#essie fall 2017 review

[talonted]

I’ve had a few messages from people asking if I would be reviewing the Essie Fall 2017 collection and I’m happy to say it is so worth the wait. This collection is inspired by the 90s which – as an 80s baby – I am LOVING. There’s a definite Clueless vibe with the nails and it’s making me want to watch the film immediately. There is also a 3 for 2 deal on essie polishes at the moment, so just let that percolate while you peruse the amazing swatches below… #enabler

Before we crack on with the Essie Fall 2017 collection swatches, I have to address the stumpy elephant in the room: my nails. I broke a nail last week and the air turned blue with the swearing that ensued! As a result I had to file all of my nails down to match it so prepare yourself for the very short nails below. I know a lot of people will say that these are not short but they are for me (I’ve had to relearn how to type!) and more people will say that they prefer the nubs to my long nails (shush) so I’m getting that in straight away! The nails will be back soon, I’m practically Wolverine…

Mixtaupe* is ‘a warm ivory with a dash of pink’. I’ve seen a few people having issues with the formula of this polish but I think it applied really well for a light colour. I got full coverage in two thin coats with no bald spots or dragging. I’ve included a photo of it next to ‘Wrap Me Up’ (also swatched here) and ‘Neo Whimsical’ (swatched here) to show their similarities: I’d say WMU is more yellow-toned while NW has a more purple lean.

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Saved By The Belle* is a ‘light baby pink with subtle blue undertones’ and I actually found this formula harder to work with than ‘Mixtaupe’. I needed three very careful layers to cover the patchiness which is pretty common for pastel colours. I’ve mentioned before that I have a soft spot for ‘Pepto Bismol pink’ nails, I just think they’re so fun and pretty. I’ve included a shot of it next to ‘Backseat Besties’ (on the right below, swatched here) which is more peachy, and ‘Inside Scoop’ (on the left, swatched here) which is more sheer and a little lighter.

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As If!* is described as a ‘powdery periwinkle blue with a hint of red’. This had quite a sheer formula on the first coat, but only needed two for full coverage. It’s such a beautiful colour that has just enough grey in it for me. I’ve compared it to ‘Bikini So Teeny’ (on the left, which is a little lighter and has a shimmer running through it) and ‘Lapis Of Luxury’ (on the right, slightly lighter with more of a grey tone).

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Girly Grunge* is a ‘soft silvery metallic with a light purple shine’ and I LOVE IT (I doubt anyone is shocked at that news!) but I am surprised that this is the second silver-purple polish that Essie have released in the space of a few months. I would have loved to have seen another metallic but I’m not going to turn my nose up at this beauty! As with most metallic polishes you have to be careful with the application to make sure the brush strokes aren’t too messy I’d recommend doing one stroke on the left of the nail, one on the right, then one to tidy and smooth down the middle!) I’ve photographed it next to ‘S’il Vous Play’, which you can also see swatched here.

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Knee-High Life* is described as a ‘deep wine red with purple undertones’. I think if you ask anyone to picture the classic autumnal nail varnish shade, this would be it. A rich berry shade that makes you feel chic but a little bit vampy at the same time (the photos make it look a little more red than it is in real life). This is a full coverage polish in two layers, but you will definitely need a base coat and to be careful when you remove as it will stain skin, nails and cuticles easily! I’ve compared it to Recessionista (more purple and slightly brown-toned, on the left below), ‘Bahama Mama’ (second in the row, darker and more blue based) and ‘Twin Sweater Set’ (on the right, much more red).

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Dressed To The Nineties* is a ‘dark purple with a blue-green shimmer’ and is an absolute nightmare to photograph! In overcast daylight it looks like a very dark plum purple, but as soon as you catch that shimmer it just lights up with green and gold. This only needed two thin coats and I don’t have anything similar in my collection when it comes to the unusual shimmer. I’ve compared it to ‘Kimono-over‘ (a little more pink, on the left) and ‘Designated DJ‘ (much too purple, on the right) below. I’ve also included some pictures of ‘Dressed To The Nineties’ with a flash to show the shimmer.

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And that’s the Essie Fall 2017 collection, which one is your favourite? Will you be treating yourself to any of them? Don’t forget that there’s currently a 3 for 2 deal on Essie polishes!

Lex

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==PIN ME!=

Essie Fall 2017 collection – it’s love!

Essie Fall 2017 Collection: Back To The Nineties… I've had a few messages from people asking if I would be reviewing the Essie Fall 2017 collection…

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Essie Fall 2017 Collection Review & Swatches https://ift.tt/2YxdFoq

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[realmotionxi-blog]

The MotionXI Guide to New Albums, Fall 2018: Thom Yorke, Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, Cat Power, More

From BROCKHAMPTON and Childish Gambino to Aphex Twin and Empress Of, here’s a big list of records to look forward to in the coming months Welcome back to the Pitchfork Guide to Upcoming Releases, our seasonal guide to new music. Four times a year, we round up a list of albums, singles, EPs, reissues, and more arriving in the coming months. This installment covers fall 2018, starting with Friday, September 7. (Please note that release dates may change.) To start things off, we’ve highlighted a few particularly notable releases, including albums and EPs by Thom Yorke, Aphex Twin, Cat Power, Spiritualized, Low, Mount Eerie, boygenius, Prince, BROCKHAMPTON, Octavian, Noname, and others. Joey Purp: QUARTERTHING (September 7, self-released) Chicago rapper Joey Purp is following his self-released 2016 mixtape iiiDrops with a new project called QUARTERTHING. Executive produced by Nate Fox, Nico Segal and Peter Cottontale, the project includes contributions from GZA, RZA, Ravyn Lenae, and Knox Fortune, among others. Spiritualized: And Nothing Hurt (September 7, Fat Possum/Bella Union) Six years after the release of Sweet Heart Sweet Light, Jason Pierce is back with a new Spiritualized album. “I’m a lot older now and in a weird way I think it’s my last record,” he said in autumn 2016. He added in a recent press release, “It was such hard work. I found myself going crazy for so long.” Read Pitchfork’s review of And Nothing Hurt’s “I’m Your Man” and “A Perfect Miracle.” Octavian: SPACEMAN (September 10, Black Butter) Octavian’s SPACEMAN mixtape is the London rapper’s first new project since 2017’s Essie World. The 14-track tape does not include his 2018 singles (“100 Degrees,” “Hands,” “Little,” and “Move Me”) or his breakout track “Party Here.” The mixtape cover was created by Armin Druzanovic, Michael Phan, and Virgil Abloh. Read Pitchfork’s track review of SPACEMAN’s “Revenge,” as well as the Rising profile “Octavian Is Shaping the Sound of Rap in 2018—Just Ask Drake.” Aphex Twin: Collapse EP (September 14, Warp) When the Aphex Twin logo appeared in cities across the world earlier this year—on buildings in New York City and underground stations in London—Richard D. James’ return appeared imminent. Soon after, he made it official, announcing the Collapse EP and dropping the song “T69 Collapse.” Collapse follows 2016’s CheetahEP. Low: Double Negative (September 14, Sub Pop) Low decamped to Justin Vernon’s April Base studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to record their latest album, Double Negative. The follow-up to 2015’s Ones and Sixes was produced by B.J. Burton. Check out Pitchfork’s review of “Disarray” (named Best New Track). Christine and the Queens: Chris (September 21, Because) Chris is the second record from Héloïse Letissier, better known as Christine and the Queens. “ gets to be a bit more exhilarating, because I get to say, okay, I’ve been introduced now,” Letissier said in a statement. “I get to be more confident, and it matches what happened in my life as a woman.” Read the track review of “Doesn’t Matter.” Mount Eerie: (after) (September 21, P.W. Elverum & Sun) Recorded at a church in the Netherlands in November 2017, Phil Elverum’s latest release as Mount Eerie is a live album featuring songs from last year’s A Crow Looked at Me and this year’s Now Only. “Does it bring anything new to the songs to hear them in this way? My hope is: yes,” he wrote in a statement. “This is a recording of these ultra-intimate songs living in the real world among people, and of peoples’ wide eyed accepting silence, and clapping.” Read Pitchfork’s profile “Death Is Real: Mount Eerie’s Phil Elverum Copes With Unspeakable Tragedy,” as well as “Love Is Real: On Phil Elverum Marrying Michelle Williams” on the Pitch. Prince: Piano & A Microphone: 1983 (September 21, Warner Bros.) Piano & A Microphone: 1983 is an unearthed collection from Prince’s vaults recorded during a rehearsal at his home studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The nine-song LP includes solo piano renditions of “Purple Rain,” Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” and “Mary Don’t You Weep.” The latter recording featured prominentlyin Spike Lee’s latest film, BlacKkKlansman. Spike Lee also directed an extended trailer for the film soundtracked by the song. Read “The Pro-Black Bond Between Spike Lee and Prince” on the Pitch. Kode9 / Burial: FABRICLIVE 100 (September 28, Fabric) Burial and Kode9 have come together for the final installment of London nightclub Fabric’s mix series. FABRICLIVE 100 is 74-minutes long. The mix’s announcement also arrived with a rare Burial selfie. Tim Hecker: Konoyo (September 28, Kranky) Konoyo is experimental composer Tim Hecker’s first record since 2016’s Love Streams. He recorded the LP during several trips to Japan where he worked with members of the gagaku ensemble Tokyo Gakuso. Check out Pitchfork’s review of Konoyo’s opener “This Life.” BROCKHAMPTON: Iridescence (September, Question Everything/RCA) It’s been a real journey toward BROCKHAMPTON’s fourth studio album, now titled Iridescence. Their follow-up to the 2017SATURATION trilogy was initially teased as a project called PUPPY before allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct against former member Ameer Vann surfaced earlier this year. BROCKHAMPTON kicked Vann out of the group in May, and then appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” to perform a new song (“Tonya”) and reveal the working album title the best years of our lives. They subsequently released “1999 WILDFIRE,” “1998 TRUMAN,” and “1997 DIANA.” In August, they revealed the new album title Iridescence. Noname: Room 25 (September, self-released) Chicago rapper and singer Noname is gearing up to release the follow-up to her 2016 debut Telefone. She has said that the 11-track Room 25 will feature “the homies.” Cat Power: Wanderer (October 5, Domino) Wanderer is Chan Marshall’s first Cat Power album since 2012’s Sun. In a statement, Marshall said the album was inspired by “the course life has taken in this journey—going from town to town, with guitar, telling tale; with reverence to the people who did this generations before .” Lana Del Rey guests on the track “Woman.” Phosphorescent: C’est La Vie (October 5, Dead Oceans) Matthew Houck’s first Phosphorescent album in five years is the self-produced C’est La Vie. The follow-up to 2013’s Muchacho is led by the single “New Birth in New England.” Regarding the album title, Houck told Pitchfork, “It’s life. It’s weird. It’s so grand and huge, it can reduce you into an idiot. What else can you say?” Read the full interview, “Phosphorescent on Parenthood and His First Album in Five Years, C’est La Vie,” on the Pitch. Empress Of: Us (October 19, Terrible) Us is the second album from Lorely Rodriguez aka Empress Of. “It’s been a long two and a half years making this project,” she said of the Me follow-up. Read Pitchfork’s review of the single “When I’m With Him,” named Best New Track. Neneh Cherry: Broken Politics (October 19, Smalltown Supersound/Awal) Broken Politics is Neneh Cherry’s fifth solo album. The LP, produced entirely by Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet) was recorded in Woodstock, New York with Hebden, Cherry, and her songwriting partner Cameron McVey. “Maybe politics starts in your bedroom, or your house—a form of activism, and a responsibility,” Cherry said in a statement. “The album is about all of those things: feeling broken, disappointed, and sad, but having perseverance. It’s a fight against the extinction of free thought and spirit.” Thom Yorke: Suspiria OST (October 26, XL) Luca Guadagnino, director of Call Me by Your Name, is behind the new reboot of the horror classic Suspiria. Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead and periodic solo artist, has provided that film’s score. The 25-song soundtrack features “Suspirium,” which is as a full-on song with vocals (as opposed to instrumentals like the music of the film’s trailer and clips). Prior to announcing the soundtrack, Yorke discussed how Vangelis’ Blade Runner score inspired him and likened creating the score to “making spells.” boygenius: boygenius EP (November 9, Matador) Boygenius is the supergroup comprised of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. Their first release is a six-song, self-titled EP. In November, Baker, Bridgers, and Dacus will embark on a North American tour together, with each artist performing a solo set. Check out Pitchfork’s Best New Track review of “Me & My Dog.” The 1975: A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships (TBA, Dirty Hit/Interscope) The 1975 frontman Matty Healy has said that A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, the Manchester band’s third album, will arrive this fall. So far, they have shared the singles “Give Yourself a Try,” “Love It If We Made It,” and “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME.” A Brief Inquiry follows 2016’s I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it. Childish Gambino: TBA (TBA, Wolf+Rothstein/RCA) In spring 2017, Donald Glover announced that he would be releasing one final album under the Childish Gambino moniker. “I think endings are good because they force things to get better,” he later said in an interview. So far this year, Glover has released three new songs: “This Is America,” “Feels Like Summer,” and “Summertime Magic,” which is the first official single from his next record—the follow-up to 2016’s Grammy-nominated “Awaken, My Love!” He recently fanned the flames of new music rumblings by sending fans two unfinished tracks (“Algorhythm” and “All Night”) ahead of his North American tour. Lil Wayne: Tha Carter V (TBA, Universal) After settling two longstanding lawsuits against Birdman and Cash Money in June, Lil Wayne has teased the possibility of finally releasing his long-delayed album, Tha Carter V. It’s allegedly Wayne’s final installment in the Carter series, following 2011’s Tha Carter IV. Read “Lil Wayne’s Long Road to Tha Carter V” on the Pitch. SOB x RBE: GANGIN II (TBA, SOB X RBE/Empire) SOB X RBE—the Bay Area rap quartet of Yhung T.O., Slimmy B, Lul G, and DaBoii—released their album Gangin this past February. They recently revealed that its sequel, GANGIN II, is “coming soon.” Check out the track review for their single “Vibes.” September 09-07 ADULT.: THIS BEHAVIOR  Alice Coltrane: Spiritual Eternal—The Complete Warner Bros. Studio Recordings  Amnesia Scanner: Another Life  Ava Luna: Moon 2  The Blaze: DANCEHALL  Bob Seger & The Last Heard: Heavy Music: The Complete Cameo Recordings 1966-1967  Chilly Gonzales: Solo Piano III  CLUTCH: Book of Bad Decisions  Eric Bachmann: No Recover  G Perico: GUESS WHAT? EP Ipek Gorgun: Ecce Homo  JEFF the Brotherhood: Magick Songs  Jesse Harris: Aquarelle  Joey Purp: QUARTERTHING  Kilo Kish: MOTHE EP Lenny Kravitz: Raise Vibration  MAGIC!: Expectations  Masego: Lady Lady  Mirah: Understanding  mmph: Serenade EP MNEK: Language  Mothers: Render Another Ugly Method  Oliver Coates: Shelley’s on Zenn-La  The O’My’s: Tomorrow  Paul McCartney: Egypt Station  Paul Simon: In the Blue Light  Seinabo Sey: I’m a Dream  Slowthai: Runt EP Soft Cell: Keychains & Snowstorms: The Soft Cell Story  Spiral Deluxe: Voodoo Magic  Spiritualized: And Nothing Hurt  Steven A. Clark: Where Neon Goes to Die  $uicideboy$: I Want to Die in New Orleans  Swamp Dogg: Love, Loss and Auto-Tune  Teleman: Family of Aliens  Waxahatchee: Great Thunder EP ZHU: Ringos Desert  09-10 Octavian: SPACEMAN  09-14 6LACK: East Atlanta Love Letter  Alejandro Escovedo: The Crossing  Aphex Twin: Collapse EP Asleep at the Wheel: New Routes  The Beta Band: The Three EPs  Black Belt Eagle Scout: Mother of My Children  Blitzen Trapper: Furr: Deluxe Edition  Brandon Coleman: Resistance  Capital Punishment: Roadkill  Carrie Underwood: Cry Pretty  The Chills: Snow Bound  Daniel T.: Heliotrope  David Guetta: 7  Dilly Dally: Heaven  The Dirty Nil: Master Volume  Dizzee Rascal: Don’t Gas Me EP Emma Louise: Lilac Everything  Fred Thomas: Aftering  Future Generations: Landscape  Good Charlotte: Generation Rx  The Goon Sax: We’re Not Talking  Guerilla Toss: Twisted Crystal  Hawkwind: Road to Utopia  Jóhann Jóhannsson: Mandy OST Jungle: For Ever  Knife Knights: 1 Time Mirage  Low: Double Negative  Lyrics Born: Quite a Life  Marc Ribot: Songs of Resistance 1948-2018  Night Shop: In the Break  Orbital: Monsters Exist  Paul Weller: True Meanings  Richard Thompson: 13 Rivers  Sandro Perri: In Another Life  Sarah Davachi: Gave in Rest  Thrice: Palms  Tony Bennett / Diana Krall: Love Is Here to Stay We Were Promised Jetpacks: The More I Sleep the Less I Dream Willie Nelson: My Way  09-19 MHD: 19  09-21 Ash Koosha: Return 0  Beak>: >>>  Brocker Way: Wild Wild Country OST Carl Broemel: Wished Out  Christine and the Queens: Chris  Constant Mongrel: Living in Excellence  Drew McDowall: The Third Helix  The Field: Infinite Moment  Hawkwind: Road to Utopia  Jevon: Judas EP Josh Groban: Bridges  Joyce Manor: Million Dollars to Kill Me  Liars: Titles With the Word Fountain  Lonnie Holley: MITH  Macy Gray: RUBY  Metric: Art of Doubt  Mount Eerie: (after)  Mountain Man: Magic Ship  Mutual Benefit: Thunder Follows the Light  Prince: Piano & A Microphone: 1983  Richard Reed Parry: Quiet River of Dust Vol. 1  Ryan Hemsworth: Elsewhere  Sha La Das: Love in the Wind  Suede: The Blue Hour  SUMAC: Love in Shadow  Supersuckers: Suck It  Villagers: The Art of Pretending to Swim  Voivod: The Wake  09-25 Bikini Kill: The Singles  09-28 Alt-J: REDUXER  Bitchin Bajas: Rebajas  Bliss Signal: Bliss Signal  Cher: Dancing Queen  Cypress Hill: Elephants on Acid  Dillon Francis: Wut Wut  Exploded View: Obey  GØGGS: Pre Strike Sweep  Jay Som / Justus Proffit: Nothing’s Changed  Jlin: Autobiography  Joe Strummer: Joe Strummer 001  John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City  The Joy Formidable: AARTH  Keith Ape: Born Again EP Lala Lala: The Lamb  Logic: YSIV  Loretta Lynn: Wouldn’t It Be Great?  Marissa Nadler: For My Crimes  Marsha Ambrosius: NYLA  Maxwell: Embrya  Mike Simonetti: Solipsism (Collected Works 2006-2013)  Mount Kimbie: DJ-Kicks  Mudhoney: Digital Garbage  Nick Cave & the Bad Seed: Distant Sky – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Live in Copenhagen EP Nile Rodgers & CHIC: It’s About Time  Peter Bibby: Grand Champion  Pixies: Come on Pilgrim...It’s Surfer Rosa  Rod Stewart: Blood Red Roses  Roosevelt: Young Romance  Sam Phillips: World on Sticks  Soft Cell: The Singles - Keychains & Snowstorms  Stereolab: Aluminum Tunes   Stereolab: Refried Ectoplasm   Stereolab: Switched On  Tim Cohen: The Modern World  Tim Hecker: Konoyo  Tom Petty: An American Treasure  Various Artists: Rick and Morty OST Viagra Boys: Street Worms  October 10-05 Adrianne Lenker: abysskiss  Atmosphere: Mi Vida Local  Behemoth: I Loved You at Your Darkest  Cat Power: Wanderer  Cursive: Vitriola  David Nance Group: Peaced and Slightly Pulverized  Death Valley Girls: Darkness Rains  Echo & the Bunnymen: The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon  Electric Six: Bride of the Devil  Fucked Up: Dose Your Dreams  Ghostface Killah: The Lost Tapes  Haerts: New Compassion  High on Fire: Electric Messiah  Jerusalem in My Heart: Daqa'iq Tudaiq  John Lennon: Imagine—The Ultimate Collection  Kristin Hersh: Possible Dust Clouds  KT Tunstall: WAX  Lindsey Buckingham: Solo Anthology - The Best of Lindsey Buckingham  Madeline Kenney: Perfect Shapes  Marie Davidson: Working Class Woman  Matt Nathanson: Sings His Sad Heart  mewithoutYou:   Molly Burch: First Flower  Mueller_Roedelius: IMAGORI II  Nathan Bowles: Plainly Mistaken  Petite Noir: La Maison Noir / The Black House  Pilar Zeta: Moments of Reality  Phosphorescent: C’est La Vie  Ron Gallo: Stardust Birthday Party  Sam Wilkes: WILKES  Steve Perry: Traces  Swearin’: Fall Into the Sun  Timmy’s Organism: Survival of the Fiendish  Tokyo Police Club: TPC  Various Artists: A Star Is Born OST Windhand: Eternal Return  10-12 Anna St. Louis: If Only There Was a River  Basement: Beside Myself  Calvin Johnson: A Wonderful Beast  Charalambides: Tom and Christina Carter  Colter Wall: Songs of the Plains  Connan Mockasin: Jassbusters  Daniel Brandt: Channels  Dave Davies: Decade  David Bowie: David Bowie Loving the Alien (1983-1988) The Dodos: Certainty Waves  Elvis Costello & The Imposters: Look Now  Eric Clapton: Happy Xmas  The Helio Sequence: Keep Your Eyes Ahead: Deluxe Edition  Jaako Eino Kalevi: Out of Touch  Jerry Paper: Like a Baby  John Grant: Love Is Magic  Kim Kashkashian: J.S. Bach Six Suites for Viola Solo BWV 1007-1012  Laraaji / Arji OceAnanda / Dallas Acid: Arrive Without Leaving Los Campesinos!: Hold On Now, Youngster…  Los Campesinos!: We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed  Matthew Dear: Bunny  Primal Scream: Give Out But Don’t Give Up: The Original Memphis Sessions  Sick Thoughts: Sick Thoughts  The Skiffle Players: Skiff  Tom Morello: The Altas Underground  The Watson Twins: DUO  William Basinski / Lawrence English: Selva Oscura  Young Jesus: The Whole Thing Is Just There  Yowler: Black Dog in My Path  10-19 CAVE: Allways  Cloud Nothings: Last Building Burning  The Cranberries: Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? Disturbed: Evolution  Dua Lipa: Dua Lipa – Complete Edition  Empress Of: Us  Farao: Pure-O  Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely (60th Anniversary Edition)  Geotic: Traversa  Jimmy Urine: EURINGER  John Carpenter: Halloween OST Minus the Bear: Fair Enough EP MØ: Forever Neverland  Neneh Cherry: Broken Politics  Papercuts: Parallel Universe Blues  Peter Bjorn and John: Darker Days  R.E.M.: R.E.M. at the BBC  Richard Ashcroft: Natural Rebel  Various Artists: Bohemian Rhapsody OST Will Oldham: Songs of Love and Horror  Yoko Ono: Warzone  10-26 Antarctigo Vespucci: Love in the Time of E-Mail  Apollo Brown / Joell Ortiz: Mona Lisa  Blondie: Heart of Glass EP Boy George & Culture Club: Life  Carbonas: Your Moral Superiors: Singles and Rarities  Daughters: You Won’t Get What You Want  Dean Wareham / Cheval Sombre: Dean Wareham Vs. Cheval Sombre  Julia Holter: Aviary  The Kinks: The Kings Are the Village Green Preservation Society Saves the Day: 9  Shad: A Short Story About a War  SRSQ: Unreality  This Mortal Coil: Blood  This Mortal Coil: Filigree & Shadow  This Mortal Coil: It’ll End in Tears  Thom Yorke: Suspiria OST Ty Segall: Fudge Sandwich  November 11-01 Sun Kil Moon: This Is My Dinner  11-02 Bill Ryder-Jones: Yawn  Charles Mingus: Jazz in Detroit / Strata Concert Gallery / 46 Seldon  David Allred: The Transition  Dead Can Dance: Dionysus ] Gabby’s World: Beast on Beast  Kelly Moran: Ultraviolet  King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: 12 Bar Bruise  King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Eyes Like the Sky King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Float Along—Fill Your Lungs  King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Oddments  King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Willoughby’s Beach EP Metallica: …And Justice for All  The Prodigy: No Tourists  Tenacious D: Post-Apocalypto  11-09 BEAST: Ens  boygenius: boygenius EP Charles Bradley: Black Velvet  J Mascis: Elastic Days  Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: The Capitol Studios Sessions  Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers: Bought to Rot Meg Baird and Mary Lattimore: Ghost Forests  Maisha: There Is a Place  Muse: Simulation Theory  11-13 Method Man: The Meth Lab II: The Lithium’  11-16 Joseph Shabason: Anne  11-23 Laibach: The Sound of Music  January 01-18 Lost Under Heaven: Love Hates What You Become  The Twilight Sad: IT WON/T BE LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME March 03-01 Mark Kozelek / Donny McCaslin / Jim White: Mark Kozelek With Donny McCaslin and Jim White  TBA The 1975: A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships  2 Chainz: Rap or Go to the League  BROCKHAMPTON: Iridescence  Childish Gambino: TBA Chromatics: Dear Tommy  DJ Khaled: Father of Asahd  EARTHGANG: Mirrorland  Everything Is Recorded: 8AM EP Georgia Anne Muldrow: TBA Jeremih / Ty Dolla Sign: MihTy  Kamaiyah: Don’t Ever Get It Twisted  Kamaiyah: Woke  Kodie Shane: TBA Lil Pump: Harverd Dropout  Noname: Room 25  Quavo: Quavo Huncho  Sheck Wes: MUDBOY  SOB X RBE: GANGIN II  Swizz Beatz: Poison  Read the full article

[sierradorotheia]

CURRENT FAVOURITES

Hey! So following up on some current favourites from the last one, almost five months later ♥

** SKIN CARE FAVES **

Kate Sommerville ExfoliKate Intense Exfoliator ~ this is in my FabFitFun Fall 2017 box that I was a bit hesitant to try on at first just because of my new found love in my Sephora charcoal exfoliator. ExfoliKate works better and not just because it’s on the pricier side- but because it really does work for my new acne’s. I use this every three days as a part of my night-time routine and I find that my skin soaks up my skincare products better right after.

Korean Face Masks ~ my brother’s girlfriend picked up some Korean face masks for me when she was in South Korea and we all know that the Koreans have a A+ rep with skincare products. I’ve retired peel-off masks just because it just never worked for me and I didn’t find it was worth the time. These face masks are so soothing and relaxing!

SK II Essence ~ my current skincare regimen breaks the bank but it’s the only one that works! I have finally taken the plunge and splurged on SK II essence and it’s the best decision I’ve had in a while. I know this essence is very pricey but because I only require four drops, twice a day, I know that the 160 ml bottle will tide over until the next Sephora VIB sale in November.

Essie Cuticle Oil ~ leaves my cuticles soft and easier to push back, and makes my manicure look better and healthier.

Dermelect Ridge Filler ~ another FabFitFun score. I love wearing this as is for about a couple days, and on the third day, I’ll usually apply my nail polish. It makes my nails look stronger. And did I say it looked just as pretty as is !

Verb Sea Shampoo and Conditioner ~ I recently decided to move on from drugstore hair products (i.e., whatever’s marked down at the grocery store) and use a higher-end line. Verb was actually not my first choice to try out, but my #1 is a bit on the pricier side so I decided to try something reasonable for now. The Verb Sea shampoo and conditioner together cost $32, which I can live with. The reviews were promising, so I decided to just buy it without sampling. I love the subtle smell, and the way it feels after blow-drying in the morning. I wash my hair at night and my scalp used to get extremely oily the next day with drugstore hair cares, and I never have that problem with these products. I also noticed the fallouts to be lesser and lesser. Loving my bouncy hair especially this summer season.

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ~ I’ve had this product for God-knows-how-long, and for all I know, this stuff’s already expired... but it still works! I wish I can use this everyday, but I know I shan’t so I won’t. lol I use it during my makeup days and it improves my matte lipstick application.

Sephora Face Wipes ~ this is one of the items that I picked up on a whim while at a Sephora ~travel items~ counter, and I’m glad I did. I swear by my Garnier makeup remover but those don’t have that closure thingamajig so my last one just dried up when I forgot to close it properly. I tried the Sephora Coconut makeup remover wipes first, and I already ordered another one online of a different type.

Sephora Face Mists ~ do you ever just pick up something from Sephora when ordering online just so you qualify for a free deluxe sample? Just me? Anyway, this face mist was only bought for the deluxe sample reason and I was going through a phase of face-mist-craze so I figured why not? I got the coconut one first, and I fell in love with it- I liked the atomizer a lot, I liked the price point, and I like the soothing effects so I decided to purchase the other type. This is my go-to during no-makeup days (which is, every day) plus a spot-concealer. Can’t go wrong! I wish they make other kind in the future.

Boscia Makeup Remover Cleanser ~ I remember the days when I attempted to use a makeup cleansing oil and it did not quite workout well for me, but I realised it’s because I wasn’t using a makeup wipe BEFORE using the cleansing oil. I also noticed that using a makeup removing wipe didn’t cut it at times, so I decided to use a cleanser once again. I love the cooling effect right after removing a full day’s worth of makeup, and I can  tell it’s really unclogging them pores. I still use my regular face cleanser afterwards, and I’m ready to zZz.

Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Perfume ~ price-wise, this is luxury. I was looking for a new perfume for the winter and took the Sephora Fragrance IQ and this is one of the results. I’ve been relying a lot on the Fragrance IQ to decide my next scent, and so far, it hasn’t steered me wrong. I am obsessed with the subtlety of this scent- so feminine, so floral. I want to add “it’s so me...” but it’s really not. Haha...

Soap and Glory Body Scrub ~ I’ve been obsessed with body scrubs and I like to treat myself with a polish/scrub especially after a greasy workout. I wish I can use these scrubs everyday- but that’s detrimental to the skin of course! This is my current scrub, and I’ve used a few from Soap and Glory before. This has a nicer scent that lingers on my body throughout the night and I can still smell it the next day after tossing and turning and literally rubbing my body in my sheets. Again, I’ll use this everyday if I could!

** MAKEUP FAVES **

Too Faced Peach Perfect Foundation ~ I saw this as one of the top-rated foundations in Sephora so when I went in for my complimentary makeover, I requested to have this  used on me. I like the consistency and how it has that blurring effect on my face, but at the same time, not being too cakey.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ~ I’ve always wanted to try this foundation but because I need to be color-matched before buying, I’ve put off for a couple of years. I also requested for this foundation to be used on me during a Sephora makeover and at the time, I didn’t like how it felt on my face. I used the sample I requested after the makeover and I liked it the second time around, and the coverage is surely buildable. I like how it looks on my face after a long day of makeup- and definitely long lasting.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Mascara ~ I stopped buying full-size mascaras and just heavily relied on the deluxe samples I get from shopping online at Sephora since there is ALWAYS a sample available for the taking. I’m buying a full-size of this one, though, because of the clump-free application and its amazing wand. You can literally apply multiple coats without that spider-webb-y look.

False Lashes ~ I know I’ve been too late in on the false lashes wagon, but I just recently started obsessing over them . I know I still need PLENTY of practice but when makeup gurus say that falsies put the whole makeup look together, they are not lying! I have short, pathetic Asian lashes and adding falsies make a ton of difference. I mostly apply lashes on bare eyes (i.e, no shadows) and I love the natural look it gives. For now I’m just practicing on cheap, Walmart lashes such as Ardell, Kiss, and a few things from nailpolishcanada, and I’m hoping to master the ~art~ of applying with a full-on eye makeup look.

Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick in Venus ~ I purchased this as a Lip Contour set and it came with a lip pencil and another liquid lipstick, but I enjoy this lipstick on its own as I’d say this is the closest shade of my lips. It’s long-lasting and doesn’t feel tacky- almost as if you don’t have any lipstick on. And I also like that it’s good even without a lip liner.

Becca Luminous Liquid Highlighter in Opal ~ my new holy grail! Crazy to think that this was purchased as a deluxe sample and I ended up LOVING the heck out this. The first time I used it, I was amazed by the glow it created even underneath a setting powder. I can almost use it on its own, but it just makes topping it with a powder highlight more longer-lasting and popping.

Becca Luminous Highlighter in Opal ~ I tried the cult favourite Champagne Pop before as my first Becca highlighter and for me, it didn’t live up to the hype that much. I wish I tried the Opal highlighter first; this, paired with its liquid constituent- girl your highlight can and WILL be seen from space.

Becca Sunlit Bronzer ~ I feel like I’m always on a hunt for a good bronzer, especially it’s almost summer time and sometimes I just go for the bronzy, warm look. I like how this fits the bill- not too light compared to the Too Faced Chocolate bronzer- and not to dark like the Nars Casino bronzer.

** MISC **

Muscle Roller ~ this was in my FabFitFun Winter 2018 box and boy oh boy, this is my new bestie. It does work wonders especially on intense leg days (it can be leg WEEKS at my gym sometimes) and works best especially for those who are so bad at skipping foam rolling at the gym (you know who you are!)

Analogue album by Odie ~ it was an album J shared to me- he wasn’t even all hyped up, just pointing out how this kid sounds like Kid Cudi- but one day I just let the whole album play and I was blown away. Perfect chill tunes. And it helped that Odie’s reppin Toronto!

CupShe Bikini ~ I’ve been seeing CupShe on my Facebook feed but I never actually bought anything from them until I saw this cute bikini set that made me say “I oughtta have those!”. I figured it would be my first ever CupShe purchase, and with the $2 shipping to Canada, it sure won’t be the last. Another plus? There weren’t any duties/taxes fee when they arrived. How awesome!

Yoga Jeans ~ I can’t buy jeans online just because it’s never true to size for me. We have a local boutique in town and I’ve had my eyes on this brand for the longest time and one day I was just walking past the store and saw that they have a 25% off store-wide event and I thought it was a perfect time to get my hands on these. They fit like a dream, they have the length that looks good on my 5′4 figure, and the material is stretchable. I would definitely buy these even in full price! So worth it.

[lovelyparanormalbooks]

Book Blitz: Grand Finale: The Renegade's Redemption by Stacy Henrie (Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Renegade's Redemption

By Stacy Henrie

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Ever since sharing some of Tex’s story in my last Love Inspired Historical book about his twin brother Tate, I’ve eagerly anticipated the chance for readers to get to know Tex better—through his own story this time. A legendary, charismatic outlaw, Tex was a fun and complex character to write. So, too, was his reunion with the girl he left behind eight years ago Ravena Reid.

Hearts & Scribbles - Character Descriptions 

An identical twin, Tex looks just like his brother Tate with their matching blue eyes and brown hair, but their similarities end there. Tex is charming, fun-loving, and never in one place for long. But when he realizes Ravena needs help with her farm, he offers to stay and help, if only to atone for leaving her behind years ago. In the process, he comes to face-to-face with his past, his mistakes, and his long buried faith. Before long he’ll have to make the toughest decision of his life—to stop running or not from everyone, including himself. 

Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford - Review

"This story was such an amazing journey for me. Filled with rich characters, precious children, a wounded past, and best of all…forgiveness and a second chance at love.

THE RENEGADE’S REDEMPTION was impossible to put down. I read the entire book in one sitting, it’s that good. "

Heidi Reads... - Review

"I loved the various personalities of the orphans that Ravena cares for and how it shows her compassionate nature. She struggles with her long-held feelings for Tex and forgiveness of others and self is a big theme in the story. There is some action as Tex's outlaw background catches up with him but I appreciated that he came to terms with it of his own volition before he was forced to by circumstances. Lovely romance between a stalwart young woman and a charming rogue!"

I Am A Reader - Excerpt

“Ravena,” Tex called as she reached the door.

She blew out a sigh and turned to face him. “Yes?”

“Thank you for this. But you said one night and I won’t stay longer than that.”

Gripping the edges of the tray until they dug into her palms, she willed the words she wanted to say to reach her lips. Yes, Tex, you have to leave. I have enough concerns right now, without worrying about you and the fragileness of my heart.

Sylv.net - An Old Flame

Can past hurts be overcome and forgiven in order to have a second chance at love? In my newest Love Inspired Historical book, that’s what Tex Beckett and Ravena Reid must decide.

Tex and Ravena grew up together on neighboring farms in Idaho. They were inseparable friends, though Tex’s twin brother Tate often tagged along with them. As they grew older, Tex and Ravena realized their friendship had developed into something more. Though different in temperament—Ravena is far more serious, and Tex is fun-loving and eager for adventure—they complemented each other and shared a deep love.

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"This Historical fiction is full of action, suspense, drama and romance. The reader will be unsure of the ending until the last pages. The characters are defined well and the reader feels very endeared to them. The background scenes are portrayed well. The story steadily flows smoothly until the very end. The reader’s interest is held throughout the tale."

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Vivid characters with lots of personality join forces with swoony romance, adorable children, and a heartfelt message of redemption and restoration. Stacy Henrie is skilled at knowing the right combination of each of those elements to achieve a ‘just right’ balance and a smooth story. If you’re a fan of stories set in the late 1800s West then you need to definitely make time to read Stacy Henrie’s books as well!'"

Singing Librarian Books - Review

"Stacy Henrie has done it again! Her novel Renegade’s Redemption is simply splendid!! This western romance is filled with plenty of adventure and romance that readers will not want to miss. In addition there are themes of inspiration, forgiveness, and redemption that will tug at the heartstrings of readers. . . . This sweet historical romance novel is a fantastic sequel to The Outlaw’s Secret that readers will adore."

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"I enjoyed the gentle chemistry between these two and the way they each worked through trust issues. I love the descriptions of their every day lives and the way the past and present fit together. There are many things to be resolved and through journeys of self-discovery and responsibility, a satisfying conclusion resulted."

Mel's Shelves - Review

" I devoured it quickly and love the way it all came together! I love Stacy Henrie's writing style and she is quickly becoming a favorite author! If you enjoy clean historical romance, you will want to read both of these books!"

Getting Your Read On - Review

"Tex and Ravena were great characters. The book flowed gently and easily, weaving in daily life events with the rekindling of friendship and love. The children in this book were a fantastic addition and really gave the story a feeling of family and love."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

For one moment, Tex knew the familiar thrill of a clean escape. Then the sheriff shot at him again. This time the bullet found purchase. It struck Tex in his right side, and his body jerked hard to the left in reflexive response. He clung to the horse with trembling arms to keep from falling as searing fire registered through his shock.

Paulette's Papers - Five Fun Facts about The Renegade’s Redemption

1. The final scenes of this book take place on Independence Day. And while I knew the release date for the book was in July 2017, I didn’t pay much attention to which day. So it was serendipitous and lots of fun when I realized it was releasing on Independence Day.

The Power of Words - Review

"The road for this unlikely pair seemed impossible, and I loved how everything was resolved. . . . I enjoyed The Renegade’s Redemption very much and look forward to much more from Stacy Henrie."

Tell Tale Book Reviews - Review

"The Renegade's Redemption is a sweet historical romance with strong themes of forgiveness and trusting in God. The story begins and pretty much ends with a bang, and the pages in between are sure to keep readers anxiously turning them to find out what happens with Tex, Ravena, and the orphans."

Cafinated Reads - Review

"This is a truly wonderful story of seeking one’s faith, relying on God, forgiveness and redemption. Ms. Hernie will steal you away with this book and leave you wanting more instantly! This 5 star book is the second in a series, and while I wasn’t confused and it could be easily read as a stand alone, I do plan to go back and read book 1 and see where it all began with Tex. Hats off to this talented author who is now on my favorites list!!"

Brooke Blogs - Review

"I really enjoyed this sweet story. I quickly found myself attached to the characters and immersed in the setting. I loved this story so much. The setting and time period was just perfect. The Renegade’s Redemption is well-written and a quick read. If you are looking for a sweet, clean romance, give this one a try. You won’t regret it."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Renegade's Redemption

by Stacy Henrie

Inspirational Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

July 1st 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Refuge for the Outlaw

When Tex Beckett arrives at Ravena Reid's farm, he's eight years too late for the elopement they'd once planned—and it's far too early to win her forgiveness. He's seriously wounded, though, and she can't turn him away, though she knows better than to trust him. Yes, it's wonderful having help with the farm, and with the orphans she fosters, but if she opens her heart, she'll get hurt again when he leaves. And Tex always leaves.

As a notorious bank robber, Tex is used to danger. Yet reuniting with the only woman he's ever loved is the riskiest thing he's ever done. All he wants is to stay with Ravena and the children. But can he build a new start before his past catches up with him?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay│BAM│IndieBound

Other Books in the Series

The Outlaw's Secret

by Stacy Henrie

Christian Historical RomancePaperback & ebook, 288 pages

February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise 

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right? 

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay│BAM│IndieBound

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive  copies of The Express Rider's Lady and The Outlaw's Secret, and a $10 Amazon e-gift card (US only)

- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)

- Ends July 22nd

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[talonted]

Yesterday I showed you the Essie Wild Nudes collection, which are all dreamy neutrals, and at the end of that post I promised a review of the Essie Spring 2017 collection for those of you who prefer a bright and bold nail varnish look. And this collection will not disappoint!

Some of the Essie 2017 spring colours have really won me over, while others are a bit of a swing and a miss for me. I wonder if you can guess which are which before reading…!

  Essie ‘Excuse Me Sur’*- Would you say this is a ‘sun-kissed coral mango’? No, me either. This is a pretty standard peach creme which is a safe bet for any spring nail varnish range. This didn’t blow me away, but it is a classic pretty shade that I think most nail varnish lovers should have in their collection. Plus it has a lovely formula, with only two coats needed, so if you’re in the market for a flattering spring/summer pastel then I may have found your dream polish.

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  Essie ‘Backseat Besties’* – I don’t think essie’s description of this as a ‘beautiful delicate pink’ really does it justice. Although my description of ‘a slightly muted Pepto Bismol pink – in the nicest possible way!’ is probably no better. Pink nails are often my go-to shade for making myself feel perkier and brighter so this colours inclusion in the range makes total sense to me. This needed three coats to get rid of any bald spots. I think this one surprised me the most with how much I loved it on my nails.

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Essie ‘B’aha Moment’*. I feel like I’m being trolled with these descriptions…! This is apparently an ‘enlightening pink pomegranate’. I would say it’s a cherry red, perhaps one with a more pink tone than these photos could capture (if you look at the colour in the bottle I’d say that’s a little bit closer). This isn’t unique in my collection but it’s a great shade that will go with so many outfits and would look beautiful on all skin tones. This only needed two thin coats, and could probably be a one-coater on shorter nails.

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Essie ‘All The Wave’* – the essie site sums this up as a ‘sapphired indigo’ and I don’t know how to describe it any better but I think it has a really unique grey tone that makes it a little less garish that it would have been otherwise. It’s a bright, eye-catching blue polish but it still looks very flattering and chic. This was an easy two coater.

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Essie ‘On The Roadie’* – This is a ‘vibrant kelly green with avocado tones’ and I LOVE IT. Green is probably my favourite colour and this is definitely the collection’s stand out shade. And I think the description is actually spot on, the avocado reference helps to sum up that it’s vibrant but also has a bit of a pastel tone to it as well. Two coat perfection, although it did stain my nails slightly – pretty standard for this type of shade – so don’t forget your base coat.

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Essie ‘Designated DJ’* – For me, this ‘plum sangria creme’ stood out in the collection for the wrong reasons. I feel like it may have got lost on the way to the Fall collection… I’m a big fan of wearing whatever shades you like in whatever season you like, but this is a very vampy rich purple which just doesn’t seem to fit cohesively with the rest of the range. In some of the promo shots it looked like a lighter more vibrant purple, which I would’ve preferred. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful colour, but I just wish they’d put something a bit more fun in to round off the collection.

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As always, the comments are open so let me know your thoughts: which of the essie Spring 2017 collection is your favourite? Are you feeling the pinky-nudes more or the bright bold shades? How do you feel about the darker plum shade being included? Tell me, tell me! FYI, the essie Spring 2017 collection is a Superdrug exclusive so don’t panic if you can’t see it in Boots!

Lex

*PR sample. Links may be affiliate. For more information, please see the Disclaimer tab at the top of the page.

Essie Spring 2017 Collection Yesterday I showed you the Essie Wild Nudes collection, which are all dreamy neutrals, and at the end of that post I promised a review of the…

[spryfilm]

“Mindhorn” (2017)

Comedy/Thriller

Running Time: 89 minutes

Written by: Julian Barratt & Simon Farnaby

Directed by: Sean Foley

Featuring: Julian Barratt, Essie Davis, Kenneth Branagh, Andrea Riseborough, Steve Coogan, Russell Tovey, Harriet Walter, Jessica Barden, Simon Callow, Simon Farnaby, Nicholas Farrell, David Schofield, Tony Way

Richard Thorncroft: “The Benedict Cumberbatch Backlash has begun.”

Currently in the UK there can be no more unique talent than comedian Julian Barrett, he was once a stand up, then joined forces with abstract artist Noel Fielding to create one of the true comedy greats of the new millennium with the surrealist “The Mighty Boosh” (2003 – 2007), a television comedy that made them, as well as the rest of the cast comedy greats. Not only that they were able to create two sepeate live shows as well as a documentary that illustrated their many talents. After a few movies and television shows Barrett has created “Mindhorn” (2017) as co-writer and star – be warned this is a comedy thriller with the thriller aspect being as important as the comedy part – something not all audiences will be impressed by – however I really enjoyed it, and the partnership with Simon Farnaby (co-writer as well as co-star) has paid off in ways that make the whole entirely greater than the sum of its parts.

The story opens in the 1980s, on the Isle of Man. Actor Richard Thorncroft (Julian Barratt) is preparing to film a scene in the television show Mindhorn. His relationships with his stuntman, Clive (Simon Farnaby), and co-star/lover Patricia Deville (Essie Davis) are established before a brief montage outlines the show’s concept, offers brief interviews with a number of people related with it and concludes showing Richard’s growing arrogance, culminating in an apparently drunken appearance on a television chat show in which he disparages his co-stars, is offensive about the Isle of Man and stumbles off a sofa before blithely declaring, “I’m off to Hollywood” and walking off.

Twenty-five years later on the Isle of Man, police are hunting for an escaped lunatic, Paul Melly (Russel Tovey) who they believe to be responsible for a young woman’s murder. He speaks to DC Baines (Andrea Riseborough) on the telephone, demands to be called ‘The Kestrel’ and says he will only speak to Detective Mindhorn, and that if he is not able to do so by four o’clock the following day, there will be further deaths. Chief Inspector Derek Newsome (David Schofield) – clearly not a fan of either the character or the actor who played him – begrudgingly he instructs his officers to ‘get Mindhorn’.

This is such an interesting movie, it follows Barratt’s decisions to make non conformist non comedies if you will, it seems he is attempting to distance himself from the Boosh as much as possible, I have to say that these decisions are inspired from Ben Wheatley’s trippy “A Field in England” (2010) to this comedy/thriller “Mindhorn” (2017). Barratt, here playing the Mindhorn of the title has to appear over two time periods as an actor who is extremely full of himself as well as having a contempt for everybody around him – sounds like any typical actor to me. Of course after the fall he will do absolutely anything to regain the B grade celebrity he once had, while exploiting anything and anyone he can to get what he wants.

As you would expect from any comedy from the UK the cast is just great with some very good choices, starting with Simon Farnaby (who also co-wrote the film with Barratt) as Thorncroft’s stunt double and love rival, who is just hilarious with his own failings and hidden secrets who now married to Patricia (Essie Davis), Richards old and spurned girlfriend. Davis to is great casting and has been seen in many UK based television shows after being very successful in her native Australia. The sometime antagonist of the movie, ‘The Kestrel’, played by the absolutely delightful Russell Tovey, who has been in many genre shows is here playing a deranged super fan, he once again shows that he is one of the great underrated actors in the UK at the moment having graduated from television is now a staple in very good English films, he alone is worth seeing in a very unusual role.

For one I really enjoyed this movie, and I mean a lot – it has some great sequences of comedy as well as action, which suited all of the characters down to the ground. The setting is amazing as well – I would struggle to think of any other location that could make fun of itself like The Isle of Man does in this movie. All of the locations are full of originality as well as the situations they are used in. One of my favorites is the ‘Jammer’ county club that Steve Coogan’s character has opened after his immense success with his own television show – something you can imagine a Partridge like character would do in another comedy – just priceless. In fact this movie takes time to set up most of the main characters in their homes which are very different according to their own personal success, there is a caravan, a stately home and the country club – a unique thing in this kind of comedy.

I would recommend this to all, I found it highly enjoyable, not only that, it fits right alongside any of Julian Barratt’s work whether it is him as an actor or writer. It has been so long since the Boosh produced anything I would take anything, and in fact the character of Thorncroft in some ways is as Boosh like as you can get. He is a man of huge ego with no idea how ridiculous he is. Not only that it could be seen as a play on the success Barratt had as Moon and has in some people eyes not re-captured (only the truly cruel or naive would say that) – the great line from Simon Callow (playing himself) about how much he loved seeing Thorncroft in whatever it was – then realizes that he was in a short lived television show may ring true to some.

Go watch now and have a laugh on Barrett.

“Mindhorn” is available to stream now.

Streaming Review: “Mindhorn” (2017) “Mindhorn” (2017) Comedy/Thriller Running Time: 89 minutes Written by: Julian Barratt & Simon Farnaby Directed by: Sean Foley…

[lovelyparanormalbooks]

Book Blitz: Grand Finale: The Outlaw's Secret by Stacy Henrie (Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Outlaw's Secret

By Stacy Henrie

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Note from the Author

I’m so excited to introduce readers to the Becketts brothers—one a lawman, the other an outlaw—in my next two books releasing from Love Inspired Historical. In THE OUTLAW’S SECRET, you’ll meet Tate Beckett, a Pinkerton detective posing as his outlaw twin brother Tex. You’ll also meet Essie Vanderfair, a dime novelist in need of a great story. And she hopes to find it when she begs to go along with the gang of train robbers that Tate has infiltrated. These opposites-attract characters were so much fun to write as were the outlaws Essie meets and interviews.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"There were several instances that brought a smile to my face and I wanted how to know they were going to get out of the mess they were in. This is a fun book that is set in the "Old West". There are outlaws, lawmen, and a feisty heroine."

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review & Interview

"This was a fun book. The characters were likable and flawed just enough." Q: What other genre, one day, would you like to write? Why or why not? A: Though I’ve tried my hand at writing contemporary, I enjoy writing historicals much more. I’ve also dabbled with the idea of writing historical women’s fiction, but I love a good love story so I don’t know that I could pull off writing something without having a romance at its heart.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"I love a romance that makes me swoon and this one does just that. Not only are the romance and characters well done, the setting is fantastic too. I felt myself transported back to the late 1800s and loved being a part of that time--when I wasn't shivering in my boots with fear. I also really enjoyed Essie's writing moments, which are often thoughts--she's an interesting character with a vivid imagination and has me engrossed in her ideas. I'm definitely looking forward to what this author writes next!"

Hearts & Scribbles - Meet Tate and Essie 

Born and raised in Idaho, Tate Beckett is an identical twin. But his brown hair and blue eyes are about the only thing he shares with his brother Tex. Tate’s brother is the infamous outlaw known as the Texas Titan and Tate feels duty-bound to atone for his brother’s crimes by tracking down other outlaws in his job as a Pinkerton detective agent...

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"The Outlaw’s Secret has it all – action, adventure, romance, humor, faith and depth. It will make you smile and it will twist your heart too. It will make you hold your breath – for the kisses and again for the nail-biting action. Essie is such a fun heroine, and Tate is most definitely swoonworthy. Another fun and sweet novel by Stacy Henrie that I highly recommend!"

I Am A Reader - Undisguised: the Pinkerton National Detective Agency

While operatives were required to abide by a code of ethics—including things like not accepting reward money and working with local law enforcement—Allen Pinkerton was a staunch believer in the end justifying the means. That meant that sometimes in order for an operative to track down a criminal, the detective might have to “become” a criminal in a sense—just as Tate does by posing as his outlaw twin brother in order do to bring down the Fletcher gang.

The Power of Words - Review

"There’s nothing typical about Stacy Henrie’s newest release and she has become one of my favorite writers in the Love Inspired line. The Outlaw’s Secret has it all – character depth, humor, romance, suspense, and rich historical detail. It’s well written, entertaining, and refreshingly unusual in storyline."

Seasons of Humility - Review

"On the romance side, it's fun to watch Tate/Tex and Essie dance around each other, both mistrusting in turn and each fiercely determined to follow their own goals. Their journey includes moments of danger, threats to budding feelings, and a few twists."

Kathleen Denly - Interview

Q: As an author, I often get asked how much of myself I put into my characters. So I’m curious, if you were on that train instead of Essie, how would you handle the situation? A: I would’ve been terrified! And unlike Essie, I would have chosen to stay seated and silent and hopefully unseen.

Getting Your Read On - Review

"This was such a fun adventure. The story started off with a bang and took off from there. I settled right in and enjoyed the ride!"

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Tate Beckett’s jaw was clenched so tight he thought it might snap. Of all the rotten misfortune. He had to run into a nosy, busybody like Miss Essie Vanderfair on his first job with Fletcher’s gang. If he wasn’t careful, this woman, with all her probing questions, would figure out he wasn’t the Texas Titan after all. Then his covert work, posing as his outlaw twin brother, would be finished.

Mel's Shelves - Review

"Once I started reading this book, I settled in and didn't want to put it down. It moves at a fast pace and there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, clean western romance!"

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

Fletcher’s mouth curled up in a sneer. “Try me, Tex.” He lifted his hands in a mock gesture of innocence. “But now your life is tied with hers.” He walked away, adding over his shoulder, “I think you’re smart enough to figure out what that means.”

Singing Librarian Books - Review

"Stacie Henry has masterfully written a story that readers will be enthralled with from page one until the very end. This is a fairly quick and easy read that will inspire the romance in all of us! Henry has a distinct way of writing that will draw readers in as they leave the world of reality behind and enter the enjoyable and entertaining world of the Wild West."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Sure enough she spotted the impression of horse hooves in the dirt and a partially trampled sagebrush farther on. If she kept heading in that same direction, she would eventually stumble into the trio. She bent forward over the horse and coaxed it to go faster. There were interviews to conduct. And no one, not even a handsome, sly, back-stabbing Texan, was going to stop her.

Zerina Blossom's Books - Interview

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans or readers? A: Thanks for your support! I’m excited to share Tate and Essie’s story with you. If you read it and enjoy it, then look for Tex’s story in July, when you’ll find out where the Texas Titan was while Tate was impersonating him to take down Fletcher’s gang.

Tell Tale Book Reviews - Review

"The Outlaw's Secret delivers humor, romance, faith, and some wonderfully exciting moments where death is only a step away from both hero and heroine. . . . Fans of Stacy Henrie and of western historicals will surely not be disappointed in the thrilling pages. . ."

Heidi Reads... - Review

"I was glued to the pages to find out when Essie would discover Tate's secret, when they would give in to the chemistry building between them, and if the real Tex would make an appearance. Another great western from Stacy Henrie with suspense, action, and romance!"

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Excerpt

Her heart beat faster as she opened her mouth and said, “Call me Essie. It’s only fair.” A low chuckle sounded in her ears. “Try to get some sleep, Essie. We’ve got another long ride tomorrow.”

Smiling in triumph, she closed her eyes, but it was still some time later before she could turn her thoughts from the silent figure guarding the camp. And from the memory of her name on those nice, masculine lips.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Outlaw's Secret

by Stacy Henrie Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right? Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

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  Tour Giveaway - 1 winner will receive print copies of LADY OUTLAW and THE EXPRESS RIDER'S LADY + $10 Amazon Gift Card (US only) - 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally) - Ends February 18th a Rafflecopter giveaway