Hiya! It's I Heart Monday again! Which means that I get to think of all the things I love and let you know about them.  It's one of my favourite parts of the week...when I remember to take photos of all the things I love throughout the week! 

Here are some things I forgot to photo but should def make the list: the fact that I saw a turkey (A TURKEY) in the backyard, my awesome sushi dinner last week, my equally as awesome Mexican dinner last Tuesday (friends dinner!), about ten different pineapple backgrounds I found on pinterest, the 'smores' hack with reese's we made on Saturday night, and a farmers market. 

This past weekend I went visit Des and her hubs in Charlotte, North Carolina and I had THE best time! Charlotte is such a lovely city, and I'm going to write all about it later this week. Stay tuned for that! 

Let me just tell you though, I am a firm believer that sometimes you just find people that you 'click' with. You might not know them very well, or have known them very long. You might not have spoken for two or three or nine years, but sometimes you just know when you find some really kick ass friends. I have been so lucky to have met so many super awesome people in the last year. People I haven't talked to in ages, people I've just met a week ago, doesn't even matter. I'm super happy to have you all in my life. Thanks for being a friend friends!

Let's do this. 

LUSH. I was going to wait to include it in my trip to Charlotte post, but this is so good that it deserves to be in both. Des took me to Lush whilst we were near the mall. It was amazing! Lush makes fresh handmade cosmetics and has 210 shops in North America. I was lucky enough to go in one. The smells. The products. The variety. From bath bombs, deodorants, and face masks to homemade soaps, mens products and eyeliner, Lush has anything you could ever want to pamper your body. Each product is made by a specific person, and you know that because it has their name and photo on the product. I love that they stand by ethical buying. I love their fresh ingredients. I love that they are fighting against animal testing (and I bought a tote bag to prove it). All in all, you need to get your bum over to Lush and check it out! Find a shop near you here. 

One of my friends sent me an invitation to join this app called YOU by Jamie Oliver. The whole idea is that the app gives you daily micro-actions for you to complete. They are meant to make you slow down and think about the positive things in your life. It's super simple, just read your daily action, take a snap of it, and upload. You can follow your friends to see what they are inspired by.

It has different actions for you to do each day  and they celebrate food, mindfulness, movement, and the things we love. It has a 'keep it up' action that lets you repeat that action and make it a habit. For example: one day's action might be 'share some food'. If you want to take a photo of your food every day, you can set it to give you that action every day. 

I love this because it really does make you slow down and think about your day, and it is probably the most positive app I have seen out there. 

I am loving these fabrics I found this past weekend! So obsessed! So much so that I have posted them on instagram twice and Facebook once. Overkill, I know, but whatever. I've got good ideas for these! I'm making a limited run of fold over bags, clutches and coin purses with faux leather. Once I run out of fabric, that's it! So if you are interested, send me a message or comment below and I'll add your name to the list. I'll post photos later this week with sizes and prices. :) I can't wait! 

I think you all know by now that I love LOVE dogs! I got to pet sit for a friend two weekends ago and I think Amelia had more fun than I did! We took a trip to the lake and Amelia went swimming with my dogs Cooper and Simba, she rode the float boat, laid in the sun, and by the end of the day she was exhausted! 

There's just something about doggie cuddles that warms my heart, and I swear they love you more than they love themselves. I can't wait tot get a pup in the UK, but until then, I'm here to watch you're doggies and give them all the cuddles. 

One thing I am definitely loving is snapchat. I didn't get into  I find it absolutely addicting and hilarious. It just brings a little joy to my life, even if its just a silly snap. Add me and send me a little snap!

That's it for this week's I heart Monday! What are you loving this week?! Leave it in the comments below! It can be something small, or big, doesn't matter. Take time to love!

Leave me some love, 

Tory xx

Keratherapy - Daily Smoothing Cream 1oz ($3.50ish) YES YES YESSSSS. First off, I love hair repair products. Secondly, this made my hair feel so fantastic. It also kept my frizz at bay (in 90+ degree weather), what a lifesaver! It says that it helps your hair dry quickly but I can’t vouch for that. My hair retains a TON of water so it takes forever for it to dry. I did notice a slight decrease in time when I used this with my quick dry paddle brush. I have no idea what it’s called though, all I know is that it has fibers in between the bristles to help absorb extra moisture. I will definitely repurchase this item.   


Total: $38.16 
Ipsy: $10.73 
Difference: $27.43 


Until next time, 
Dessie xoxo

TRUST NO ONE

“I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head.”

This is good advice to anyone who dares to board this train of thought in this very particular journey to the minds of three women that you may think that they are quite different, but...

...maybe not...

...or maybe they are...

...remember about trust no one?...

...well maybe you should not trust me neither...

...bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!

No, I’m kidding! I’m your friendly reviewer, surely you can trust me...

...bwa-ha-ha-ha!!!

Okay, enough misleading fun... for the moment...

"Something bad happened."

Are you ready for a faster-paced, creepier “Gone Girl?”

This is one unsettling little thriller and the best bit about it is that no one can be trusted, including the three female narrators who share the storytelling of this book. I read this entire novel in four days and I now need to find the words to convince you to go get your hands on it. RIGHT NOW.

Between an alcoholic, a liar, and a cheat, who can you trust? These are the three women at the center of this book: Rachel, Anna and Megan.

Have you ever sat on the train, glanced at the people around you or out of the window, and made up stories about them? Maybe you've even gone so far as to invent names for these people and imagine their perfect or not-so-perfect lives.

Rachel is that girl on the train who takes her mind off her own life by imagining the lives of others. Specifically the lives of "Jess and Jason" who live at the house outside her train window when the train stops at the same red signal every morning. But then one morning, things are not as they are supposed to be and Rachel sees something that completely shatters the "Jess and Jason" image which exists in her head.

Now she is pulled into their lives. Unsure exactly what she knows but certain she cannot rest until she finds out.

This book is just full of secrets. Everyone has them. It's about all the little mysteries that exist just outside of what we see on the surface. What goes on behind closed doors? How much can you ever really know a person? What horrors exist in that black spot of your memory from Saturday night?

It was fascinating, gripping, and oh so creepy.

Paula Hawkins didn’t put anything random on the book, everything is according to the plan, even the dates (that honestly, aren’t easy to keep in mind), but even those dates signify different kind of railway engines. One side of the story can be told as a paused steam locomotive and another side is a bullet train.

I loved this book. Hawkins has been added to the small group of thriller authors on my "must buy" list.

Until the next chapter,

Kari

Quick Facts:

Name: Destinee Renee Lewis

Nicknames: Des, Dessie (pronounced dess-see)

Age: 26. I think. I never really know how old I am, but I’m pretty sure I’m 26.

Ethnicity: Filipina on the outside, white girl on the inside.

Eyes: Brown.

Hair: Black/dark brown

Relationship Status: Married for 1.5ish years. Cue all the boys crying hysterically.

 

The questionnaire:

1)     Are you a morning or night person?

Neither, I’m an afternoon person.

2)     Which do you prefer, sweet or salty foods?

Depends on the meal, but I like both!

3)     Ninjas or pirates?

Ninjas.

4)     Ninjas vs pirates, discuss.

Is this a real question? Ninjas. They’re so sneaky the pirates don’t stand a chance. Also, I’m Asian so I’m biased.

5)     Autobots or Decepticons?

Autobots?

6)  What was your favorite childhood television program?

Sailor Moon and Rugrats.

7)  Are you a collector of anything?

Postcards. Hint, hint. (and shoes. HINT HINT)

8) If you could be any animal, what would you be?

Well, I’m already a cat reincarnated so….

9)  If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The ability to travel with the blink of an eye. Or stop time. Both, actually.

10)  What is usually your first thought when you wake up?

“Please, no.”

11)  What do you usually think about right before falling asleep?

“I wonder if my lives have refreshed in Gummy Drop”

12)  What’s your favorite color?

Green!

13)  What’s your favorite animal?

Cats. And beagles.

14)  Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets?

Have you met my husband? OF COURSE I DO. (I love you, babe!)

15)  Do you believe in ghosts?

YES. SO MUCH YES. It’s so creepy.

16)  Ever been addicted to a video/computer game? Which one(s)?

Yes. Think of any you can play on your phone and I’ve probably be addicted to it at some point.

17)  You’re given 1 million dollars, what do you spend it on?

Logically: bills- Student loans (mine and my husbands---told you I love you!), car payments, mortgage, etc. Illogically: SHOES.

18)  Have any bad habits?

Oh my word. SO MANY. I curse too much, I eat too much, I drive too fast. All the things.

19)  Which bad habits, if any, drive you crazy?

I HATE when people chew with their mouths open.

20)  List 3 of your best personality traits:

Loyalty, honesty, and sassy-ness (?)

21)  List 3 of your worst personality traits:

Judgmental, impulsive, angry.

22)  Have any celebrity crushes?

My list would be longer than this questionnaire.

23)  List 1 thing you wish you could change about yourself:

My height issue. Or I’d give myself a butt. Either one.

24)  Any tattoos or piercings?

Currently: ears pierced, and 4 tattoos.

25)  What’s the first thing you notice in the opposite sex?

Height, obvi.

26)  What personality traits do you look for in a partner?

Honesty, humor, intelligence, and compassion.

27)  What personality traits do you dislike in other people?

I HATE when people are too full of themselves. YES, confidence rocks but don’t go overboard.

28)  Do you see yourself getting married in the next 5 years?

I already am, and I don’t see myself getting a divorce and then remarried in 5 years. Too much work.

29)  Are you mostly a clean or messy person?

Depends. During the week, I’m a wreck. Especially my closet. But usually Thursday/Friday is when I start to really clean up after myself. Sunday is when I try to deep clean the house.

30)  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I love Charlotte, but I wouldn’t mind living in San Diego.

31)  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Italy.

32)  List 5 goals on your life’s to-do list:

Be happy, love life, cherish my husband, appreciate my family, and make our backyard into the perfect party yard.

33)  Name 1 regret you have:

Not finishing college.

34)  Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid:

No bills.

35)  Name 1 thing you love about being an adult:

I don’t have to wear pants if I don’t want to.

36)  What’s your favorite song of the moment?

Wildest Dreams.

37)  What’s your favorite song of all time?

Under the Bridge.

38)  What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?

Eat chocolate and lounge on the couch with my hubby. Or take a bath and read.

39)  What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?

Lay in bed. In the dark. Like a vampire.

40)  Have any hidden talents?

I’m really good at looking like I tried with my appearance when I really usually get ready in like 10 minutes.

41)  You’re about to walk the green mile, what do you have as your last meal?

Chicken adobo, lumpia, and turon.

42)  What would be your dream job?

Blogging, crafting, and styling from home.

43)  Which would you rather have, 100 million dollars or true love?

Well, since I have true love now, I’ll take that 100 million please.

44)  If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?

-Take away all of mine and my husband’s debt.

-Travel the world.

-Have a walk in closet filled with shoes, clothing, and purses the size of a house.

45)  Ever wish you were born the opposite sex? If so, why?

Yes. Each month when mother nature blesses me for not being pregnant, I wish I were a guy.

46)  Name 1 thing not many people know about you:

I was once in a drive by shooting. No, I was not shooting people.

47)  If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to?

Riley.

48)  Do you believe in the afterlife?

I guess.

49)  On the topic of abortion, how do you feel about cookies?

GIVE ME ALL THE COOKIES. Except the ones with almonds, keep those. I’m allergic. Actually, keep all the ones with nuts unless it’s peanut butter.

50)  What is your biggest fear?

That I die without being able to impact someone’s life in a positive way.



Until next time,
Dessie xoxo

Hiya!

It's another I heart Monday and I had so many things I love these last two weeks, it was hard to try and select only a few. First of all, visa news! You can read about it here if you are curious. And second of all, I think that every Monday is what YOU make it. I have seen no less than four people post something along the lines of 'F you Monday' or 'hoping that I can drink so much that I forget its Monday' etc. We get it, you hate Monday. My question is, why would you want to start your week like that? Typically Monday sets the tone for the rest of the week, so if you are hating life, then I bet life is going to hate you right back. Cut it out negative Nancy. 

On with the show! 

First up, this is my Great Grandma Conn's handwriting. She died in 2010, and I was in Shanghai so could not attend the funeral. Cue tears. Recently my Grandma Bishop gave me some of my Great Grandma's books about quilting (because I love a good quilting book) and mixed in with the quilting books were some of her bible study books. Whilst I am not terribly religious, she was. I absolutely love the 'I Love Jesus' WITH A HEART AROUND IT as if Jesus was her eighth grade crush in Jr. High School!

All of the things she wrote about are fascinating and I love hearing about how she lived her life. Even though these were bible study books (the kind where you listen to sermons and then fill in the blank) they told a lot about my grandma's character and devotion. She clearly had a very strong faith and I find that very admirable. She also wrote some things that I think anyone, religious or not, could relate to. Be bold. Don't give up. Persevere. That woman might've been old but she sure could spell! 

Even though she isn't here anymore, I still think about her often (I wear her wedding ring on my right hand, so literally everyday I can see her) and surprisingly I learn more about her every time I talk about her. I think thats awesome. 

Yeah I probably posted this on Instagram, in fact, I know I did, but this time it's not for the pants (trousers for you Brit folks), it's for the sandals!

I used to have a pair of Mulberry sandals that were super similar to this, and wore them to death for nearly three summers. Then they broke and I was devo'd. It's hard to find sandals that aren't all straps and sass and actually feel comfortable. Don't get me wrong, I love a sassy shoe, but I want something that's simple, easy to wear and don't cost a whole paycheque. 

Cue Old Navy. Really? RIGHT! That's what I said! These were $22.99 and I love them to death. Whilst they aren't 'I'm going to stand on my feet ALL DAY LONG' sandals, they are simple, easy to wear and comfy. SOLD. I might have to buy them in the burnt orange, and tan as well. 

I found Chvrches on I heart Radio and fell in love with their sound. It's quickly become my 'go to' album when I want to chill out, paint, do some work on the sewing machine...ok bascially all the time. I listen to them all of the time. They are a Scottish synthpop band formed in 2011 consisting of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty. Lauren is so freaking cute. I love her voice and think she is gorgeous. #girlcrush  

Even more than her smooth voice and killer looks, I love what she has to say about the objectification of women on the internet. She recently wrote an article for The Guardian stating 'I will not accept online misogyny.' The whole article is here and I completely love what she has to say. Recently I have noticed that people think they can hide behind the internet. They say anything and everything they want in the comment section and because they are at home at their computer or using their cell phone, they think it's ok to share whatever vulgar thing they want. NOT OK. 

Last but not least, @thebarmyfox is now on twitter! Go give us a follow to see what we are up to! 

There is so much to love about life, leave some of your current loves in the comments below!!! Don't be shy! 

Leave me some love, 

Tory xx

..........I GOT MY VISA!!!!! 

It feels so good to be able to breathe again. I feel like I have been drowning in nerves and anxiety and now all of a sudden I CAN BREATHE. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has sent me well wishes, messages of good luck, and positive vibes. Thanks to everyone who has sent so many emails and texts saying "Did you hear anything yet?". It means so much! 

For those of you who don't know the story, this is my third time, yes THIRD, applying for a spouse visa. The application process is not very clear, and there really isn't anyone to help you along the way unless you pay for someone to help you along the way. 

The first time, I was living in Shanghai and all of the instructions seemed pretty clear. Fill out the application. Submit it at the visa office in Shanghai. Awesome. What I didn't know is that you need loads of physical evidence of your relationship and marriage. Duh. But it did not say anything about that on the government site. So we paid and got denied. 

Second time, we learnt our mistake and got loads, LOADS of stuff. Photos of the wedding, pictures of us together from the past (nearly) three years, letters from friends saying that we were a legitimate couple. The whole nine yards. We got denied again. The certified copy of marriage in the states is not the same as in the UK and they did not believe that it was a real marriage certificate. There was also a money issue since both David and myself did not yet have a job in the UK. I completely understand, but we had saved loads of money. That was not enough. 

It came time for David to leave the states and we found out that David's dad had cancer. It made sense that he should go back to the UK to spend time with his dad, and start applying for a job. David got a job almost instantly and his father was getting treatments. He said he wanted to make it long enough to see me get my visa. So we were not messing around this time, and had a solicitor help us to apply. The idea was to submit the application six months after we met the money requirement, which meant we could apply May 11. Davids dad passed away on May 14. We got the visa back on June 8.

It has been a crazy process and I cannot believe we have had to go through all of this. We will have been a part for five months by the time I get to see David again, and we have spent our first year of marriage mostly away from each other. And of course there was a huge car accident in there somewhere, but thats a story for another day. 

I'm sure there will be a mushy "I love everyone" post closer to the time I leave the states for good, so until then, all I can say is THANK YOU. 

Now I need to plan my next adventure. 

Holy WOW!!! What a beautiful story!!!

I fear I may be raising your expectations too high for this book, but I really loved it. This review is extremely detailed so if you have not read the book yet, you may not want to continue…

My heart is just overflowing with emotions ♥

This is the first book I have read that was written by Colleen Hoover. I love the passion she conveys in her words, the depths of the connections she establishes between her characters, and the effortlessly beautiful style in this story is written.

Ugly Love is beautiful, sexy, and heart-wrenching. It's powerful, compelling, and emotionally charged with a unique storyline that was truly unlike any other I've read. For days after I finished reading, my mind would drift back to Miles and Tate and relive moments of their story because I just couldn't let go.
________________

I fell in love with the story on page one. You might think that the first page is a little early to proclaim undying love for a book but I instantly felt connected -- it was like I'd just stepped right into the story.

We first meet Tate when she moves in with her brother for a fresh start where her path quite literally crosses with airline pilot Miles Archer as he lies passed out drunk outside her new place. Despite her initial judgment of his character, she quickly learned there a whole side of himself he was hiding from the world -- a deep, bottomless pit of pain and sadness.

She wasn't looking for a relationship and he wanted nothing to do with love but they had an undeniably powerful attraction towards each other. Drawn together, but unwilling to give themselves wholly over, they agreed to a friends-with-benefits arrangement following Miles' two, unwavering rules that would forever keep a distance between them.

“Don’t ask about my past,” he says firmly.  “And never expect a future.”  

The more time they spent together, the more complicated things became as the lines between friendship and love began to blur. As Tate began to give her heart over, Miles fell further away. The pain of his past was so great that he never again would allow himself to fall in love. Not for any reason, or for anyone.

"It's not that I don't like you, Tate… I just don't want to like you. I don't want to like anyone . I don't want to date anyone. I don't want to love anyone."

However even through the most painful and ugly times, there's a healing power to love. This story left me emotionally drained but on the most amazing book high you can imagine. It was a powerful journey that showed how even after the worst possible devastation, love can always find a way.
________________

Every single moment while reading this book, I was feeling something, and feeling it strongly. It was thrilling, mysterious, sexy, alluring, emotional, it was everything in the exact perfect balance. From the start, it was clear that we were not seeing the full picture so each scene gave us another piece of the puzzle that was Miles' past. Everything just made me want to know more. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

Miles was such an intriguing character to try and figure out. Enigmatic. Mysterious. Smart. Sexy. Sensitive. His past so full of pain that it shut him away from wanting any hope for his future. Not only was he unable to move on, but he genuinely didn't want to.... and he was willing to do everything in his power, to sacrifice anything, to never again have to experience so much pain. Seeing him struggle internally with both his aversion to love and his growing attachment to Tate was just heartbreaking. His pain felt so real that I can honestly say, I've never wanted to hug a fictional character this much before.

"Tate," He says in a pained whisper. His face moves to my neck, and one of his hands grips my waist... His other hand moves to the back of my head as his lips rest against the skin of my neck. "What do I do?" He whispers. "What the fuck do I do?"

We were shown the story through both Miles and Tate's POVs in a mix of both present day storylines and flashbacks. The present was told from Tate's perspective and, because of how mysterious Miles was, we got to see flashbacks from his POV six years earlier. And as these little pieces of his past slowly began to line up with his behaviour in the present, I was able to begin putting together the real story he was hiding.

He kept so much hidden that all the little things between them -- the hint of a smile, the stroke of a thumb, a quick glance -- became so much more powerful and meaningful. And because of the build up of all these little moments, when Miles and Tate finally got together it was explosive!

"The couch or your bed?" he whispers.
"Both," I reply.

But on a more serious note.... The more I read, the closer I got to discovering the source of Miles' pain and when it hit, it was gut-wrenching!!! I can honestly say that few character's backstories have ever made my heart shatter as Miles' did. I cried -- no, sobbed -- so much that I could no longer see the words and so I just sat there with tears steaming down my face absorbing the huge emotions this story evoked.

"If I were capable of loving someone… it would be you."

I want to promise you though that this story is worth every tear because the way all the pieces of the story come together was absolutely gorgeous. The ending will leave you with a joyous feeling but the journey to get there is not an easy one. It's beautiful but so broken. Ugly love.

Until the next chapter, 

Kari

This book is now being made in to a movie. Below is a teaser trailor:

This week's Tuesday Tip was sent in by Veronica! I am so excited to share it (and to try it myself!) because I love the beach, but hate all that sand. It sticks everywhere and doesn't seem to go away.

Here is the perfect solution!!

Have you tried this before??Did it work for you? Let us know!!!

If you have a tip that you know is a winner, don't be shy! Send it over for a chance to get featured on The Barmy Fox!!

Leave us some love,

Tory xx

Did it work?! Send us your before/after photos to see how well you did, or leave a comment below!

Leave us some love!!

Tory xx

I thought for a minute that I wouldn't do it anymore, or maybe change it to something else, but then I started to remember the reason behind it. WHY I wanted to start an I heart Monday series and why it meant so much to me. 

I started this because I wanted people to think about the things they love (or heart) in their life. Life is not always full of rainbows and unicorns, and sometimes it's straight up, pardon me, bullshit. I started this because I needed some reasons to smile, and started searching for them each week. 

Monday is the hardest day of the week for me, and always has been. There are some people who wake up on Monday morning with a smile on their face, drink their coffee and sing all the way to work. I do all of those things too, although begrudgingly. I am not naturally a happy person in the morning. It's something I 'put on' like my clothes. I purposely wake up extra early. Take a long bath. Have a coffee. Maybe some breakfast. I give myself extra time to wake up and get in the mood for the week. 

Just writing the I heart Monday post makes me excited for Monday! I'm so thrilled to share all of the things I love with you, in hopes that you too will have a great start to your week. 

6. This quote. I know I've shared it before, but can't quite get it out of my head. I love this so much because it is so me. I found out who I am in Shanghai, and made loads of friends from all over the globe. I met my husband there, and that was the first city in which we fell in love. We travelled to Thailand and the Philippines, and I left a little of my heart in those places too. We went to England and I started to fall in love with each town I went to, and all the friends I met there. And then I took David to the lake, to where I first left a piece of my heart. 

I know that even though I don't live in China anymore, it will always have a huge chunk of my heart. It's hard to think about moving to another place, because I already know of a place that is so special to me. But that's the exciting part; that I get to do all of this all over again with David, meet loads of new people and hopefully leave another piece of my heart in another country as well. 

What are you loving this week?! It could be a product that you can't live without, an experience that you enjoyed or just a quiet moment during the week. We want to know!!! 

Do share with others, and spread the love! 

And whilst you're at it, leave ME some love!

Tory xx