Book Review: The Six Sacred Stones

I will be burning this book right after Im done writing this review. As long as I can remember, it never took me this long to finish any book but this one did it for me, I would open this book, read a page and then snap it shut because it required an intellectual level of a teaspoon for someone to have to actually comprehend what Matthew Reilly is trying to explain to his readers. SO much God Damned repetition of the same stuff,over and over and over again. Not to forget the absurdity of the nicknames that you will come across in this book for instance who names someone Pooh bear, Princess, Wizard, Huntsman. In a particular scene where these so called heroes are going o rescue Wizard, the only image that kept popping in my head was a bunch of puppies going to rescue a guy named Wizard who evidently cant perform magic to save his life. To top it off, exclamation like Wham, boom, blast, whiff, whoosh, what the hell am I reading, a comic strip? There are twins who instantly give u an impression of the Weasleys twins(Harry Potter reference). this book could have been finished in around 200 pages but I have to give it to Matthew Reilly, this guy has a talent, Oh yeah, how to unnecessary prolong a book. The hero who has been out of action since 18 months can be seen fleeing from life threatening situations without even a single scratch. I get it, its fiction but seriously What the hell am I reading? never thats all I have to say, never am I going to pick up anything with Matthew Reilly written on it. 

Rating: 1/5

My Top 10 movies of 2012- Part 2

5. Skyfall

I know a LOT of people hated this movie, but I really liked it. Now before you start rolling your eyes, let me just clarify why I liked this one. The fact that it actually showed us a more personal side of James Bond, a little insight into his past life before he became 007 really intrigued me. I loved the concept and it showed that even without all the fancy gadgets, Bond can still pull off some serious shit and save the day. Thats how I saw it, true there wasnt a LOT of action going on like in other Bond movies but at least it didnt follow the same old typical pattern of where he forms an alliance with a *bond* girl, kicks some ass and saves the day *yawn*. And of course I love the song by Adele too :p

4. The Avengers

This movie was so much fun, all the action and the excitement of seeing some of the greatest superheros getting together despite their differences to save the world, precious right :p My favorite character was Black widow, what a surprise that one. Love Scarlett Johanson , she is smoking hot and a great actress and she looks fabulous when she kicks some evil butts :p.

3. Django Unchained

 Quentin Tarantino has done it again, this guy is a genius. Loved loved loved Leonardo DiCaprio in it, he is so good at what he does. Too bad he keeps getting snubbed by the Academy, someone surely has a serious beef against him there. That being said, Leo might have given one of his bets performances in this movie after Blood Diamond. A western film which captures the adventurous story about a man named Django(Jamie Foxx) who teams up with Dr King Schultz( Christopher Waltz) to rescue his wife from a plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo Dicaprio). The movie shows about the level of brutality the black slaves had to endure before Civil War and how one man rises against the system to get back what he has lost. This movie has so much going on, from brilliant performances to some really great scenes, too over the top at some points, yes but that's Tarantino's trade mark. DO WATCH IT.

 

2. The Hobbit

Damn this was a tough one, being one of the biggest fans of Lord of the Rings trilogy (books and the movies) and The Hobbit too, I came this close to picking it as my number 1 movie of 2012 but then I didnt. You will find out why soon. I have been following The Hobbit ever since Peter Jackson announced on his face book page that he has gottne the rights of the movie, (yeah Im that crazy). So its safe to say that i was the first in line to see it when the movie released, I was a bi nervous seeing this , mind you, because I knew after having experienced LOTR, I couldnt help but miss all the other characters and if I would be able to like Bilbo as much as I loved Frodo. Well the good thing is I loved this movie, from the start I was gripped especially because of the 3D effects, wow, there were a few scenes which were just breathtaking. And I loved how Peter Jackson started a little touch of LOTR in the beginning of the movie *nostalgia*. Some ppl complained about the movie being too log but then Peter Jackson always makes sure not to leave out the tiny little details which make a movie great. I love the whole franchise and I cannot wait to see the second part which releases in December this year.

1. The Dark Knight Rises

Need I say more, umm I think the name says it all. The biggest movie of 2012 and what a masterpiece. Christopher Nolan has set the bar extremely high for any future filmmakers to take up this comic character and make a movie on him and come any close to this trilogy. Christian Bale, what an amazing actor, he owned the character, his flawless performance and his sultry looks *sigh*. This has been a pretty good year for Anne Hatheway, she gave Cat woman a new meaning, I had no idea she would be this good playing that role, i had my doubts but she was fabulous and lastly Michael Caine, I dont think Batman would be Batman without Alfred, he brought that balance in his life which his parents left. Lastly Tom Hardy as Bane, a lot of people kept comparing him to Heath Ledger, sheesh people, stop comparing the two villains, they dont have anything in common, This movie is worth every single penny, if u have to watch a movie, ANY movie, watch this one. Amazing special effects, and get ready to be blown away by the performances. 

Image Courtesy Google

FAV Looks from OSCARS 2013

I know Im not the only one who watches the much awaited Oscars just for the sake of finding out who takes the Academy home, Im as equally eager to find out who wore what. So this year wasnt any less glamorous as of the previous years. Here are some of my favorite looks from this year.

Ahhhhhhh how much I love Jennifer Anniston and her classy look, she keeps getting better and better with age.

Amanda looks absolutely gorgeous, I love this color on her.

     

Naomi Watts in her metallic attire , drop dead gorgeous.

 

All I gotta say is, Smokin Hot Charlize.

 

Last but not least Catherine Zeta Jones, looking like a goddess.

Some of the looks that didnt do anything for me

What was Anne Hathaway thinking O.o

Halle Berry has a body to die for, then why o why cover it up in something like this?

Getting really really bored of Adele's style, yes yes she is fabulous and all but enough with the black.

I dont know what was going through Jennifer's head when she decided to adorn this dress.

Really let down with this look, I was looking most forward to Jennifer Lawrence's look, not impressed. Have seen her in much better attires in BAFTAS and even other awards, didnt do much for me this time.
Which was your favorite look form OSCARS 2013?

Image Courtesy People.com

My Top 10 Movies of 2012- Part 1

I have been meaning to put up this post since New Year but I hadnt watched quite a few movies of 2012 because of the fact that their DVD screens hadn't been released yet so I waited patiently and I guess its safe to say I have managed to watch all the hyped about movies of the past year :P So lets get this started *rolls sleeves*

10. The Perks of being a Wallflower

This movie came as such a surprise because I wasnt really expecting much from this. Based on a book by Stephen Chbosky, it is a story about a disturbed teenager, Charlie, who has gone through some tough times and forms an unusual bond with two siblings Sam and Patrick who help him deal with the problems he's facing. This is such a nice movie, there is no other way to put it, I havent read the book which I think was a good thing because 95% of the times I end up hating movies based on books. The cast has done a wonderful job, and Emma Watson really surprised me, I was convinced before watching this movie that she will never be able to fit in any other role after her trademark Hermione Granger in Harry Potter movies but she definitely proved me wrong. The girl has got some real potential, and the moment the movie started, I didnt even think for a second that this was the same girl who played the role of the famous witch in 8 movies previously. This movie will make you laugh, cry and think. DO watch it.

9. Barfi

Anyone who knows me can vouch for me that I absolutely detest Indian movies, unless Amir Khan is involved,  I just cant stand the absurd dancing and the oh-so-common stance of Indian directors ripping off every movie from Hollywood. So this might come as quite a shock to my friends but I absolutely loved Barfi, this movie is definitely not your average Indian movie. Based in the 70s era, its a story about a guy named Barfi who has a hearing and speech disability. He falls for a rich girl Shruti but due to the class difference , Shruti reluctantly turns him down. This is when certain circumstances arise and he comes in contact with Jhilmil, who is autistic. Now we before you jump off the wagon and claim it to be one of those mushy complicated love triangle movies, hold on because its definitely not. Barfi is like a breath of fresh air in Bollywood cinema and Im so glad that finally someone is breaking the norms and making movies which arent your typical mar dhar and love stories and definitely not a rip off. I wasnt a fan of Ranbir Kapoor before this, mind you, but Im definitely rooting for him now. He was brilliant, and I look forward to his future ventures. 

8. Flight

Denzel Washington. Nuff Said. I think its safe to say that Denzel Washington is one of the best black actors of our time, the guy just keeps getting better and better. The movie is all about Denzel's performance, who plays the role of a pilot. There is a bit of an action but other than that, the story revolves around his life and how it gets disrupted because of his alcohol addiction. A must watch for Denzel Washington's fans.

7. Les Mierables

Musicals are SO not my thing. Having said that, this movie is still in my top 10 list. Why? Well because of the amazing performances. Hugh Jackman really pulled out all the stops in this one and Anne Hathaway blew me away, she was astounding. The movie is set in post revolutionary France and is about a prisoner who tries to re build his life after fleeing from his parole and is then hunted by Russel Crowe. My most favorite scenes of the film were those involving Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohan :D You have to watch the movie to know what Im talking about. Needless to say, hilarious. I loved the costumes, they were spot on. Watch it if you love musicals , and for those of you who dont, do give it a try.  

6. Silver Linings Playbook

Based on the book by Matthew Quick, Silver Linings Playbook is a story about a former teacher Pat Solitano( Bradley Cooper) who is dealing with mental issues and is released from the mental institution by his mother against doctors' advice and tries to reconcile with his ex wife. During this he comes across a girl named Tiffany(Jennifer Lawrence) who is dealing with issues of her own. Together they try to help each other out. This movie was so funny, I was laughing out loud in some scenes. Both of them did a great job and Robert De Niro who plays Pat's father was so amazing. Watch it, Im sure you will love it.


This post turned out to be longer than I expected so I have decided to divide it into parts to make sure you guys dont get tired and bored by reading my prolonged explanations about the movies :P... The second part will be out shortly ;)

Disclaimer: All images have been taken from Google.

AVON Haul

One of the biggest set backs of staying at home 24/7 is the online shopping which once u get sucked in to, can never get out of. I always plan on saving up some bucks but No, as soon as I make up my mind, another jaw dropping, lip smacking offer comes up and I get the itch and eventually I give in :/..But ah no regrets, life's too short for that :D Which brings me to my post.

I never understood the hype about Christmas shopping until I actually experienced it , obviously online that is.There are a few shopping sites now who deal with bringing imported stuff from US and UK mostly and they bring deals as well, so when I heard that there was going to be an AVON sale on Christmas, I knew I just had to have something. Dhanak is one of those pages on face book where once you enter, you can never go back. The owner, Nargis, is one of the most sweetest persons I have had the pleasure of interacting with, she is a total sweetheart and I can vouch for her that she will bring you the most amazing stuff at unbelievable prices. Do check out her page, she always has some thing up her sleeves about the latest promotions may it be about jewellery, makeup, or anything in between.

So I order around Christmas time and got my stuff like a week ago, Needless to say I had a HUGE smile on my face when I opened my package because there was SO much stuff I couldn't believe I spent only like Rs.2000 and I got all this. Check out the pic of my haul.

From left to right, Avon Little red dress purse spray, Avon nailwear pro, Avon Little Black Dress Roll on Anti-Perspirant, Avon Supershock Mascara, Avon Little Black Dress deodorant and Avon Little Black Dress Perfume. In the bottom is the bracelet which I received as a gift from Nargis herself.

Ok so the deal was, I only paid for The Little Black Dress set which included Roll on anti-perspirant, deodorant and perfume. The rest of the stuff I got for FREE. Hallelujah, plz Christmas hurry up :D I was so happy with my purchase because Avon had some amazing deals similar to these depending on how much u are wiling to pay. So I thought why not do some math just for fun, I know math and fun dont go together and that too in the same line, for me at least :P but what the heck.

I paid Rs.2200 for all this stuff. But if I had purchased all these individually without any discounts or deals then I wonder how much it would have cost. lets see.

Little Red Dress purse spray: Rs.550
Nailwear Pro: Rs.450
Roll on Anti-perspirant; Rs.350
Supershock Mascara: Rs.1000
Little Black Dress Deodorant: Rs.350
Little Black Dress perfume: Rs.1500
Total: Rs.4200

If thats not a bargain then Im not sure what is :D

Let me know what would you like me to review first :) xx

The love for Handbags: Haul & Review

I have been looking for some quality handbags since some while now which are affordable yet chic. So i recently bought two handbags from an online site called N.M.N & Co. They initially started with bringing affordable and amazing jewellery for their customers but they have branched out since some time and now offer clothes and handbags as well. This is my first experience shopping form them and it was a great one. They are extremely professional and are always available to answer your queries.

So I bought two handbags and I LOVE both of them. As you can see the bags are pretty spacious which is what I was looking for, I have a lot of clutches but I wanted some really funky yet spacious bags and I got my wish, I had been waiting for quite some time because their stuff gets reserved in seconds but it was worth a wait.

The tea pink bag has two partitions inside whereas there arent any partitions in the blue one. Also there is an extra long strap with the blue bag depending on whether u want to carry it over your shoulder or not. Both the bags are priced at PKR 1300 and delivery charges were of PKR 250.

The bags are much better in quality than I was expecting and the best part is the amazing price. All in all I am very happy and satisfied with my purchase. What do you guys think?

Nail Polish Haul & Review

I have been meaning to blog since like forever but the weather, yes that, kept coming in the way. It has been freaking cold and all I have managed to do since past month is to eat, sleep, and then eat and sleep and so on. I did not want to leave my bed and my cosy blanket and felt so lethargic its no wonder I didnt feel like doing anything. Lahore has broken all its previous records of cold and it felt like I was in London at times. Anyways now that the weather is a wee bit better, I finally decided to move my butt and write some long pending posts. So to start off with I will be doing a nail polish review today.

Im not a nail polish fan to be honest and most of the times my nail polished end up getting ruined because of lack of use. So when I was buying the nail polishes this time around I made sure they were mini and can get used up quickly. I ordered Kleancolor Techno High Metallic Nail Lacquer mini collection from BeautyInBudget4u which is an online shopping site on face book. They bring in all sorts of imported yummy cosmetics which arent easily available here and that too on awesome discounted prices. I loved my shopping experience there and they have a large variety so you guys can check them out. Ok on to the product.

About

Kleancolor

Mission

KleanColor provides women of all ages with an unprecedented selection of today's cosmetics, always trendy and always in style.

Headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California, KleanColor has always prided itself on the innovation, quality and performance of its products.

With a focus on creating and offering the best products, and an emphasis on the innovation of pigment, KleanColor is committed to helping women look fabulous at every age. KleanColor continues to develop KLEAN color cosmetics and KLEAN customer services dedicated to the enhancement of women's beauty.

KleanColor offers a large and diverse selection of cosmetics. Our makeup has something for everyone; inexpensive yet luxe elements add up to a glamorous style you'll love. With a large and diverse selection of KleanColor cosmetics, you can re-create entire looks every day and night. Never look the same twice.

With 15 years of experience, KleanColor has taken KLEAN pride in offering the KLEANEST quality products at the KLEANLY and affordable prices. "KleanColor" is not just our name, it's our promise.

Don't just colorize your look, KleanColorize your divine beauty!

KleanColor Lacquers

KleanColor presents its long wearing and chip-resistant Nail Lacquers in petite, travel-friendly size. The set features bold rich metallic colors to add twist and edge to complete the look of strong woman who loves to rock the world.

• KLEACOLOR Presents New Metallic Nail Lacquer Mini Collection
• Features Very Long Wearing Chip-resistance
• Travel friendly size
• The set features bold rich metallic colors to add twist and edge to complete the look of strong woman who loves to rock the world.

Review
So lets start off with the packaging. Like they claim, it is travel friendly size. Yo can easily throw the in your bag and take them wherever you want, they package is very light weight since these are mini lacquers so dont worry about the baggage.

Now are they longlasting? unfortunately NO! They claim that these polishes are chip-resistance which in my case did not hold true. My nails got chipped in a few hours after applying the coat which was pretty annoying. I mean I know these are cheap and all but I was hoping that they would at least last a day. Also the smell is really strong which did not set very well with me.I would recommend using a base coat before applying these.

I like the shades overall, they are like it says, metallic and Im glad that I got a variety of colors in a cheap amount. I loved two of their shades, one is Metallic Pink and the other is Metallic Purple. Swatches below.

                                                                     Metallic Pink

                                                                   Metallic Purple

Pros 
Cheap
Light packaging
Various shades
Easy to apply

Cons
Too small
Leave stain
Short term chip resistance
Smell too strong
Dont dry fast

So there you have it folks. Hope you liked the review, Till then happy shopping ;)