sidenotes on life, writing, & the little things
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I used up my #projectpan perfume! In my last #ProjectPan2019 update, I noted that my tiny bottle of Midnight Fleur (Nest Fragrances) was nearing it’s end. I’m happy to report that it’s now empty. Success!
I’m trading this in for Tulip’s Lemon Sugar perfume oil and Lush’s Kerbside Violet solid perfume
Lemon Sugar reminds me of Tokyo Milk’s Honey and the Moon more than Fresh Lemon Sugar – a slightly sweet, sultry scent with a base of honey.
Kerbside Violet is reminiscent of the Violet-scented baby perfume I adored as a child. It’s extremely nostalgic. I’ve had it for about two years and it’s time to make a dent in it.
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I turn 35 this month. Here are 5 accomplishments I will reach/have reached by the day my birthday rolls around.
grow out my hair
I’m a short hair girl. I begged my mother to bob my hair when I was 6 and never looked back. I’ve had long hair exactly 2 times in my life: in 10th grade and again in my last two years of undergrad. Last year, I decided to let my hair grow until I turned 35—not that I’m cutting it any time soon, I just needed a goal to ease the itch… Friends, I did it. Even with the awful Florida heat.
dive into the query trenches
I’m not one of those writers who needs to be published by a certain age, but I cycle my projects around my birthday, and this year I really wanted to start querying, even if it comes to nothing. Experience is a win either way.
take control of my finances
I’ve posted a couple of videos on my budget lately. I don’t have any major debts and have the privilege of a steady job, but there’s always more work that can be done. This year, I committed to taking serious control of my finances and being a careful steward of my money, which means…
(re)start investing
I’ve saved enough money to start investing. I tried my hand at stock picking some years ago, but that’s definitely not the way to invest. I’ve been reading a lot of finance books for this very reason.
use up a tube of lipstick
Not so lofty as my other goals, but for the first time ever I am going to use up a tube of lipstick and it feels like the most epic of accomplishments.
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(I swear, I’m pleased in this picture. I just have RBF.)
Going off plot, switching genres, trying a new POV, backtracking, and figuring things out… finishing my Camp NaNo project, accepting that it’s just a draft, and planning for my next project. *hint: it’s more revisions*
Are you working on a writing project? Want to share your revision process? Drop a comment down below 🙂
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This is my third Nicola Cornick read and definitely not the last. She writes time-slip mysteries set in England. Her first two books in the “series” were set in Tudor/modern day England, but this one is Georgian/modern day. These are edgy mysteries with a psychological bent… I don’t want to give the plot away, but it involves a dress that brings out the worst in those who possess it.
*more in my upcoming video review – later this month*
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twinkle * apothecary – petal tint and bronzing balm
Instagram is my happy place. I keep a separate account to track my daily outfits, and have curated this feed with indie beauty brands, project panners, and women of all sizes. As I was browzing, I came across twinkle * apothecary, a female-owned indie beauty brand and store from Oklahoma City. Her products looks so pretty and lush (and affordably priced!), I had to give them a try.
I purchased the petal tint and the bronzing balm. Both give just the right amount of glow to my skin and give me a natural flush. They are lighter and dewy-er than my RMS and great for summer. Love them and look forward to trying more from the brand.
I don’t often talk about my partner in online platforms, but we’ve been together for a decade and, despite the ups and downs, there are some days when he really comes through. Today was one of those days. A wasp got into my bedroom and he rose to the occasion like a proper knight to help me get it out and soothe my panicked state.
It’s June, which means it’s my birthday month(!) and my fellow host indulged my fangirling with a tribute to my FAVORITE movie: Labyrinth.
Episode 22: Labyrinth is available on your favorite podcatcher.
If you want to hear three lady nerds talk about their favorite books and movies, give us a listen on Podomatic, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify. Also available on YouTube.
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Finished the draft! “Red Dragon” will rest while I review Project 2 and revisit Project 1.
Went to Orlando for a conference, made sure to stop by Harry Potter land.
Went off the [budget] rails (see Orlando, Harry Potter adventure).
Read some very good books, and some ok audiobooks *video review coming in June*
Visited a local animal sanctuary and saw all the creatures I love.
No video this week because LIFE.
I’m a writer who deals with chronic illness. Fatigue, migraines, and generalized pain often leave me with brain fog and deep exhaustion (among other things). I also have a 9-5 and a 2 hour commute. Time is short and the stories won’t write themselves. I don’t have a magic fix, but I have developed strategies to make the most of the good days and plan for the bad.
How you do you cope? Comment below.
You can’t really see it, but there’s just Midnight Fleur left for a few more weeks. Expect this in my May empties.
Verdict: I’m not usually into florals, but this is deep and sultry. Would buy again.
Yes! I have made some progress. Eye allergy snafus aside, this one is a winner. I’ve made some major dips in wink and first kiss, and seeing some progress on heartbreaker and crush.
Verdict: A good, versatile palette that works for day or night. Great for neutral looks or a natural, smokey eye. One of the few palettes that doesn’t irritate my eyes or lids.
This is the real challenge: using up a tube of lipstick before it goes bad. Red Velvet is on the cusp of going off, so I’m planning to try to wear it more often in the coming weeks. Marking my progress really helps and makes me feel good about my effort.
Verdict: Rosewater will forever be my perfect, pink lip. My keepcup does not love it when I wear this red.
I also shared some thoughts in my recent makeup declutter video.
Are you doing a project pan? How do you stay motivated to stick with it?
The best books I read in April (and March, if I’m being honest). Mystery, finance, and manga, oh my!
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What have you read lately? Drop a recommendation in the comments.
