S.J Magnolia's Blog, page 3

Thirsty Thursday

Back again with another Thirsty Thursday and today I’m talking about all things body care. Last week I covered what I love to use for my skincare routine so this week is my must-haves for my body. I love my Monat products and my Caudalie products which I have one of each I use but my obsession is Frank’s body care. It’s all-natural, made from coffee grounds, and is perfect for exfoliating that dry skin away, helping your skin look younger and healthier, and most importantly improves the look of stretch marks and reducing cellulite which as a mother with curves is fantastic. So let’s get started with the in-shower care.

Coconut Coffee Scrub by Frank body. It’s messy so be forewarned. It’s a deep exfoliant because of the coffee grounds so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone with really sensitive skin and don’t like a really rough scrub. I however love it.

Express-O coffee scrub. This is the one I use if I’m in more of a hurry but still want to exfoliate while fixing some of my problem areas. It is more gentle than the coffee scrub above but still very effective.

Glycolic Body Scrub. This is a favorite for the family when they suffer from bumps and acne breakouts on the chest and back etc. It exfoliates removing dirt, and oils and helps clear up unwanted spots.

Monat Moisturize and Replenish Body Wash for an all over clean leaving my skin smooth and smelling great.

Perky Sculpting Body Hydrator. One of my after shower go to. This moisturizer helps firm skin while hydrating and is designed for your tush. I should also mention when you’re all done using it,give a clean and it’s a to-go coffee cup.

Booty Drops firming oil. Kind of speaks for itself in the name but it gives your booty a little pick me up..

Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift and Firm Body cream. This is for the rest of my body helping with firmness, and hydration, and reducing the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and cellulite.

Lockdown entertainment. I got a wee bit tipsy, ran a bath, donned a bikini climbed in with my tequila and put scrub all over my legs, and pictured a beach setting. A good laugh was had by all and it helped cheer me up.

Shenanigans were had, the party was fun. The hangover, not so much, lol x

That’s a wrap on this weeks Thirsty Thursday. Franks body can be found at http://www.franksbody.com, Monat of coarse can be found through your local rep and Caudalie can be found in Sephora stores or online at http://www.caudalie.com. I couldn’t recommend these products enough but again find the products that meet your needs and work for you.

Love, an exfoliated, refreshed Magnolia xx

Trippin Tuesday on a Wednesday (oops)

Our first edition of Trippin Tuesday will be about this magical bookstore I found in Calgary, Alberta. It’s not really magical to anyone other than me so that is my story and I’m sticking to it. My friend and I were on our way back from a hike in Lake Louise which will be another post because it was awesome and I had heard of the store before but had never had the chance to visit so we figured why not?

The name of this magical haven is The Next Page and is located in the Inglewood community in Calgary. Frankly, that whole stretch of 9th Ave had some really cool stores along it, definitely worth a stroll. But back to the book store when I walked in I just felt at home if that makes sense. It’s in an older style building with a rolling ladder that makes you want to glide along the shelves. ( I will have one of those in my house one day lol) , old typewriters and displays throughout the store that catch your eye.

The display window …..

My favorite part besides everything I listed above is downstairs where you’ll find the used book section, and the seed library where you can borrow and lend seeds for the garden enthusiasts. And chairs are set up theatre style where they play old movies. I sat down and lost myself in the movie, the music, and the space. I couldn’t even tell you what was playing that day I was lost in the moment and how I felt.

That Beautiful wall of books and the ladder I wanted to play on.

“Please don’t touch me”

Gorgeous display

Downstairs in the used section. They will purchase used books for cash or store credit. Intake for used books are Mon-Fri during business hours.

Where time stood still and I was lost in the moment…..

Another view of the theatre set-up. They also have Toonie Tuesday movie nights in this space.The Seed Lending Library

If you are ever in the Inglewood area of Calgary I definitely recommend making this a stop. They are amazing here, if they don’t have it in stock they will gladly order it in for you. I hope to see my book on their shelf one day. I’m manifesting lol look it up.

Till my next adventure,

Love, Daydreaming Magnolia x

Savvy Bookstagram Saturday

For this edition of our new segment Savvy Bookstagrammer Saturday. Today we will get to know Nikki from @lived_athousandlives. I stumbled across Nikki’s account almost by accident and been a avid follower ever since. Let’s get to it.

The gorgeous Nikki x

1). I follow you on Instagram and love seeing your content but say I had never seen your feed/reels and I asked you to describe it, what would you tell me?

N). Thank you for following and I appreciate your support of my content! I create digital eyeshadow palettes by selecting the colors from a book cover. I use a nine pan template. Where the original colors meet gets blended to create new shades. Then I choose 3-4 of the shades to lay a shimmer effect on. Sometimes, I’ll put a design on the shades or even the palette itself. I’ll also sometimes create extra products such as single shadows.

Book Cover palettes

2). FYI, I am in love with the palettes, how did the idea come about?

N). I got the idea from watching different TikTok users do it for random pop culture characters. They were mostly doing it for nostalgic cartoons. Disney princesses, Sailor Moon, Powder Puff Girls, etc. I loved watching them. I collect eyeshadow palettes and love watching people create art. Had the idea to make it bookish and went with it. It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve gained an amazing community and so many close friends from it. 

A few more because they are gorgeous and I love them x

3). How long have you been on Instagram, or should I say Bookstagram?

N). I started Bookstagram at the end of May of last year.

4).Your profile says you Alpha/beta/ARC read for authors; can you explain the difference between those types of readers?

N). An Alpha reader is getting to read the book as it’s being written. So chapter by chapter. I’ve been in a Google document watching an author write in real time and giving opinions in the moment.

A Beta reader is getting to read the book after it’s been written but is still in the edit/developmental stage. Authors are typically looking for opinions on flow and if any changes need to be made. This is also the stage where if needed, sensitivity readers can be asked to make sure the book is written respectfully and with care.

An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) reader gets the completed work. Mostly outside of the edit stage but before it gets published. This is similar to a soft launch or a control group. Authors hoping to get a larger consensus of how people will react, catch any last minute errors, and hopefully get the word out that people love the book before it’s released.

5).What’s your favorite part of being an Alpha/Beta/ ARC for authors?

N). I love being part of the creative process. I have learned so much about what goes into writing, editing, and publishing a book. If readers knew half of what goes into it, they would be amazed. I had no clue prior to this. I am in awe of how difficult and time consuming it is. Then seeing it published and in the hands of readers…terrifying and amazing. Kudos to anyone willing to put themselves out there like that!

6). Tell us what your top 3 favorite genres to read?

N). Oh man. That’s tough. I read quite a bit, so it’s hard to choose. But if I have to pick…I’m going to go with Paranormal/fantasy, Mafia, and Hockey…all of which being romance.

7). What is your favorite trope?

N). Another hard one! There are so many I love haha. Going to go with “I’ll burn the world down for her.”

8). Do you create content full-time? If no, is that something you are working towards, and if yes, do you have advice for people that wish to do the same?

N). Sadly, I do not. I wish! I would love to eventually. I’d say the most important thing is to build a community for yourself. Grow your circle with people who will love and support you.

9).Do you set reading goals each year? If yes, what is your goal for this year?

N). I have set a goal but have sadly fallen behind on it. Last year my goal was 300 and I read 331, I think. The year before that I read 368. This year my goal is 365 but life has been busier than ever and I don’t believe I’ll meet that. Which is ok! I just love to read and meeting my goal would be awesome but it’s not a big deal if I don’t.

10). If you could describe your dream reading corner, what would it look like and what couldn’t you live without besides books of course lol

N). I would love to have a bay window but instead of a bench, have a big comfy bed built in. With beautiful dark wood shelves lining the walls. Plush couches and a recliner to change up the seating options. Oh and don’t forget about the fireplace!

11). Is there a genre you absolutely wouldn’t read?

N). I stay away from overtly religious themes. However, I do make some exceptions…such as Priest by Sierra Simone.

12).When you’re not creating content, what else do you like to do?

N). I love to have game/tv nights with my friends. Catan and The Mandalorian being the current ones. 

13).Tell me three things about you that I’ll find interesting?

N). I am working towards being in a place where I can start my Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. I have held a young snow leopard while at a wildlife sanctuary. I have a couple book ideas and would like to get them going.

Cuteness overload….

14).Beverage of choice when reading? Do you snack when you read? favorite snack?

N). Sweet tea! I very rarely snack while reading. If I do though, it’s usually salted sunflower seeds.

15).How would an author go about getting their book featured in your feed?

N). They can leave me a request as a comment or send me a dm.

Thank you so much Nikki for joining us today and anyone that would like to pop over to either TikTok or Instagram and give Nikki a follow here are her handles. @lived_athousandlives.

Love, bookish Magnolia xx

Psssstttttt …….. Nikki will be doing a palette of my book cover and I can’t wait to share it.

Fan Fiction Friday

On this edition of Fan Fiction Friday I get to introduce the delightful June Harding. I’ve also had the pleasure of arc-reading all three books in her debut trilogy and hopelessly fell in love with all the characters, the story, and the gritty, messy love story of it all so my first question is:

The delightful June Harding

1). Describe your trilogy in 5 words or less for anyone thinking of delving into your books for the first time?

J). Sexy, dark, fantasy, romance, uncomfortable

Book 1 Thicker Than Gold

2). Being your debut novel’s what would you say you are most proud of having completed the trilogy and it’s out in the world?

J). I definitely didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started writing a trilogy. Knowing now the copious amounts of work it takes to publish a single book, I’m not sure I could ever do it again. Ignorance was a key factor for these books! But I’m so glad I was able to finish it all, and I’m definitely proud of myself for pushing through.

3). Is there anything about the whole process of self-publishing you really disliked? Did anything surprise you about the process?

J). I never intended to self publish these books actually. I was only going to submit them to publishers and if they didn’t get picked up, of well. But then by the end I’d really fallen in love with the world and the characters, and I wanted to share them with people. The whole self publishing journey has been a steep learning curve. I couldn’t find a single comprehensive video or instruction list of what to do when. When do you need the covers by? When do you put your book up for pre-order? How do you get your book onto sites like Goodreads? I cried so many times trying to publish these books, but I got there, and I’m glad I did.

4). How long have you been writing?

J). I started writing when I was a kid. I loved making up stories. All that took a backseat when I grew up, and I only recently got back into it.

Book 2 Brighter than Gold

5). What inspired you to get into writing?

J). BookTok! I was reading all the top book recommendations, and thought, “I can do this.” I wanted to write the kind of books that I wanted to read, and there was no kink-fantasy out there at the time.

6). What gave you the idea for the topic?

J). The Gold series initially started off as an entirely different book. I think there were about 4-5 POVs, and written very Game Of Thrones like, very high-fantasy. By the time I got to the middle of book two, I knew whose story I wanted to tell, and that was Reyah’s. She was the easiest to write, and I just knew where her head was at. So everyone else got stripped down, and I re-wrote the entire thing from her standpoint. I think it helps to enrich the world as well, there is a whole story of how the four Kings came to unite, there is so much more to the relationship between Yates and Burke, and I think that lends to enrich the Gold Series.

7). Did you have to research any aspects of the book?

J).Mostly army stuff, rankings, uniforms, and armor.

8). What does the writing process look like for you?

J). My writing process changes from book to book. I didn’t plot a damn thing for the Gold Series, I just wrote what made me happy. But I did find it difficult to wrap things up the way I wanted at the end. “Know your ending” is such sage advice. All I knew was that I wanted to see Reyah with the crown on her head at the end

Book 3 Stronger Than Gold

9). The dynamics of the main characters are so unique in their complexity. Love is so fluid for the FMC, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but was that intentional with her?

J). Very intentional. I wanted her to have her great love story, but it was never going to be with Kaspian. The lack of emotion and love that she gave him was all very intentional. This is why I used “uncomfortable” as one of the words to describe the book, I wanted the ready to be on the fence about things, and not know who to root for.

10).It was such a refreshing and interesting approach to have all these different representations of relationships from traditional to purely sexual to same-sex, polyamory, and beautifully written as well. Is having these different viewpoints, and representations important to you?

J). Yes! All these different lifestyles are massively important to me. I don’t believe in rigid sexualities. I live a life style where people around me are free and fluid without an ounce of judgment, and it’s incredible. Reyah’s journey also helped me explore my own feelings about polyamory, and how loving two people at once isn’t always easy, but it can be truly beautiful.

11).Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to take that leap and write their first novel?

J). Just write. Write and write and write. Something will strike you and then you’ll get swept up in it. But also READ! A Lot. When I’m writing fantasy, I’m ready fantasy. If I’m writing a romcom, I’m reading a romcom. It helps keep me in that headspace and can spawn new ideas for your own story.

12). We want the inside scoop, so what’s next for you?

J). Well the cat is out of the bag now, but my queer romcom, Two Best Men will be available next month! I started it as an exercise to see if I could wrap my brain around writing modern fiction after having written 3 fantasy novels, and ended up falling in love with my two main characters.

Thank you so much for joining us today June and I’m happy to report I get to ARC read her new book Two Best Men before its release so keep an eye out for a future review post. You can find All three books in the Gold Trilogy on Amazon. You can also stalk, follow, and like June on TikTok and Instagram @junehardingauthor.

Till Next time,

Love, an enlightened and open-minded Magnolia xx