{July Favorites}

July Favorites 

Many of you probably don't know that I am kind of a YouTube junkie. I have several people that I follow, and the majority of them are makeup artists. I really enjoy watching how other different everyone's technique is and applying it to my own makeup addiction. One thing that is in common with all of these YouTubers is that they all do monthly favorite videos. These videos usually involve lipstick, bronzer, highlighter, etc. I loved this idea but wasn't sure how I was going to make the blog worth reading since I wear lip products and eye shadows. But the more I thought about it, I realized that there are several non-makeup related things that I love that frequently changes that may make a favorites post fun! Sometimes the topics may changes or adjust, but I think that you won't mind. :) Hopefully it isn't too random, but would you expect anything else? :) I realize it is almost September, but better late than never, right? :)

Favorite Movie I saw in Theaters

I definitely go through phases of how often I see movies/if I see movies at all. I tend to just buy movies when they come out because the cost is pretty comparable when you think about it. Plus, I have a serious addiction to movies. :) But this month I actually saw several movies! It is really hard to pick just one favorite, But I think that I have narrowed it down to 2! :)

The First one is The Secret Life of Pets. 

Me being an animal lover, it was probably really anticipated that this would be on my favorite list. I thought that it was really good and I am a sucker for anything animated. :)

Yes, I am a child. Even on the outside, I have come to accept it and make peace with it. :)

I would be lying if I said that there was zero chance that the fact I saw this movie with my favorite person on earth played any role in the decision that is it my favorite. 

People who were born in July of 1992 are the best kind of people... In case you were wondering. :)

The second movie was The BFG. 

It was so well done, the artistry was fantastic and it hit you in all the good feels! Plus, they all had english accents. That makes everything better. :)

I went and saw this movie with Sandee and my Aunt Karen! It was definitely a fun night! :)

Favorite Shoes

Another fun fact about Heidee Miller is that I don't typically like shoes. but when I find a pair of super comfortable shoes that also help keep my feel nice and cool during the summertime, I can't even be mad about it!

These shoes are so incredibly comfortable and I got them at TJ Maxx, so they were like $20! Which makes them even better because they are styling, comfortable, and affordable. :)

Favorite Event

Andrew McMahon... He gets me! I am never disappointed when I go to a concert of his. I guess that it is stretching it, calling this an Andrew McMahon concert, since he played for about 30 min... :( But it was 30 minutes of pure heaven! :) Me and Sandee went to the Weezer/Panic at this Disco concert on July 26th and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness was he opener. :)

I just love how awesome Andrew is. He is so humble and kind and considerate. For example, many people don't know that during his first tour as Jacks Mannequin, he was fighting cancer. And it was a bone marrow transplant from his sister that ultimately saved his life and he is now 11 years free of cancer. So at every concert that he does, he has a bone marrow registry for people to sign up to help those that have cancer. And so far by doing this, they have matched over 50 people! Isn't that totally insane and totally awesome!?

He got so close to us that we could almost touch him! Too bad that this girl almost knocked us over to run and see him. And she probably didn't even know who he was since she has a Panic! shirt on. 

Speaking of Panic! at the Disco, I hate them. I used to love them, especially back in their original days! But during this concert he basically told the whole crowd that if they like to tell people who they are supposed to be to just eff off. (Interesting juxtaposition compared to Andrew asking you to save other people's lives.) The interesting part about this, is apparently the lead singer is only okay with people telling him who to be when it is Pete Wentz telling him to be famous. Weird?

Fun Fact! Pete Wentz, from Fall Out Boy, saw Panic! at the Disco play in a garage somewhere; they had never played infront of anyone before, and Pete signed them to his label. Pete Wentz is literally the reason that they are famous. 

Weezer on the other hand was INCREDIBLE! I mean, they are no Andrew McMahon, BUT I continuously forget how much I love Weezer. They performed well. Were wholesome, and were definitely a good set of music. :)

Favorite Nail Polish

It wouldn't be a favorites video without nail polish. Right? July is when I got back into doing my nails. I had a long stretch of time where I didn't do my nails at all. Which is extremely unlike me. But my favorite color of the month would have to be Sephor by O.P.I.: It's all about me. 

Am I the only person that misses this brand? Their formula, brush size, and everything was just perfect. But alas, it is no longer. 

I was addicted to doticures for a few weeks!

Favorite Lip Color

I have a lot of makeup, especially lips products. And for some reason, I always go to the more "expensive" or "exclusive" colors that I have because they are just SO beautiful! For the Month of July I was addicted to Gerard Cosmetics Buttercup. This color was originally created by Jaclyn Hill, a YouTuber, but she has severed ties with Gerard Cosmetics. I really wish that I knew the reason why, but alas, she has not come out saying why. 

Anyway, this color is still available on the Gerard Cosmetics Website and it pairs very well with any pinky nude lipgloss. :)

Favorite Book

This is a little bit of cheat, because I only finished one book in July and I had been reading it all year. But It would have to be Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King! For some reason I can not get enough of his style of writing and completely scary stories!

I wrote a review earlier on this book for part of the 2016 Book Challenge. But it was great and had a lot of twists and turns and makes me nervous to ever got to an insanely popular concert for fear that I might die. 

Favorite Stuffed Animal

Hi. My Name is Heidee, I'm 24 years old, and I love stuffed animals. :)
I went for a long stretch without having hardly any stuffed animals, ya know, as most adults should. But the addiction came back after me and Sandee went to build a bear for fun, which is where I got The Hulkster who is in this picture.

But in July during the birthday bash for me and Michaela, we went to build a bear and got matchin Spock Bears! Everytime I look at him I can't help but smile and laugh! It is so funny! The bottom of his feet even say "Live Long and Prosper' Hahaha! He has pointy ears and his hand is doing the sign even. :)

Favorite Song

This could potentially be because of the concert, but I was listening to Weezer a lot this summer. :) Like I said, I forget how much I like Weezer. Fun fact! This is the song that plays on my phone to wake up. I usually don't let it play long enough to actually hear the lyrics. But, when I decided that would be my alarm, I thought it was quite hilarious. "Guess what, Heidee? You get to wake up now!" "Say it Ain't So!"

 Favorite Extra Purchase

As a kid, I pretty much lived in a swimming suit. It was the easy activity and summers are always super hot around here! I even had every one of my birthdays as a kid to be a pool party. My birthday is in July, so it is pretty much the perfect birthday activity! 

But, once I became an adult, I haven't been such a fan of swimming suits. Lame, I know. But I found the best swimsuit EVER at JC Penny this year. I don't like one piece swimsuits, because they are a pain to get off and on if you need to go to the bathroom. And most tankinis aren't long enough/doesn't cover the chest. 

But! Look at this!

This is by Zero Xposur Swimmwear. 

I'm not gonna lie, it is designed for people who do triathlons, and we all know that I don't do that! :)

But! It is long enough and good covering and is just all in all comfortable!

But this!

This was the gem of all things to find!

This skort is by St Johns Bay and it has a tummy tuck feature! It nearly goes half way through my rib cage! Which I totally love! That way if my tankini top rids up, my stomach still doesn't show. 

It is pretty much heaven on earth! And the colors and patterns of this combo are fantastic!

Favorite Eye-shadow Pallet

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't addicted to make-up. Sorry not sorry. 

With that being said, I definitely have a plethora of eye-shadow pallets to choose from. 

But, for the month of July, my favorite was HANDS DOWN the Tarte collaboration with Grav3yardgirl. 

If you aren't savvy to the YouTube work, Grav3yardgirl is in Texas and she has a huge following (sounds like a cult, I know!) of all ages. She tests as seen on TV products, and also does makeup reviews. It is a pretty fun channel. What I really like about her is that she is able to rock both a "beat" look as well as a "natural" look. She is absolutely stunning when she does her makeup, but she isn't afraid to go in-front of the camera looking how she would when she woke up! I think that is totally awesome!

I have never used Tarte eye-shadow before, but I cannot even with this pallet. Technically, but definition, the pallet includes a bronzer, blush, and highlight. But, I use them all as eye-shadows. 

The colors are incredibly pigmented, they blend like a dream, it has both warm and cool tones, and it includes a lot of purples. Can life get any better!?!
*Disclaimer: I am in love with this pallet, however, the mascara that came with it, I am super allergic to. Is that weird?*

Favorite Accessory

This is going to sound like I'm a rich snob, But I have been LOVING my apple watch! I bought it with money from my graduation gifts. When I first got it, I wasn't convinced that it was worth the heavy price tag, but I had high hopes that it would be. And after much use I definitely think that it is! I bought mine at Target, it is Rose Gold with a purple sports band. I waited until it was on sale and I have a Target RedCard which helped decrease the price by another 5%!

This watch reminds me when I need to stand up and get moving. It also has the capability for you to talk to someone on the phone THROUGH YOUR WATCH! That is so unique of smart watches, based on my research anyway.
Sometimes I am bad at being consisent with wearing this. But, I think that it has been worth the money!

Favorite Shirt

I got this shirt at Charlotte Russe! I mean, is there a better shirt?!

The only downside to this shirt is that it has really high sides. That is definitely the look that is cool now adays, but I don't love how much of the undershirt that can be seen because of the style of the shirt. But I think it is a great pre-fall shirt!

Favorite Pants

My mom let me in on a great secret! Shorts that have elastic waist bands are the best thing that were invented since sliced bread!

My favorite pair of the month were these grey ones! They are shorts and comfortable but still look super fancy! I wish that I could wear them to work, but I'll settle with wearing them at home. :) Because, who likes pant buttons anyway!

Netflix Bingewatch

My last favorite of the month of July is Grey's Anatomy. I seriously bingewatched all 11-12 seasons of this show. It is almost dismal! But I finished it in early July! I watched it when the first season came out and then I fell out of interest. But I am so glad I found it again!

It's a beautiful Day to Save Lives! :)


Well, that is it for my favorites for the month of July. Sorry that it is already basically September, but I'm sure that I will be able to do my August favorites sooner that October. :)

Until next time...
Peace & Blessings! :)

2016 Book Challenge: {A Book Published This Year...} Harry Potter and The Cursed Child-Parts One and Two.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Parts One and Two

J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany

For those of you that know me, it is anticipated that I would own this book and ultimately love it! Which, is true, and writing a whole blog post about how much I love it may be excessive and unnecessary. But, I do have many thoughts regarding this beloved Harry Potter book, believe it or not, some may be negative.
Let me explain. 

I do not think that it is fair to refer to this as "The Eighth Book."

First of all, it is not a book. It is a screen-write for a play. So ultimately it is going to read differently than a novel, it will not provide as many details to help imagination start rolling, and the portions that direct acting can become very distracting. 

Secondly, even though the cover of the book itself says "The Eighth Story, Nineteen Years Later," I completely disagree with the statement.

My best way to describe it is to compare it to Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow. 

(Those of you that have read both books will completely understand. Those of you that haven't read both books, shame on you. ;))

For both Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow, the basic storyline involves Ender and Bean being chosen to go to an academy to learn how to play a "Game" and ultimatly win many games. BUT, in each story, the point of view is different. Ender's Game being in the point of view of Ender and Ender's Shadow being in the point of view of Bean. So, even though they are the same basic storyline, they are ultimately different because the life and experience of the storyteller is completely different! Different enough that Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow have their own series behind them. Ender's Game has books such as Ender in Exile, Xenocide, and Speaker for the Dead. While Ender's Shadow has books such as Shadow Puppets, Shadow of the Hegemon, and Shadow of the Giant. The "Same Story" is different enough that the stories continue in their own different direction!

I don't mean to go on a tangent about Ender's Game/Ender's Shadow, but I think that you'll understand me now when I say that this is not the Eighth Story, but a new beginning of a Potter going to Hogwarts. Even though this book has the history of Hogwarts, the same characters, and many references to the original 7 books, it is not the same story. It is Albus' story. 

All that being said, I LOVED IT! The character build up was incredible. The book gave me "All The Feels" like the original 7. It did answer some of that questions that I had been wondering about since the end of the series. Don't get me wrong, I am still longing for a "Harry Potter: Life After Hogwarts", but It is nice that we can follow the life of Albus Severus Potter. :)

I Give this book 5 stars!!!

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

2016 Book Challenge: {A Book You've Read At Least Once...}

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone

Illustrated  By Jim Kay

J.K. Rowling

I am always willing to re-read Harry Potter, and to be quite honest, I have only read them once. :) I thought that it would be more fun to read the illustrated version, one day I am going to own all of the illustrated ones, because they are fantastic! :)

This book is even more entertaining and enjoyable to read as an adult! The writing is fantastic and the story is even more compelling!

It didn't take me very long to finish it! But I would suggest this version to anyone that has already read the books. I don't think i would want to spoil someone's imagination with the pictures. But the pictures are Definitely worth it for the second time! The artistry is fantastic! Would recommend to anyone!

I give this book 5 stars! :)

2016 Book Challenge: {A Book Recommended by Local Librarian/Bookseller...}

Tales From Two-Bit Street and Beyond Part 1

Drienie Hattigh

I actually discovered these books at the Ogden Farmers Market. It was my first time going to the Farmer's Market and I had the WEIRDEST experience of my life there. 

I guess I could go ahead and share the story. 

We started our adventure at Waffle Love and when we came out, there were people handing out these "1 Million Dollar Bills" that were asking if I knew where I was going after I die. You know those stupid papers that everyone seems to hand to me? {Apparently they are concerned that I'm going to Hell... Eek.} Anyway, we take the papers so they will walk away and head to the train because Sandee's friend was with her nephews and they wanted to ride the train. 

We get to the train and a cop walks up to me and asks if he can ask me a question.
I tell him sure and he says "You know those Million Dollar Bills that are being passed around?"

"Yes."

"So you've been passing them out?"

"No... I had them passed out to me."

"Oh!"

So he proceeds to tell me that it is illegal at the event because it is a private event. Apparently I look shady as well as someone that is going to Hell. :) Haha

Anyway! The author of these books was at the farmers market and started telling me about these book sand how they have "Ghost Stories" that are involving the state of Utah, with this one specifically involving 25th Street.
For those of you that don't know, I am kind of obsessed with scary movies and books and ghost tours, So I knew that I HAD to get these books.  

These are the other 3 in the collection. 

Anyway. It was a fairly easy read that involved around 10 different stories. They were written okay and were definitely entertaining. But I also feel that they were DEFINITELY made up! Most of them were in the perspective of ghosts, and while they were still entertaining, I don't buy that they were real. I will read the rest of them because they are enjoyable, even if they aren't real. :)

I give this book 4 stars. :)

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings.

2016 Book Challenge: {A Book That Was Banned At Some Point...}

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Judy Blume

This is Definitely a child's book, but I quite enjoyed it! I can see why it was banned at some point, it does go over some "taboo" topics that are not typically spoken about in the open.  

I think that it was definitely talked about in an appropriate manner for 6th graders, which is the projected age group that the book is geared towards. 

It was a pretty quick read, especially from an adult, but I think that the story line was pretty good. I think that Judy Blume is never afraid to say what needs to be said, but is often forgot to be said. 

Judy Blume has had 5 books that were banned for some period of time. Pushing the limits can sometimes be a good thing, and I think in this case that it served a good purpose. 

I give the book 3 stars. :)

Until Next Time..

Peace & Blessings!