocket.  Check out the insert for more information!"

So this is a new thing Influenster has started including in the VoxBoxes.  I'm not 100% sure how this works, but I'll figure it out and let you know how easy/ difficult it was to score the $25 gift card.

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Thank you for checking this post out!  I'll see you again soon with reviews on each of the products from this box :)

Keri <3

Bat Country

Hi!!

Yep, you read the title right- I got another tattoo. Surprise, surprise! If you've been following me for a few month (or have read any of my posts from late 2014), you'll know that I'm absolutely 100% addicted to tattoos. I don't know what is so addictive about tattos... Maybe the adrenaline rush? Either way, tattoos are a form of art (in my opinion), and I wear mine proudly :) 

Anyways, let's get to the point of this post, shall we? I wasn't really planning on getting a new tattoo until my birthday. But, but brother went in for his first tattoo and asked me to go with him. He got the same lyric I have on my right forearm: 

"I fell apart, but got back up again" from the Thirty Seconds to Mars song, "Alibi." Drew and I have both been through some tough times and have overcome a lot in the past few years. He's a tough kid!! I normally hate matching tattoos, but since this song means so much to both of us, I absolutely love it. I like that his font is similar to mine, but not exactly the same. I love my brother; I'm so proud of him and all his accomplishments!

So, while he was getting that done, I was contemplating my next tattoo. Brian had time for another tattoo before the shop closed (my regular guy, Jimmy, was completely booked), so I got this: 

Seven little bats on my foot/ ankle. I love them!!!! This is my third Avenged Sevenfold inspired tattoo. If you're familiar with the band, you've probably heard the song "Bat Country" at some point. There are some bats flying around in the music video, so I figured, why not get bats on my foot? Sounds awesome to me! 

PS- the music video is super trippy and amazing. Syn's solo is flawless and Zacky looks so sexy with his long hair and snake bites. Just sayin. 

PSS- the band took inspiration from Hunter S Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas for the song and music video. So, this tattoo is kind of a literature and music themed tattoo. Two of my favorite things in life are books and metal music.

Honestly, this was the most impulsive tattoo I've ever gotten, but I couldn't be happier with how this one turned out :) Brian did an amazing job!!

Side note/ funny story time: 

Adam (and Jimmy and Brian, but mostly Adam) hates doing bird tattoos. You know the birds every girl seems to have/ want? He dubbed them the "Pinterest basic bitch birds." I was talking to the front counter girl, Britani, and we decided to call my bats the "basic bitch bats" in honor of Adam's hatred for all things basic. 

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Thank you for keeping up with my tattoo obsession!! Hope to talk to you again soon :)

Keri <3

Graham Moore at the Oscars

Hello!!

I wanted to type this post out while my thoughts/ emotions were still fresh in my mind. Mom and I watched the Oscars tonight- overall, it was probably one of the best award shows I've seen in awhile! Lady Gaga's tribute to "The Sound of Music" was flawless, Jared Leto looked incredible in that light blue suit, and Eddie Redmayne is one of my new favorite people thanks to his amazing acceptance speech. But the one moment that really hit home for me was Graham Moore's speech. 

Let backtrack for a second- I saw The Imitation Game opening weekend. Honestly, there were two reason I wanted to see this film: 1) I love British history, and 2) Benedict Cumberbatch (need I say more?). This movie quickly became one of my new favorites. It's such an inspiring, shocking, and eye-opening looking into the role of British intelligence in World War II, and the life of Alan Turing. I'm not an overly-emotional person, but I was in tears by the end of the movie. I thought this film was absolutely brilliant, and I can wait to watch it again once it's out on DVD. 

Just wanted to give you a little backstory before I got to the main part of the post. Ok, now back to the point. Graham Moore wrote the screenplay for The Imitation Game, and gave one of the most memorable acceptance speeches I've ever heard. Here's the main part of his speech: 

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When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different and I felt like I did not belong. And now, I'm standing here and I would like for this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she's weird or she's different or she doesn't fit in anywhere. Yes, you do, I promise you do. You do. Stay weird, stay different. And then, when it's your turn and you are standing on this stage, please pass this same message to the next person who comes along. 

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I immediately started crying. Like I said, I'm not an emotional person (in most cases); this really hit me, though. I've fought through depression and battled suicidal thoughts. It takes a lot of courage for someone to admit they've been through something like that. I truly don't have the words to express just how much his speech has inspired me. I know it sounds cheesy and cliche, but he's a hero in my book. 

He reminded me to keep my head up and keep moving forward. My life is worth living, and I shouldn't let anything- especially something like suicide and depression stop me from achieving my dreams. Again, cliche, but 100% true. 

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Thank you for reading this random post. Sometimes, I just need to write stuff down so I can save it and (maybe) reflect on it later. 

Remember, you're awesome!

Keri <3