Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Face Mask Festivities! I love me some skin care from Trader Joe’s and my mom is so sweet to always pick me out a treat when her and my dad make the trip to go shopping there. Unfortunately, the closest Trader Joe’s to us is close to an hour away which is a major bummer. I would do ALL of my grocery shopping there if it wasn’t such a trek! A week or so ago, my mom got me the Honey Hydration Face Mask from Trader Joe’s and it is just as fabulous as it sounds. It has been a while since I used a good face mask and it was so nice to pamper myself! Let’s discuss:
^^^ This product is cruelty free!!
Spoiling myself with pampering is my absolute favorite form of self care. It doesn’t matter if it’s at the nail or hair salon or my own bathroom – I savor every second. After a particularly rough week, I couldn’t wait to test out the Honey Hydration mask and have been using it as often as I can since. It is fantastic! This mask isn’t particularly pungent but it has the faintest scent of honey. It also offers a honey like consistency in a gel texture that isn’t as sticky or goopy as the real thing. However, when the scent and consistency are paired together, I feel like I just rubbed a honeycomb on my face and it’s definitely not a bad thing lol. 😀
As soon as this mask is applied, you can literally feel it working and I live for that sensation. After putting it on, it transforms from gel into a bubbly foam which remains that way until washing it off ten to fifteen minutes later. I knew my skin was going to be soft once it came off but I didn’t expect it to be soft AF. With every use, my skin feels so smooth that I legit can’t stop touching my face. It looks radiant and supple and I swear I can still feel it working even after it has been removed. This is the perfect mask for any skin type but will be particularly nice for those with dry skin or to soothe after combating the winter cold. I just used it again this morning and I seriously can’t wait to use it again and again!
If you have a Trader Joe’s in your neck of the woods, I cannot recommend treating yourself to the Honey Hydration mask enough. Your skin will thank you and you can thank me later! ❤
Where is your favorite place to shop for skin care? What is your favorite face mask? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Howdy! Spinal Tap is one of Johnny’s all time favorite movies and we had a fabulous Middle Class Fancy date night to see the sequel the day it came out. To commemorate the special occasion, Johnny and I wore matching muscle tank tops that was worn by Nigel Tufnel in the first movie. You can peep the OOTD here! A day or so later, I posted a video of my Tap Into Fashion fit on TikTok and didn’t think much of it until I got the most glorious notification this past Friday. Check it out:
When I first got this notification, I assumed it was a fan page. Then, I looked at the profile and was giddy to find out it was the actual Spinal Tap movie page. A page featuring my TikTok set to the tune of Big Bottoms lol. You could have knocked me over with a feather because I genuinely couldn’t believe it. I saw this notification prior to heading back home and the five minute drive felt like an eternity. All I wanted to do was snap my fingers and teleport to Johnny so I could tell him immediately!
As soon as I was home, I came bursting through the door without so much of a hello – just a guess what?! Like me, Johnny was in a state of disbelief before we reveled in this GREAT SUCCESS because honestly wtf? I never expected anything like this because my TikTok is far from popping off and it was confirmation that I am doing at least something right! As a content creator for over a decade, I have had my fair share of wonderful collaborations and so much fun. However, Johnny claims that this was the coolest thing I have ever done and I couldn’t agree more. ❤
This may seem like a small victory but it was a huge deal for Johnny and I as we are such avid fans of Spinal Tap. It made me feel so proud that Johnny started texting all of his former bandmates about it as soon as we recovered from the shock!!
What is the coolest social media interaction you have ever had? What has made you proud recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Mental health is becoming more and more of a priority around the world, and for good reason. By looking after your mental health, you can make sure you have a long and happy life. As obvious as that is, it’s a lot harder to put into practice. Managing your mental health can often be tricky to put into practice, especially when you’ve been diagnosed with a specific condition. But, it’s not impossible. More than a few mental health tips can help with this. Not only should they make everything more manageable, but they could even improve your mental health more than you might’ve thought. Three of these are more than worth trying out because of the impact they can have:
Understand Your Triggers:
Most mental health conditions have triggers, especially when it comes to anxiety and panic disorders. These can vary from person to person, so take the time to understand your triggers. It puts you in a position to actively manage them. Once you have a proper understanding of your triggers, you can plan a way around them. If anxiety attacks are triggered by a specific location, for example, you can plan to avoid them. Less tangible triggers could need some work with a professional to mitigate going forward.
Proactively Manage Stress:
Speaking of triggers, stress can be one of the more notable of these. A stressful event could trigger an anxiety attack or something similar, so be as proactive as possible with your stress. You can use more than a few strategies for this, like yoga, deep breathing, or exercise. Then there’s the likes of medical cannabis and other options. You’ll usually need a prescription for these, but there’s no reason why they shouldn’t help. They’ve even been shown to help with the symptoms of anxiety and depression, too.
Should you not be able to get a prescription for medical cannabis, it’s okay! Dispensaries and online shopping options are available to make your purchase. You could consider buying Bulk Weed Canada (or your local area) to keep yourself well stocked. Dispensaries also carry edibles and vape cartridges if you prefer those methods better. However, always check local laws around cannabis use, even if you need it for medical use. Otherwise, you can face serious charges where you will need a possession of marijuana lawyer to help you out.
Be Kind:
Sometimes, helping with your mental health doesn’t have to focus on you. By being kind and helping to make the world a better place, you could end up having a great positive impact on your mental health. It’ll help more and more as time goes on. Even a simple act of helping a stranger pick up the groceries they dropped could help. If you want to see a significant impact, then regularly volunteering to help a charity could be an excellent way to do this. Find what you’re passionate about and see what volunteering options are available in your community to get started.
Looking after your mental health doesn’t always need to be as complicated as you think. With the right management skills, there’s no reason you shouldn’t improve your mental health and feel better in time. You’ll end up with a happier, better life before you know it!
Hello! I absolutely love going to the movies and I have been particularly excited for the newest addition to Demon Slayer called Infinity Castle. Thanks to my brother, I am a HUGE Demon Slayer fan and have beaucoup tattoos to prove it! As you can see, Demon Slayer is easily one of my favorite animes and I knew I was in for a treat with Infinity Castle. It exceeded every expectation and I left the theater speechless as I took everything in. It has been close to a week since I’ve seen it and I still can’t stop thinking about it! As always, this review will be spoiler free and a trigger warning will be placed for graphic animated violence. Now, let’s get to it:
^^^ As always, I have no rights to this video!!
The Infinity Castle is Muzan Kibutsuji’s stronghold. It is a shifting, sprawling dimension that seemingly goes on for all eternity. Every step taken causes the castle to move and brings you closer to upper rank demons who want nothing more than to make a meal of the Demon Slayer Corps. Death looms around every corner and it is up to Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and hashiras to defeat the upper ranks and find Kibutsuji. As the Demon Slayers make their way through the castle, their limits will be pushed to the extreme in heated battles that could end with certain doom or the glory to fight another minute. Will our beloved characters pull through in the most intense battles they have ever faced? See Demon Slayer Infinity Castle to find out!
Infinity Castle was a straight forward plot: Breach the castle and fight like your lives depend on it. Due to its simplicity, it allowed you to sit back and watch every single frame amaze you. Demon Slayer has always been visually beautiful but I view Infinity Castle as its piece de resistance. It was thrilling to see the Infinity Castle expand to no ends and change on a whim, forever pushing the Demon Slayers forward or back as it saw fit. The castle was a character in itself and you never knew what it was going to do next – provide our team with a moment of contemplation or shove them headfirst into a battle with an upper rank demon. Every second of this movie was a cause for celebration – the colors, the angles, the anguish or compassion in our heroes’ eyes. It was bold and so in your face that all you could do was enjoy the ride. I was so engrossed that by the time the two and a half hour flick was over, I would have given anything to see more.
Of course it was exciting to see the epic fights our core three got themselves into but one thing I really loved was the different hashiras who finally got their day in the sun. The Demon Slayer Corps is compiled of so many hashiras we haven’t seen extensively and it was awesome to be reunited with Mr. Giyu and meet Gyomei and Obanai for more than five seconds. Watching a showdown with Giyu and Tanjiro battling together was a major highlight and it was so cool to watch their specialties work in tandem with each other… And also fan girling about how strong they each have gotten!
My favorite thing about Demon Slayer isn’t just the fighting, but the emotion that comes with it. Tanjiro has the gift of finding the good in everyone and everything he encounters. He is able to sympathize with demons in a way that no character can and by the time you are done seeing as Tanjiro does, you find yourself feeling sorry for them too. Sorry that their lives were so dark and cruel that it resulted in a lifetime of causing other people pain. It’s such an interesting juxtaposition that Demon Slayer creates. You go from rooting for the good fight to feeling an intense rush of empathy so quickly you get whiplash. It makes for a spectacle that is both stunning and exciting to watch but leaves you rethinking how you originally felt afterwards. I sure can’t seem to get my mind off of it!
I am going to award Demon Slayer Infinity Castle with the coveted ten out of ten stars. From start to finish, this movie was perfection and I would absolutely love to see it again!
What is your favorite anime? What did you think of Infinity Castle? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Weekends are for letting loose and having fun after a long week at work. It’s a time to get together with friends and potentially meet new people. Of course, you’re more likely to feel great when you look your best, whether it’s at a trendy nightclub, rooftop lounge, or laid-back coffee shop. Here’s a style guide for what to wear to different weekend hot spots so you’re both confident and comfortable:
Nightclub:
Think sleek and stylish as you consider what to grab from your closet to wear to the best nightclub San Diego downtown has seen. Figure hugging dresses, tailored jumpsuits, or fitted jeans with a top that’s a statement piece are all perfect choices for an evening at this popular weekend destination. Keep your footwear stylish while practical (although we all know that can be hard to find), as you’ll be heading to the dance floor. Keep it trendy but club-appropriate with wedged trainers or sturdy platforms, avoiding overly casual items like flip-flops.
Rooftop Bar:
Think chic yet comfortable for the outfit to wear here. Tailored shorts paired with a t-shirt, an oversized blazer, and a funky gold necklace make for a super cute OOTD. If the weather dips low during the night while you’re still there, you’ll be thankful for the warmth of the blazer. If it stays warm, depending on the time of year, simply take off it off! For shoes, stylish flats or loafers make sense for comfort as you curl up on cozy seating and chat the night away.
Coffee Shop:
Coffee shops call for casual and cozy for the OOTD. Then add a bracelet or earrings to take it easily from daytime to night-appropriate for wherever the day takes you after your caffeine boost. The relaxed look can vary from a tank top with baggy jeans to leggings and an oversized sweater. Sneakers mix style and playfulness as you walk up to the counter to order a coffee. A crossbody bag is where you can keep your journal if you plan to write while at the coffee hangout, or a book for reading at your favorite spot.
Food Markets:
Food markets are a wonderful place to explore new foods and meet new people. Casual dresses or shorts suit the atmosphere, as do sneakers or sandals, as they’re comfortable for walking from vendor to vendor. Take your sunglasses if it’s still light out, so you won’t have to squint to see which fresh options are at the stall in front of you. Wear layers, if possible, so you can stay warm if the air gets cooler as the hours go by.
When you dress appropriately for the venue, you’ll feel fabulous about the way you look, and that makes you more likely to have a blast. Cheers to a memorable weekend ahead!
Hello! I have been a content creator for over a decade and I have yet to grow tired of the joy of writing, taking pictures, and recently videos for my TikTok. I have striven to create daily content for the past six years and change and continue to make good on that goal every single day. I mainly continue this streak out of spite… I kid! I have maintained this because I simply have way too much FUN creating content! Although it is a gift to make money from my craft, I would continue to publish without monetary gain because I have enjoyed every minute since starting lifewithlilred. How have I kept the spark alive? Let’s discuss:
What are your goals?
My goal when I created lifewithlilred was not to make money at all. It was to have a space that is special to me to get out my thoughts, interact with new people, and make friends. In fact, I met my best friend in the whole world shortly after my page was live! If your goal in the content game is to strike it rich, it automatically takes the fun out of it. Then, you fall into the pattern of creating what you think other people want to see or read instead of what you want to do. When you start a blog or social media profile, go into it with the mindset that you are making something that no one else can. Anything that comes next like new friends or some extra scratch is just an added bonus!
What’s Trending?
Let me fill you in on a little secret… I have never paid attention to trending topics. I much prefer to do my own thing! When I shop, I am always looking for pieces that not everyone and their brother owns and that is exciting to me. I view my content in the same light. I don’t want to post about what everyone is already posting about and hope what I am doing gets seen in the void. I want to create my own trends and content that is completely unique to me. The content you post is like your own journal. Do you want your pages to feel like you or a compilation of a bunch of other people’s ideas? When you stay true to yourself is when you can create that corner of the internet that is yours and yours alone.
Just Go For It!
There is no scientific formula for creating content so don’t let overthinking get in your way. If you have an idea, an awesome outfit, or a thought you want to extrapolate on then go for it! You can go back and fine tune later but if you get that spontaneous surge of creativity then harness it rather than shy away. You will be amazed at the content you can make by just going off of a random thought and seeing what happens. Look for beauty in every day situations, write about something you can’t shake from your mind, and soon enough you will be finding ideas for posts every time you turn your head. This is very much the case for me and it keeps content creating fresh and new rather than a chore.
Keep Your Head Up:
The fact of the matter is, your goal of a million followers in a week or a hefty paycheck in a day might not be possible and that’s okay! Set achievable goals instead and revel in that feeling when you meet them. I started my TikTok very late in the game and it was just one of those things I did on a “why not” whim. I will admit, it was a bit disappointing when my first videos weren’t getting a ton of views. Then I remembered that my blog didn’t get a ton of views either when I first started it. Now, I view every new follower or like on TikTok as a GREAT SUCCESS! Content creating is a marathon, not a sprint. There are going to be highs and lows and if you let yourself be discouraged and give up, you will never know what you can achieve next. ❤
Creating content should always be FUN and if you aren’t having a blast, then I highly recommend reevaluating because something is going haywire. Strive to find the joy in what you are making every time you write a post or film a video because what you are doing is important. I know you can do it!
What do you struggle with when it comes to content creating? What is your favorite piece of content you have ever made? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Running a pest control business is not an easy thing to do, with even minor issues quickly snowballing into major setbacks if they are left unaddressed. From customer satisfaction to staying on top of regulations, pest control companies face various hurdles at every turn. Early identification and resolution of these problems is important for smooth operations and long-term success in this industry. In this post, we will look at ways to address some of these pain points:
Disorganized Scheduling and Route Optimization:
One of the biggest hurdles pest control businesses encounter is disorganized scheduling and poorly planned service routes. A poorly organized schedule or ineffective routing could waste fuel, time, and customer patience. Investing in modern scheduling software and route optimization tools is a great solution to this problem, streamlining appointment bookings while decreasing travel time as well as providing real-time traffic updates for better productivity and increasing customer satisfaction with prompt services.
From routing plans to paperwork, a disorganized approach can really put you in a jam. The most important thing is prioritizing efficiency. Perhaps the software you’re using could benefit from an upgrade and that could make a huge difference. When standard solutions fall short of your specific requirements, custom bespoke software solutions can be tailored precisely to your business needs, offering the flexibility and functionality that off-the-shelf options often lack. A change like this will promise immediate results.
Ineffective Staff Utilization:
Human resources are at the basis of any pest control business, yet many companies struggle with underutilized or overburdened staff members. Proper staff management and training is important in solving this problem. Clear roles should be assigned based on expertise while offering continuous education on new techniques to empower employees to work efficiently. Businesses should use team communication apps or workforce management software to enhance coordination and transparency among staff members.
Lack of Marketing Strategy:
A pest control business that’s failing to draw customers often comes down to ineffective marketing. Relying solely on word of mouth alone no longer suffices in the digital world. Outsource your pest control SEO to a marketing agency to increase your online presence and attract potential customers. Use social media such as Facebook or Instagram as platforms to showcase services, customer reviews and promotions. Investing in paid advertising such as Google AdWords or local directories such as Yelp can be additional ways of reaching out.
If you aren’t well versed in the marketing world, all of this can seem very overwhelming. However, online marketing is the bread and butter for a business and is necessary for success. Should you need additional help, you might want to consider a company like Content RevOps to handle the marketing aspect for you. These marketing companies specialize in creating interactive content as well as growing leads and demand. This is definitely something to look into to continue to grow your business.
Regulatory Compliance Issues:
The pest control industry is heavily regulated, making staying compliant with local, state, and federal laws an ongoing challenge. Failure to do so can incur heavy fines while damaging your company reputation if noncompliance continues. Businesses should use compliance tracking software in order to keep on top of changing regulations as well as consult legal specialists or consultants who specialize in pest control to make sure their practices, products, and documentation meet all necessary standards.
Regardless of if you have a huge enterprise or small business, compliance standards must always be in effect. This can be made easier by working with a company like the Citation Group Australia (or a similar business in your local area). Services provided include 24/7 HR advice and software as well as citation safety advice to ensure that your business is performing to the highest standards. This is an area where businesses can really get in trouble and should be taken seriously by utilizing the best help available.
Outdated Technology:
Using outdated tools and techniques not only slows down operations but can fail to meet modern pest control standards. When you invest in advanced equipment and eco-friendly pest management options, your business demonstrates their dedication to quality and sustainability. Staying on top of technological advancements will make your business become an innovator that draws in customers who prioritize effective and eco-conscious solutions for pest management needs.
Attention to detail and dedication to excellence will position a pest control business as a trusted partner in solving customer pest issues while guaranteeing long-term business success!
Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past weekend I was lucky enough to have seen Weird Al for the third time in concert and it was absolutely fabulous. The show was held as Blossom Music Center which is an outdoor venue and we had lovely warm weather for the show. So warm, in fact, that it felt like summertime so I needed the clothes to match as well as pay an extra special shout out to Weird Al himself. Like my dad, that man loves him an Hawaiian shirt! Huge props to my dad for letting me raid his closet for the perfect Hawaiian shirt to wear to the show, which he actually wore to my wedding lol! Check it out:
Who? What? Wear?
The shirt is my dad’s and I have no idea where he acquired it from!
You can’t see the earrings but they were purchased forever ago from Target!
As I was saying, my dad lives for a good Hawaiian shirt and has an impressive collection. When I asked him if I could go shopping in his wardrobe, he was so flattered and I was excited to pick out one to wear to the show. He had several strong contenders, but the shirt he wore to my wedding has always been my favorite. I love the sentiment, bright colors, and pattern and it was like it was made to be worn to compliment my hair! Of course, I had to make some alterations to the shirt so I buttoned the second to the top button and tied the excess to turn it into a cute crop top. It worked out really well, if I do say so myself!
Pairing my borrowed top with shorts was an obvious choice so let’s move onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I selected a wonderful pair of summer wedges by Charles By Charles David. My dad is named Charles so it was SO. Much. Charles. in this look! These wedges are old AF but they are just right with summer outfits and pretty much go with anything. Sadly, this is the last outfit that I will be wearing them with because they actually broke when we were walking back to my car after the show. This is the second time I have had a pair of shoes break at Blossom but at least these ones broke afterwards as opposed to before like the first time SMH. I didn’t want to be weighed down with accessories for the show so I put on a dangly pair of chain earrings and was ready to get weird! 😀
Wearing my dad’s Hawaiian shirt to the Weird Al concert made the show that much more fun. With a few simple alterations, you can make anything work in a pinch!
What kind of style do your parents have? Have any of your shoes ever broke while you were on the go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello! Johnny and I went on a fabulous Middle Class Fancy date night this past weekend. We went to Applebee’s and to the opening day to see Spinal Tap II in theaters. The Tap sequel has been a long time coming and we couldn’t have been more excited. We really come alive during a Middle Class Fancy night on the town! In honor of the great Nigel Tufnel, Johnny and I had to show out in matching tank tops that were worn in the first movie. Of course, I had to make it fashion! Check it out:
Who? What? Wear?
Skeleton Muscle Tank Top: Johnny purchased this off of Amazon as a T-shirt and cut off the sleeves
The chain earrings were purchased forever ago from Target
I am just as surprised as all of you that there is nothing from TJMaxx in this fit!
As Johnny and I already planned to match in our Nigel Tufnel best, my top was already pre decided. However, the trick was to make it look feminine as this was a men’s muscle tank and it felt like it. This top had zero shape whatsoever and was definitely not the most flattering. To combat the sack of potatoes silhouette, I knew that I wanted to serve sex appeal on the bottom half of the outfit. Once the styling of this look was complete, I felt so much better and was ready to work it for a Middle Class Fancy outing.
In the words of Nigel Tufnel, “what’s wrong with being sexy?” and merely pairing this top with shorts wasn’t enough. Rather than do the bare minimum, leave it to Lil Red to do the most! I always want the eyes to dance in every OOTD I style but it was even more necessary for this look as the top was downright frumpy lol. To add some bling and crank the sexy up to eleven, I wore a pair of gorgeous gemstone fishnet tights under the shorts. This was much more like it and allowed for a sleeker silhouette. What I really needed now was length.
For my shoes, I chose one of my favorite pairs of platform boots from Dolls Kill. They feature a vertebrae pattern and a high, high, high heel that gave me all the length I was looking for and then some. These platforms are ones you don’t simply walk in but strut and as soon as they were on I felt infinitely more confident. The muscle tank is something I would never normally wear and the additional styling provided me with the comfort that I was making it work anyways. With blingy tights and my tattoos on display, I put on a long pair of dangly chain earrings as no further accessories were needed. With that, I was ready for a big night out!
This Tap Into Fashion OOTD is a shining example that you can make any piece of clothing work if it is styled well. I went from feeling zero confidence to an eleven!
Have you seen Spinal Tap II yet? What was your favorite part? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Howdy and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! I recently learned that there was a new prequel to the Chocolat series by Joanne Harris and was very interested in that. I have always loved the thriller books by Harris and thought it would be fun to revisit everyone’s favorite chocolateer again. Rather than starting out with where it all began by rereading Chocolat, I delved right into the sequel called The Girl With No Shadow. I read it forever ago and forgot everything about it! It took me a minute to find my bearings again in the magical world of Chocolat but once I found my footing, I was SO in. As this is such a light and friendly read, there will be no trigger warning on this book. And, as always, no spoilers either! Let’s get into it:
After the incidents in Chocolat, Vianne Rocher seeks anonymity and refuge with her young daughters, Anouk and Rosette, and they find themselves opening a small chocolaterie in an even smaller village. She is no longer the Vianne of magic and delight but lives under the practical pseudonym of Yanne. Tiny Rosette is too small to remember the world of the extraordinary but Anouk does all too well and misses it fiercely. No more reading runes, no more spells – no more Anouk because she is now Annie. The chocolate shop is bland and a far cry from the wonderful space they created and had to flee.
Yanne is now a woman who only seeks to protect her daughters from the changing winds and the Kindly Ones as all magic used will come back to them in a negative way eventually. For financial support and companionship, she entertains an older man named Thierry who wants her hand in marriage more than anything. He tolerates the children and covets a woman who he can control and turn into his perfect little wife. And, with no word from Yanne’s beloved Roux since their departure, she lets him. Anouk’s world has been turned upside down and, as chance would have it, a beautiful stranger attempts to turn it right side up again.
Her name is Zozie and she is simply fabulous. She wears the best shoes, has amazing personal style, and a joyous personality that would give the old Vianne a run for her money. Zozie takes an instant liking to Anouk because there is something special about her – a magic so powerful that she can feel it when she is merely passing by. A magic that should be harnessed, nurtured, and used by someone like Zozie who has countless tricks up her sleeves in her own right.
Zozie begins to work at the chocolate shop alongside Yanne. She cares for the girls, charms every customer that walks in the store, and redecorates the place so that it is unrecognizable of its original drab appearance. When she is not playing hostess at the shop, she is a teacher to Anouk. Zozie teaches her about ancient gods, powerful spells, and the delicious feeling of using magic to seek revenge. As Anouk and Zozie grow closer and the customers only come to the shop to see her, Yanne sinks into the background. Zozie is doing a better job at being Vianne than she ever has.
Of course, Yanne is grateful for Zozie albeit slightly resentful but she is in no position to refuse help. Yanne has a lot on her mind – her daughter’s growing distance, her youngest daughter who is delayed in development, and the arrival of her former love. Roux hearkens the Vianne of old but she is Yanne now. Homely, magic free, and a ghost of her former self to please Thierry. Behind closed doors, Anouk is growing more powerful by the moment and Zozie wants her desperately. Her plan? Read The Girl With No Shadow to find out!
The Girl With No Shadow was a delightful read from start to finish and it was so nice to be reunited with the core four: Vianne, Roux, Anouk, and Rosette. Joanne Harris has such a marvelous way of creating characters that you genuinely care about and want to get to know more. Even the colorful side characters in this book felt like old friends by the time I completed the last page. The Girl With No Shadow alternated between Vianne, Anouk, and Zozie’s point of view and watching their stories weave together so seamlessly was magic in itself.
As I read, I couldn’t help but feeling like I was there too. Harris has the gift of crafting such vivid imagery that you get lost in it. The smell of chocolate, the warmth of the small shop, the way the snow sounds as it falls. It was so intoxicating that it was hard to pull myself away! And, of course, for all of the beautiful prose there is an engaging story unfolding. A love triangle, a new witch in town, and a preteen who is at a crossroads. To dare to be different or to conform to a passionless life. I am about to start the third book in the series and I cannot wait to see what happens next to the owner of the best little chocolate shop in all of Paris!
Overall, I am going to rate The Girl With No Shadow with an eight out of ten stars. It was magical, whimsical, and a book that not only entertained but transported you. Highly recommend giving this lovely series a try!
What are you currently reading? Have you read the Chocolat series before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
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