Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Information

first part of a Trilogy, 487 pages

Description

"In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her."

(Source)

My thoughts
The description of the book is quiet detailed and any further description will just spam you. Also, I am sure a lot of people have already heard about the book and to be honest I have read this book in summer, so I can not remember every detail clearly. 

To start with, Veronica Roth did a great job in creating an exciting story line that is filled up with many action scenes without any boring breaks. Right from the beginning, she catches the reader with exciting happenings, so that I was trapped in the story and literally couldn't stop reading during the whole book. Even though the protagonist comes from a certain fraction, she doesn't lack in describing all the other fractions and explaining to the reader this complex world. She also created with Tris a realistic character with an understandable, multifaceted and detailed emotional inside. Thus, Roth did not only created an appealing figure for everyone but also leads that the reader can imagine the world and every fraction in detail.

However, it ought to be mentioned that oftentimes it is Tris' fault for her misbehaviour and she oftentimes provokes certain situations so that I was a bit annoyed of her thoughtless behaviour. Additionally, it is noticeable that there will be a second book in the series because the plot is full of action, but isn't really progressive. Tris notices the problems, but doesn't determine a solution or doesn't show any evidence of solving the problem, hence, at the end of the book the plot stays too superficial to me.

In conclusion, I would say that Veronica Roth did a great job with this book and I have to admit that it is worth its hype. I also read the Hunger Games before and even though they almost have the same topic, Roth differences herself from Hunger Games. Nevertheless, if you have liked the HG, then you will definitely like this book, too even though I liked HG a tiny bit more. Unfortunately, I have decided NOT to buy the second book because I personally found the plot a bit too foreseeable. However, a great plot with action scenes, a language full of images and realistic characters made this book an enjoyment to read!

I hope you liked this review. Do you like such book reviews?

Wish you a wonderful day!

Lots of love,

10 Important Reasons Why You Should Exercise

I know that a lot of you struggle with doing sport on a regular basis and yes, I also struggled with the same problem. I know that the motivation can get lost and you stop doing sport without even noticing it. However, today I want to tell you 10 important reasons why you should exercise and which benefits you are going to get!  If you want to know which reasons motivate me, then keep on reading!

My New Blog Design - The Official Guide!

Hey guys!
As you might have probably seen when you visited my blog, my blog design has changed. After 2 hours of experimenting and trying out different designs, I finally created this one. I know that my last blog design change is not that far away and I really loved this one, but I always thought that something is missing. So I added a few more colour accents and changed the fonts to a more straight less cursive version with straight lines.

THE OLD DESIGN

THE NEW DESIGN

The header

I can not promise that the header will stay that way, but I am definitely more pleased with the new version than with the old one. Here you can see the straight lines in the font and I wanted to enhance the word play in the word "How 2(to) look pretty" which I intended right from the beginning when I started this blog. So I hope that with this header this becomes more obvious for new people.

The page tabs

My pages existed somewhere on the side hidden between thousands other things. However, I discovered how I can organize my blog posts much better. So I put them right underneath my header and now you can search directly blog posts under its topic.

Social networks

I still like the idea from having pictures on the side that link to my social network pages. I just updated it with my whole straighter design.

Just click yourself through the whole blog. I changed the font here and there and did some other changes in general. Do you like the new blog design or do you prefer the older more cursive version?

Wish you a wonderful day!

Lots of love,

Chanel Dupe! Catrice Nailpolish 840 Genius In The Bottle

This nail polish is one of my current favourite ones for the autumn time. It is the Catrice Ultimate Colour in 840 Genius In The Bottle and the special thing about this nail polish is that it shows different colour shades depending on the light and the perspective you are looking at your nails. It reflects in golden, green and brown shades - definitely unique.

And what does this colour remind you of? Yes, the Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour 531 Peridot from their Fall Collection back in 2011 looks exactly the same and I was reported that the application of the Chanel is even worse than the Catrice one. The only difference is that the Catrice costs 2,49€ and the Chanel one costs 23€. So, even though this nail polish was from the fall collection in 2011, I think this nail colour is still really suitable for fall and looks absolutely stunning, so this is the perfect dupe for this!

I hope this post was helpful & tell me whether you buy dupes or the original beauty products?

Wish you a wonderful day!

Lots of love,

 

I'm In The Army Now! - A Military Fall Outfit!

A few days ago I walked through Zara, saw this cool army green military blouse  and immediately felt in love with it. I can think of a lot of cool and casual outfits  for fall and this would look really good with a jeans short for next summer. The blouse is a bit thicker than usual and is with 29€ really effort able.

The Outfit

 
Blouse: Zara. Top: Street One. Jeans: Sublevel. Shoes: Chucks.

Jewelry

 

Earrings: Bijou Brigitte. Bracelet: from Africa. Nail polish: Esprit.

That's the outfit for today! I kept the rest of my outfit in warm colours and the jewelry in dark steeling steel. I can think of loads of different outfits with this blouse for example with nice boots or black trousers.

What do you think about the military trend?

Wish you a wonderful day!

Lots of love,

Berlin Haul! - Clubbing Outfits & Fall Accessories

Hey guys!

First of all, I am really sorry for my irregular blog posts the last couple of days, but I had a terrible cold and wasn't able to do anything. So I try my best to come back to my routine including writing blog posts, workout etc. However, here I am, still alive and healthy again. So it has been now quiet a while ago that I was on a short trip to Berlin. And while I was resting there, I was doing a really minimal speed shopping concentrating on clubbing outfits and a few fall accessories. These are so few items that I should be embarrassed showing you them, but here we go ;)

Clothes 

 
leopard print top from Zara - ca. 10€
I know that leopard print isn't everyones cup of tea, but I thought that this is a real eye catcher for a night out.

 
black mini straight skirt from Zara - 9€ (SALE)

 
black and hot pink shorts from H&M - each 19,95€

Accessories

 

grey clutch from Accessorize - 16€ 

 

 
ruby suede ankle boots with medium heel from Esprit - 79,95€

 
ruby wool hat from Accessorize - 25€  

So this was my "just a few picks" haul which apparently didn't include that many items. However, I really wanted to buy something for my next night out session in order to, hopefully, avoid the depressing situation in front of my wardrobe before leaving the house. Also, a grey clutch suits to almost every outfit and the ruby hat and shoes work really well together.

I hope you liked this post. Let me know whether you like the current collections out there?

Wish you a wonderful Friday!
Lots of love,

Berry Lips & Winged Liner - Heading To the Opera!

I know that this is not a usual activity for adolescents on a sunday night, but I am going to go to the opera tonight. I received the tickets as a present, but I am actually really excited about going to the opera. I personally prefer plays, but if it is nice classical music, then I also really like operas. So today I want to show you which make-up I wear to the opera, but you can wear that to any other occasion and even as an everyday fall look.

The make-up

1. light rosy e/s in the inner corner and to the middle of the lid

2. shimmery golden rosy e/s from the middle to the crease

3. a cooler satin taupe in the crease & blending

4. black winged liquid liner along the upper lash line

And finally, the eye catcher of the whole look: Rimmel Moisture Renew Vintage Pink Lipstick.

In reality, the lipstick is a lot darker and more mauve, almost lavender. This lipstick makes this look to a night look for me, but if this lip colour is too bold for you, you can just tap it onto your lips for just a tiny bit of colour. However, it is such a cliché, but when it is colder outside I start to wear darker lipsticks even though I am naturally really scared of wearing "darker" lipsticks. (They are actually not that dark, but bold enough for me ;))

So this is my make-up for today, let me know whether you sometimes go to the opera or whether I am the only weirdo? 

Wish you a wonderful day!
Lots of love,

The New Black!

 As colder as it gets outside the much darker the nail polishes is going to be and black nail polish is always on trend. I really love seeing black nail polish on other people and it always delivers an edgy and rebellious atmosphere for me, however, I find black totally unflattering and too harsh on me. Nevertheless, if you want to know how you can wear the new "black" nail polish even though black doesn't suit you, then keep on reading!

Essence colour & go 122 chic reloaded

The trick behind this is that you choose a really dark nail polish that looks almost black but isn't! Consequently, at first sight it appears to be black, but in fact, the colour is not that harsh and shows more definition/colour range. For example, the Essence colour & go nail polish in 122 chic reloaded is a beautiful holographic nail polish as you can see in the pictures in detail. It shimmers in dark grey, violet, green, brown and blue. In fact, it reminds me of these holographic car paints.

Essence colour & go 122 chic reloaded

 An other example is the Essie nail polish in Wicked which is a really dark red colour, but I am sure you will find an almost black nail polish in your local store.

And that's the whole trick. I am in love with my new definition of black and I am convinced that the new black flatter much more people than a normal black. Also as a viewer I find it really interesting to detect another colour then you firstly thought it would be.

Let me know what do you think about black nail polish or do you prefer other dark nail polishes?

Wish you a wonderful friday & enjoy your weekend!
Lots of love,

Can You Really Relax?

In this modern time, it is hard to find some free time, some "inefficient" time that is not filled up with important stuff that has to be done immediately. We always feel a constant rush in ourselves, a neverending cycle that doesn't allow us to spend time for ourselves. It is hard to calm down and just do anything. Yes, silence even starts to feel uncomfortable! So, this raises the question of whether you are even able to really relax or whether you are torn in our busy world?

I have to admit, on some days it is hard for me to stop thinking about school and what has to be done and I would even say that in some days it is impossible and inevitable. However, I can relax and I do not need a lot. Today I bought a punch of candles in IKEA, especially vanilla flavoured candles. My relaxation starts when I light a candle in my bedroom, sit down on my bed, have a cup of tea and read a book. Sometimes I crap my MAC Book, but the real relaxation starts with a book. I am here and now with all my senses, but still do not worry about my life. I am just enjoying the moment, I am pleased with my life, my health and that I can sit here in the warmth. A book also opens up a new world which might take your thought away from your current worries. 

However, I know that for some people it isn't that easy to relax and that this can even cause burn-out. Thus, it is extremely important that you take your "MY TIME"! Tell me, can you relax and how do you do that?

Wish you a relaxing sunday!
Lots of love,

14 Things I Love About Autumn/Fall

Okay, it is official. I love autumn more than anything else and because I am so obsessed with this season I am going to sum up my favourite things during autumn time. These are all things that make me really happy down from the bottom of my heart and make me feel so satisfied and pleased with myself. If you want to know what makes me incredibly happy, then keep on reading.

I love...

... wearing intense eye makeup.
... applying dark nail polish.
... wearing red lipstick.

... wearing boots.
... wearing scarves.
... wearing corduroy trousers.

... coming in the warm when it's cold outside.
... burning (scented) candles.
... wearing warm socks.
... snuggling in a fluffy blanket on the couch with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.
... being officially lazy, because you burn enough calories in the cold ;)
... the colour of the sun & all autumn colours (orange, yellow & red)
... the nostalgic, old-schooled feeling.

So these are my 14 things I love about autumn. I seriously can not say how much I love this season and I really which I would be a summer girl, but I am so not. Especially these colours make me so happy and it feels like I have just found the sense of my life if I can say that in my age. 
Tell me what you like about autumn and what is your favourite season?

Wish you a wonderful day!

Lots of love,

September Favourites!

September is my favourite month, however, I was not really able to enjoy this month as much as I have wished to, because I has to write a lot of exams and stress does definitely cut out all my creativity and enjoyments in life. But here I am now, autumn holidays are just a stone's throw away and I have completed all my tasks for today, so I am ready to share my september favourites with you.

My favourites

(from left to right)

Vichy Purete Thermale Foaming Water - This cleansing foam is amazing, because it is designed for sensible skin and so it does deep-cleanse your pores without drying them out. Unfortunately, my 150ml bottle is almost empty after half a year of usage. Thus, the durability is really good.

Nivea pure effect mattyfing moisturizing cream - I have used this cream for 2 months and I am totally impressed of it. It doesn't break me out and mattes my face, so it is the perfect base for my foundation. However, I wouldn't use it as a night cream as it is not moisturizing enough.

Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipstick 030 Ginger & Fred - I received this lipstick as a present and to be honest, firstly I was quiet skeptical about the colour, but it turned out to be a really beautiful fall colour. It is a darker "my lips but just better", slightly cooler-toned red-brown shade which is perfect for this season.

Catrice Absolute Eye Colour 450 Oh, It's Toffeeful! - This is a really natural, barely visible shimmery, toffee eyeshadow that looks natural but still gives you a bit of colour. It suits perfeclty to the lipstick and two the other two items that are following now.

L'oreal Super Liner - This probably turned out be my new holy grail because I can not stop wearing a black winged eyeliner since I have bought this liner. It is deeply black and stays on all day.

Manhatten Eyeliner Chinese Ink - I received this as a birthday present as well and this liner is like a felt tip. The black isn't that intense compared to the L'oreal one, but because of the felt tip it is much more easier to draw a precise line.

Astor Shine Deluxe Lipgloss 010 Fuchsia Sapphire - I did a whole blog post about this lipgloss with swatches and my whole opinion when you click here (Link), but I rediscover this lipgloss always during the autumn time, because it is a visible but still wearable, beautiful lipcolour.

Kiko eyeshadow 167 - This is a high-pigmented matt white eyeshadow that lasts a long time. I use this for nearly every eyemake-up as a highlight in my inner corner and under the brow bone. 

Katy Perry Purr Perfume - I bought this perfume in the sale for 16€ otherwise I probably wouldn't have bought it, but I am deeply surprised at the scent because it smells absolutely lovely and not cheap. I am really bad in describing scents, so I can only recommend checking it out in your local store even though you are not a fan of Katy Perry.

So these were my september favourites. I am looking forward to a lovely and golden october and try to enjoy the time a bit more as this month has flown by. Enough talking for today.

Wish you a wonderful day & tell me what are your favourite products of this month?

See you then,

Look As Posh As Victoria Beckham!

Hey guys!

Today I want to show you my outfit that I wore today. I currently really love doing these kind of posts and I hope that you like them as much as I do. So because it was quiet chilly outside, but not super cooled I decided to wear a dress. When I was in university, I realised that I was dressed completely in black, but I think it doesn't look that bad.

The Outfit

Dress: H&M. Belt: H&M. Tights. Blazer: H&M. Scarf: NewYorker. Ballerina: Gabor. 

Jewellery:

 
Clock: Christ. Bracelet: Mueller. Earrings: Tallulah Tu.

I like to glam myself up for school and to look sophisticated, but I know that not everyone is that weird like I am. So I recommend this look for a luxurious dinner in a restaurant, any cultural visit (theatre, opera etc.) and as a elegant business dress.

I hope you liked this post and let me know whether you like wearing black?

Wish you a wonderful day!
Lots of love,