Saturday, April 30, 2011

Define normal. . .



I've had some internet issues the last few days so this post is going to be a simple one. I don't think my computer is back up to par just yet so I'm giving it a little slack and a little time to fully recover.


So. . .lets talk about books!


Most days, especially lately, I have been reading like there is no tomorrow. I read pretty much any sort of genre, but young adult fiction of any kind is my favorite. I'm also really picky about my books, they have to draw me in somehow either with the cover or the subject matter. I actually have always been really jealous of those people who can just pick up any book and suddenly be completely emersed. Well that's not me, so girly, pretty things rule in my world.


I never expected to enjoy Matched by Allie Condie as much as I did. The cover is beautiful and I read the summary a few times at Target, but always ended up not buying it. So when I saw the book at the library I thought why not give it a shot. And let me tell you, I read this in 2 nights and I am thrilled this book is being turned into a trilogy because I can't wait for more!


When I was probably in 3rd of 4th grade we read The Giver by Lois Lowry in class. This is the first thing I thought of when I started reading Matched. The society is very similar in many ways. Everything is basically decided for you in this world, what you're going to eat, where you're going to work, who you're going to marry, and when you're going to die. In The Giver the story focused mostly on job assignment and while that is touched on in Matched, it is mostly about potential marital "matches." 17 is the matching year for these kids and they can be matched at any time during that year depending on when their match also turns 17. Matches are made very scientifically through basically survival of the fittest. The person you are matched with is said to be the absolute perfect match for you.


The story follows Cassia, a girl who is matched to a boy she knows which is almost unheard of since the database is full of millions of 17 year olds. At the beginning she never questions the society or why the officials do what they do, but there is a glitch with her micro chip that reveals biographical information about her match and she sees another boys face, whom she also knows. Cassia starts realizing that maybe there are decisions to be made and she starts rebeling against the society and starts to use her own thoughts more than she ever did before.


I really enjoy dystopia and being able to imagine what it would be like to live in a world with these rules and what I would be assigned to do and in this case who I would be matched to. This book is really well written and uses some poems that make their way through the story. I love seeing really strong female characters who didn't really know they possessed this strength before, and that is definitely the description of Cassia. I kept trying to slow down not wanting it to end but at the same time I had to find out what happened next. The characters are really easy to get attached to and really relateable even though they live in this strict society. I would absolutely, 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read! I think this is one of those books that crosses lines and is easily enjoyable by almost anyone, no matter what your reading preferences. Well I guess as long as you enjoy futuristic type novels. . .


you'll like this if: you enjoyed The Giver growing up, The Uglies series by Scott Westerfield (also one of my favorites!), or The Hunger Games (which I have only heard, I still haven't read those books! I know I'm the only one who hasn't.)

Monday, April 25, 2011





Being a Florida girl and a self-proclaimed tan-a-holic, summer is always on my horizon even if it's Christmas. Now that it's finally almost here, here are a few of my favorite beauty picks for the upcoming most wonderful season!

I can never stress how important sunblock is. I use it like it's going out of style and one of my favorites is this Neutrogena cooling mist. Our summers are sweltering here in the South and this is perfect if there's no water to jump into.

That being said, it's way too hot to be one of those girls who never goes in the pool. Sea Salt spray is my best friend this time of year, and I am really excited to try the new Bumble and Bumble one.

The Urban Decay Naked Palette has all the perfect colors for summer. I personally love golds and champagnes to bring out a tan. I love to use a little pop of color in my makeup too, and blue and purple eyeliner to bring out my blue eyes is my favorite trick. Along the same makeup lines a good bronzer is my most important beauty product for summer fun. Benefit Hoola is my absolute favorite. Don't forget the waterproof mascara! I don't know why but any mascara with one of those plastic/silicone/bendy applicators is high on my list. So descriptive and concise right?

I don't know about any of you, but I really get sucked into buying these limited edition Stila palettes. The new summer ones look like they're going to be really pretty, although I am going to miss the cream blush from the ones last year. I'll still buy them anyway though. . .ugh!

Coral lips and nails are still my favorite like I said in yesterday's post, and my favorite blush is a little bit coral too actually. It's a MAC Cremeblend blush called Joie de Vivre, I don't think it's the exact one in the photo however.

Anyone have any essentials that I missed? And what are your summer must haves?

Love, Lauren

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Garden Party


Garden Party

Garden Party by LaurenL0vesL0ve featuring lock bags




Happy Easter everyone! I can't believe how fast the spring has gone by! I feel like it was just finally time for some brighter colors and where I live we're already way into bikinis and flip flops! Here's a little outfit insprired by Easter and all the beautiful flowers outside!

I'm really loving these dresses and shirts that start with a trickle of the design at the top and end up (in this case) in a full on Garden Party at the bottom! I think they look fresh and flirty and perfect for the spring and summer!

I've also been into mixing harder and softer elements and I think this leather jacket looks amazing with the pretty floral dress.

Structured bags and coral lips are also atop my list for the summer this year! Coral lips seem to suit everyone with lots of different variations to choose from.

Throw on a floppy hat and some pretty heels or wedges and you're ready to go!


I'm going to go eat mass amounts of chocolate and then I think go see Water For Elephants later today! I hope you lovelies have a great day and week! Summer is coming!