Thrillers I want to read | TBR

I have many many books on my TBR on GoodReads but you don't want to hear about all of them here. This year I want to get back into the Thriller genre. I've read a fair amount of John Grisham and James Patterson, whilst I've read and enjoyed their books, I've read enough from those two chaps. I'm really looking for some Thrillers from female authors, as men really dominate the market from my experience of the genre. So here are 5 books I want to read.

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

2. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

3. Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott

4. Into The Water by Paula Hawkins

5. The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld

I desperately wanted this to be a post with 10 books, if reading this you have any recommendations from female, lLGBTQ+, BAME and any other under represented groups I would love to hear from you!

Feminism and Me 2019

Happy International Women's Day!!!

Today I thought I would chat/braindump about my relationship with feminism. I last wrote about feminism in 2017 two whole years ago, I have matured from then but I still have a lot to learn. Since then I have become less naive seeing how different aspects of people's identity has a direct impact on their paths through life. I would now say I am an intersectional feminist, my blinkers have started to fade away and I can see that the fight for equality is not as simple as it seems. 

Also since writing the post the #MeToo movement has seen dramatic and much needed rise in momentum, most notably with the Harvey Weinstein scandal. Since I last wrote on the topic more people are openly feminist and the stigma surrounding the word seems to have eased. ‘The original purpose of "Me Too" as used by Tarana Burke in 2006, was to empower women through empathy, especially young and vulnerable women. In October 2017, Alyssa Milano encouraged using the phrase as a hashtag to help reveal the extent of problems with sexual harassment and assault by showing how many people have experienced these events themselves.' Since then changes have started to be made most notably harassment in the workplace men having to stop and think about what they are saying and somehow only in the 21st century are realising their actions have CONSEQUENCES. They can be told to fuck off, disciplined, fired, taken to court - depending on what exactly they have done.

I have also tried to start educating myself, being aware of what I am consuming.  Last year I read Why I Am No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge, which looks indepthly at the ingrained structural racism in society, which white people aren't even aware of and the ignorance of BAME peoples experience. This was one of my favourite books from last year, but I really need to read it again to let the dense information in this book sink in more thoroughly.  

Jess Phillips MP for Birmingham Yardley has recently been in the news for the Olive speech in the House of Commons.

"Since I was elected I have met many people who earn way more than £30,000 and have literally no discernible skills, not even one.

"I met none before - I thought I had met posh people before I came here, but I had actually just met people who eat olives.

"I had no idea of how posh a person could be.

"Waitrose is apparently not the marker for being really, really posh.

"There is a lovely Waitrose in Birmingham Hall Green; it is the one I like to frequent.

"I have not necessarily met such people in this place, although there is a smattering.

"I would not let some of those very rich people who earn huge amounts of money hold my pint if I had to go and vote while in the bar.

"Because they would almost certainly do it wrong."

She is one of only a few MP's who have a no nonsense attitude, who knows what she stands for and her beliefs. Her book Everywoman was an eye opening read and empowering. In fact when I gave it to Grace for Christmas, before I knew it it had been passed around her work place for all her colleagues to read.

Right to conclude this wordy post, in 2019 I now identify as an intersectional feminist, there have been massive steps forwards for Women's rights (not enough alas!) and I am trying to become more educated and woke, so I can speak more eloquently on things that matter to me.

Resources:
Books!
Feminists Don't Wear Pink and Other Lies curated by Scarlett Curtis a great book to start out on your feminist journey/discovery
The Guilty Feminist (book) by Deborah Francis-White for an overview and wide angle
Becoming Michelle Obama one of the most anticipated books of the year, Michelle's account of the journey from Chicago to the White House
Animal by Sara Pascoe examining how the animal within the human race effects the relationship between men, women and the patriarchy
Every Woman by Jess Phillips a feminist take on parent-hood to labour politics to domestic abuse
Why I Am No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge what it says on the front cover
Podcasts!
The Guilty Feminist
Feminists Don't Wear Pink and Other Lies
Instagram!
I Weigh
The Insecure Girls Club
YouTube!
Leena Norms
Rowan Ellis

In all of the above categories I am looking for more by BAME, LGBT and other under represented people.

Then finally to finish this mammoth post off, a truly iconic advert voiced by Serena Williams

My 2018 To Be Read

This year I am determined to get my reading back on track, looking at the list below it is definitely weighted towards non-fiction. I feel some of that is to do with me wanting to be less ignorant about the world and be more informed.

In no particular order...

1. Balancing Acts by Nicholas Hytner
Before receiving this as a gift I had no idea this book existed. It is about Nichola Hytner's time as Artistic Director of the National Theatre. I will get to read about hugely successful productions such as Warhorse, but also about broadening the theatre audience and changing perception of theatre. Which are two things I am extremely interested in, working in theatre myself.

2. The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman
This book has extremely mixed reviews, something about the blurb and cover intrigued me. A magical realism novel set in New York around a side walk Freak Show. Coralie daughter of the impresario running the freak show and runaway photographer Eddie meet.

3. The F Word by Lily Pebbles
Potentially one of the books I'm most excited to read this year. This all about female friendship, something not hugely portrayed as important in the media, but yet is so central to mine and many other women's lives.

4. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
The book is a culmination of a massive research project looking at how people find love and relationships in the 2010's, following comedian Aziz Ansari's run in with a girl who didn't reply to his text about a second date, left him on a spiral of thoughts of why he didn't know how to deal with the situation. Yet years ago people seemingly found romance more easily.

5. What Happened by Hillary Clinton
Mainly out of curiosity I want to read this, like many people around the world I was shocked when she did not win. Yes, I'm aware she has been somewhat controversial and she wouldn't have been perfect. The questions is still how.

6. The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler
As the title suggests this is an episodic play, each monologue discusses and explores different parts of the feminine experience. I would love to see this performed live also. It was described by the New York Times as on of the most important  pieces of political theatre in the 1990's.

7. The Power by Naomi Alderson
Fiction alert! The premise of this is that girls, gain the power to produce electricity, switching from Men having power in a patriarchal society to women and the effects this has on all aspects of life. It sounds extremely interesting.

8. Everywoman by Jess Philips
I'd say compare to most I'm into politics, but not as much as I would like to be. Everywoman is written by Birmingham Labour MP, giving an insight in what it's like to be a woman in parliament, as well as how she got there and about being a woman in general. I got sucked in on the 'Look Inside' pages on Amazon.

9. Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
This featured in a few 2017 Book Favourite videos in the BookTube community. As a somewhat privileged white person I am ignorant about the issues and history of race and racism in my own country, and I shouldn't be, because whilst I am not a racist person my ignorance is still part of the problem.

I'm eager to get reading all the books on this list, I've actually taken the time to do some research, and now hopefully I am making myself accountable.

Gift Guide 1 🎄 Over £15

Hello, welcome to my first Gift Guide the price range covered here is extremely broad so there will be something for all budgets. Its slightly tailored to be female, but some of the presents are either or. Plus its 2017 who says presents should be limited to a gender.

Tech Gifts
Tech can be expensive to buy yourself, but is really nice to receive as a gift as you wouldn't always think to get it for yourself plus it is likely to be present that is used regularly, so will be really appreciated by the receiver.

1. HP Sprocket 2. Apple Watch 3. Lumie Body Clock

Coffee Table Books
If you are a similar age to me, people are moving into their first proper homes, whether they have got their shit together to buy one or are just renting. I think a coffee table book is a lovely gift, which show how sophisticated they are as well as showing off an aspect of their personality to guests. Here are three suggestions. Places such as Urban Outfitters and Oliver Bonas really excel at these kind of books.

1. Oliver Bonas 2. Amazon 3. Urban Outfitters

Beauty Lovers
Boots is the place to go for beauty gifts that won't break the bank, they literally have so many gift sets for all different age groups. Here are my picks.

1. Liz Earle Make Everyday Radiant 2. NYX Travel Kit 3. Soap and Glory Spa of Wonder

Of course you don't have to go to Boots here are some more beauty gifts.

1. Beauty Icons Gift Set Charlotte Tilbury 2. Fresh Lip Trio 3. Miss Dior Gift Set

Relaxing
2017 has been quite a year, what is needed around Christmas time is some self indulgent spa like relaxing times in the comfort of your home. I would seriously love all of these gifts under the tree on Christmas Day.

1. Aromatherapy Time for Sleep 2. Diptyque Christmas Candle 3. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Duet

Luxury
Welcome to the part of my Christmas wish list which is just dreaming, but if you have the budget and someone you would like to spend series ££££ on this year this section is for you.

1. Coach Jumper 2. Gucci Marmont Bag 3. Burberry Scarf

Tomorrow's post is full of stocking fillers all £15 and under!

Thanks for popping by

xxx

Feminist TBR | Women's Week

On Wednesday this week, it is International Women's Day, so I thought this week I would share the love of women. Starting of this week with some feminist books I want to read. Personally most of the books I read are by women but I would say they are more "fluffy", but the fact they are written by women, when most books that have been published are by men, that is feminism right there. But here are some books I believe are more overtly feminist.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Francesca Cavallo

This is doing the rounds on BookTube, the women featured look really interesting and the illustrations look gorgeous.

A Woman's Work by Harriet Harman

In case you didn't know is a Labour MP, the book is about how she managed to become an MP, when the odds were extremely against her. This satisfies my feminist and political interests.

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler

As the title suggests this is an episodic play, each monologue discusses and explores different parts of the feminine experience. I would love to see this performed live also. It was described by the New York Times as on of the most important  pieces of political theatre in the 1990's.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The only book out of this selection, currently on my book shelves. The musical of the book will be touring the US after a period of time on Broadway. This pullitzer prize winning book, explores the lives of African-American women in the southern states of America, this isn't a period of time that I know a lot about, its hugely important to be aware of the past - and I'm excited to read the book.

How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
I've read seriously mixed reviews of this book. From what I can gather it is a series of essays...and not for people who are easily offended by humour. This book when it came out was very popular on the internet, and Moran has since written more books.

xxx

Book Haul 2017

Just a quick little post just to let you know, a Book Haul is currently up on my channel! It would mean the world to me if you could like my video and subscribe to me.

Books mentioned:
Spectacles by Sue Perkins
Twist by Martha Collison
The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
The Queen of Whale Cay by Kate Summerscale
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
All We Shall Know by Donal O'Ryan
Bloom by Estee Lalonde
Animal Farm by George Orwell
On the Other Side by Carrie Hope Fletcher
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Color Purple by Alice Walker 

If you ever want to know what I'm reading follow me on Goodreads!

Whilst on the topic of YouTube and Books I would like to mention some of my favourite BookTubers, BookTube is a whole new world to me, so is exciting. I'm really loving Ariel Bisset, her passion and enthusiasm for books and life is intoxicating, as well as inspiring me to read Ariel brightens my day. Another favourite is Sanne of Books and Quills, she is originally from the Netherlands and currently working at Penguin! She has lots of inside knowledge and seems like the loveliest person. If you have any BookTube recommendations let me know.

Finally if you want another book post, click here to see what I thought of all the books I read last year!

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

2016: A year in reading

My aim in 2016, was to read 12 books in 12 months, however a new job meant that finding time to read and have a life became dramatically reduced. Alas, I managed to squeeze in 11, so not too bad after all.

Book 1: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

During 2014/15 this book I felt was super hyped up, this book I listened to on audible, so I don't know how that effected my experience of this book. Personally I felt this book took about half the book to get going, until it actually became a thriller. But once the plot started to get moving I couldn't stop listening until I found out what the ending was. Potentially a little disappointing for a thriller but definitely an enjoyable listen/read.

Book 2: The Woman in the Picture by Katharine McMahon

I picked this book up on a whim in a charity shop, so had no expectation. I would say this was one of my favourite books of this year. Honestly it was such a long time ago now that I read it so my memory of the plot has faded.

Book 3: Spectacle by Sue Perkins

There is no doubt that this book had the biggest impact on me this year, culminating with seeing Sue live on stage in September. This book has endearing moments as well as many funny moments from Sue's childhood. If you know me in real life, you will certainly agree this book has impacted for certain.

Book 4: The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Not one of my favourites to read, but could definitely have the prize for the prettiest book. I think this was just so different to what I usually read that I just didn't know what to make of it. Perhaps I will read it a few years down the line and I might've sussed it. (Vaguest mini review ever - You're welcome)

Book 5: Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher

I've said it before, I will say it again. I love the way Giovanna writes, it is such a pleasure to read. I think this is my favourite book by Gi, I thought the concept of a romantic novel was switched around a bit and wasn't predictable.

Book 6: P.S I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

This book was a let down, personally I found it really boring. There is nothing more to say here.

Book 7: Mad About the Boy (Bridget Jones #3 by Helen Fielding)

Like the predecessors to this Bridget Jones book it is written in a colloquial manner, as it is diary entries. This book made me giggle, and I read it in 10 days according to Good Reads and I think that is always a good sign if you read a book fairly quickly.

Book 8: Always with Love by Giovanna Fletcher

This novel follows on from Giovanna's debut novel Billy and Me (which I read last year), it follows how Sophie copes with Billy's movie star lifestyle. I did enjoy this book, but not as much as Dream a Little Dream which I had read earlier in the year.

Book 9: Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey

I enjoyed reading this so much that I gave it, its own review back in September, click here to read it.

Book 10: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

YouTube completely hyped up this book, so I felt I had to read it. It was a good YA but I really feel that the ending was unnecessary and could have finished on a higher note. If you are a younger reader I think you would enjoy this book.

Book 11: The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

An ideal book to read in the run up to Christmas. As an adult (lol need to come to terms with that) I was unsure to what extent I would enjoy this, but I really did. I loved the story and the illustrations throughout. Highly recommend!

So there we are all the books I read last year! Here's to another year of reading. On a side note, I do hope to get this blog up and running to some extent, so stick around!!

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

Elizabeth is Missing | Book Review

This book changed my perception of Dementia. I mean I knew a fair about amount it in 2014 my Nan passed away after suffering for years with Vascular. It was terrible to watch this person fade away from the loving Nan I had known for my whole life. No longer did she tell me stories of her childhood, at the end of her life she needed round the clock care and a live in carer.  

In short what is Dementia? 'a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.' However this is an umbrella term for many different illnesses, more info available on Dementia UK.

Dementia is a huge issue in our ageing society, something which is overlooked in day to day news. I believe everyone should read this book because it gives an insight in to a mind suffering with Dementia.

The main character in this book is Maud. The narrative is written in both the past (just post world war 2) and now in the present. The past is written with a lot more clarity, as people with Dementia generally remember the past a lot more clearly than say what happened last Tuesday. The genius in this piece of writing is that of the present as you struggle along with Maud to work out what is happening in the narrative, as she forgets who own family, when she is, what she is doing, but having brief moments of remembering. 

Throughout Maud is looking for her friend Elizabeth, to remember this she keeps notes in her pockets  'Elizabeth is Missing' along with anything else important. Whilst in the past there is the mystery of her missing sister Sukey, as it runs in parallel throughout the novel.

This is my favourite book I have read this year, whilst it was enjoyable to read it was also challenging. Please read this it will be well worth your time.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

January Favourites

Hello! I'm posting this a little on the late side, I feel like I've done quite a few 'look back' posts in January. I've linked what I can if your like the look of anything ☺️

My beauty favourite for this month is the Sephora Matte lip cream in 01. When people like Amelia Liana started taking about it I was immediately sold, and had it on the mental beauty wish list in my head. Finally I got my hands on it when Grace returned from the motherland of Sephora (USA). I talked about this in my lipstick collection, here.

Fashion favourite of the month has to be my 'Queen of Naps' sweatshirt. It's perfect to wear when you want to be comfy, but still look relatively stylish.

Accessory wise its my pineapple Skinny Dip phone case, cliche as hell, but look how cute it is! I totally didn't get this pink iPhone because I knew it would look nice with this case...

My music favourite is the 'This Girl Can' playlist on Spotify, which was put together by Pippa Hamilton. Which I have been using whilst I'm at the gym it has a huge range of styles and is perfect to keep me going.

DVD favourite is Michael McIntyre's 'Happy and Glorious'. He has been my favourite comedian for years and never ceases to make me laugh.

The book I'd been reading in January was 'The Woman in the Picture' by Katherine McMahon. Its about Evelyn a lawyer in London during the 1920's. Its one of the best books I have rest in the past few months.

My final favourite was Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. When I unwrapped this at Christmas I was so excited, I immediately put on the kettle. Its well known I'm a big fan of the PSL, for the time being I can have it all year round.

And that's it! Thanks for popping by!

xxx

2015 Favourites

Hello! I know I'm late on this one... So I thought I'd make this into a super quick post both to do and read! All these have been written about in more detail in my monthly favourites.

Soundtrack of 2015
Taylor Swift 1989
The Theory of Everything

Film of 2015
Into The Woods

TV Series of 2015
Pretty Little Liars
Downton Abbey

Books of 2015
How to fall in love by Cecelia Ahern

My Animals and Other Family by Clare Balding

Favourite Blogpost of 2015
'What Fashion Bloggers Really Wear'

Favourite Photo of 2015

Brighton Sunset

Bake of 2015
Sweet Potato Brownies

Bath Product of 2015
Pink Flamingo Bubble Bar

Make Up Item of 2015

Lip Combination Mac Soar and Mehr

Nail Polish of 2015
Barry M Red Black

Clothing Item of 2015

Pink Cat Sweater

I hope you enjoyed this super quick post!

xxx

November Favourites | Blogmas Day 6

Hello again! This week I filmed my first ever favourites video, I have done favourites on the blog before, but yay new things. I hope you enjoy the video :)

Just a quick shout out for Mince Pies if you don't watch the video! I LOVE MINCE PIES!!!

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

May Favourites

Hello. May has not served us well weather wise, in fact it really has not been great, it was like it went on a total rewind putting two middle fingers up at us Brits! Hence why my Favourites this month is very much indoors based!

Lily Pebbles
I am having a massive Lily Pebbles moment right now. First off every week day at 6.30 pm I have been waiting patiently for her Every Day May videos, there is something about her vlogs which make me feel so content and happy. I am also really into reading her blog at the moment which a couple of months back had a makeover, of recent times my favourite blogpost was her one on Epilators, I like posts on 'unspoken' beauty at the moment. Finally a shoutout to Lily's snapchat, I love seeing her daily activities in the short 10 second clips I really feel like I've gotten to know Lily this month. ANDDD rave over. But seriously, loving everything she is doing ATM.

Deliciously Ella

Being the pro internet surfer I am, if I got paid for the amount of time I spent on the internet not doing much I would be earning a hefty amount. I now follow Ella on Instagram, which makes me feel guilty for that cheeky slice of chocolate cake from Waitrose. I love to browse through her recipes on her website, last week I made the Mediterranean Vegetable Spaghetti for my mummy and I, I didn't tell my mum it was a vegan recipe and she loved it. Also on Thursday you will see my slightly edited version of Sweet Potato Brownies.

12 MONTHS 12 BOOKS
Read about my (lack of) history with reading - here.

How to Fall in Love by Cecelia Ahern

My Dad rolled his eyes when I told him what I was going to read. This isn't a soppy tale though, no it is not, apart from the last two chapters. The bulk of this book is Christine trying to help Adam rediscover happiness in his life, after attempting to commit suicide. Christine is not a therapist, but runs a recruitment agency, she tries to follow advice from 'How to books'. They aim to try and get Maria back (Adam's gf who cheated on Adam with Adam's best friend). I think you can guess how the book ends. It is a bit fairy tale like I guess, but I feel that's how falling in love should be, something that happens naturally when you're not necessarily looking for it.

So I excelled myself this month and got onto book number 2 *applause*

The Racketeer by John Grisham
Good book, fast pace. I really enjoyed this book up until half way, when I began to really dislike Malcolm/Max the protagonist in this book. He was demeaning towards women, oh and the rest of society. He literally thinks he is so bloody smart. From page 200 I wanted whatever his plan was to fail. However it was good to read a different kind of book, broadening my horizons. UPDATE, I still dislike the character but towards the end of the book its more about the action, rather than what Malcolm/Max is thinking and scheming. However this not a book I would recommend.

To continue the reading theme, I find it easiest and most relaxing to read with some kind of background music. This month for my second book, I read with the Imitation Game soundtrack playing. Also Good Reads, if you haven't heard of it, its a social media sight for books. I've found it really helpful for picking books and avoiding books which are not that great.

Next month I am reading Paper Towns by John Green.



***FINALLY***
Radio 1 Big Weekend

I am pre writing this post the day directly after Big Weekend. I have never experienced anything like that. I will be honest I was there because Taylor Swift was coming to my home town (city). Wow she is a performer (I didn't watch the Foos), Taylor put every other performer on the day to shame. Literally I cannot explain how good she was, just wow. I died. RIP me. My Dad who was watching at home liked Shake It Off, he is a man of few words, it really says something, if he says something. Taylor was my highlight no doubt there at all. I also liked a lot James Bay, I now have his album on Spotify he was on the In New Music We Trust Stage.

I shall now go back to listening to 1989 on repeat, thank you.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

November Favourites

Hello! Pinch punch first of the month, its freaking only December, and we all know what that means Chhhhhhrrrrrrriiiiiiisssssssttttttmaassss. On to what I've been loving this month.

Nike Internationalist Trainers

Comfort, comfort, comfort. End. Oh and they look really nice and go with basically the whole of my wardrobe, they are hardly removed from my feet and are my shoe of choice of the moment.

Grace's Guidebook

I was VERY excited receive this. I have always thought Grace was freaking hilarious she is basically the internets awkward yet hot older sister. When I found out she was writing a book I was like 'I'm gon' need that!'. This book gives you Grace's unique outlook on life covering the areas: Your Professional Life, Your Social Life, Your Love Life, Your Lifestyle. This is a unique mix of genuine and tongue in cheek. I loved it. If you are a awkward, wonderful weird run out and get it. NOW.

Music
Idina Menzel, Christmas Wishes

All November I have been in a Christmas mood, I think it has something to do with the Christmas products at work, the Starbucks Gingerbread Latte, or Idina's Album which I have listened to for a number of days this month. Why do I like it, there's a variety of songs, Idina, and Idina duets with Michael Buble in the most perfect duet of Baby It's Cold Outside.

nother Christmassy favourite is Tom Odell Real Love from the Monty the Penguin advert, which side note is bare cute. This is a very chilled very, cute song, which I have nothing to add to this.

Films
Love, Rosie

Hanna and I went to see this on one of the very last showings. Without giving too much away it isn't your typical romantic comedy/chick flick structure where you have a pretty good idea what's going to happen. There are so many twists and turns, and the possibility of a circular narrative. This film was super cute and it made me cry uncontrollably at the cinema.

The Imitation Game

I think possibly most gals my age would see this because of Benedict Cumberbatch who plays Alan Turing in this film. But I definitely went because my inner geek wanted to... Firstly this film was so interesting historically. It was also touching and emotional. Alan Turing was such a hero in the war, yet he went unrecognised and was punished cruelly for being a homosexual, when it is estimated he saved millions of lives and shortened WW2 by at least two years.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

September Wishlist Birthday Edition

Hello! and welcome to hintsville. September is the month of my Birthday and I am a very excited little elf indeed. As usual I have my eye on some bits and pieces, but the name of the game is hints right now! As if I am 20 in 10 days, its cray to the cray...

1. Meryl Streep Films

2. Soap and Glory

3. Jewellery

4. Books

1. As you may have seen in my last post 'August Favourites' I really freaking like Meryl Streep, a lot, this is fairly self explanitory right here!
2. I love myself some Soap and Glory, what gal doesn't like a pamper evening, as September is the start of Autumn really I feel more inclined to have a relaxing pamper evening.
3. I am bored of my current Jewellery collection and really want to change it up for A/W its a long ol season. I really like more above knuckle rings, they break up my really long fingers I think. I've admired Sunbeamjess' finger bracelet for ages, I really freaking want something like it alot. Yea I would like some new jewellery in my life right now.
4. I have wanted Paul Hollywood's 'Bread' for a while now looking it back it was on another wishlist.. April 2013 to be precise. For just normal reading books I generally just borrow them from the library, but there are a few I just know I would want to keep forever. gracesguidebook.com

Thanks for Popping by

xxx

Current Faves

Hello, due to A Levels I was never going  to get a 'Monthly Favourites' style post up, so I waited for a little while and now I have a whole bunch of bits and bobs to talk about... let's hop into the post!

Tigers About the House

This 3 part programme is about two tiger cubs Spot and Stripe who were born at Australia Zoo, as part of the Sumatran Tiger species these are two very important cubs, with population rapidly decreasing in Sumatra in West Indonesia, Zoo keeper Giles has decided to hand rear the cubs himself to give them the best chance of survival to adulthood. I've found this interesting due to the Zoo's approach of looking after animals, being very hands on, which is different to what you expect. Also it is important to get the message out there to keep this species in the wild, if we can't keep such a majestic animal in the wild, how can we expect to have other less impressive, but yet still an important part of the ecosystem alive in the wild. Whilst I feel this programme is mainly about hope, however it does leave me dismayed at the human race, destroying habitat and still using Tiger bones in medicine even though their is no evidence at all that it helps various conditions, it makes me angry in all honesty. I highly recommend this to watch and the most out of everything featured!

Link for WWF website for more info about Tigers and their endangered status.

Green Tea

For a while I have been drinking the Twinings Lemon and Honey Green Tea, but recently I have moved on to Green Tea no extra frilly bits. Green Tea is said to have lots of health benefits, which you can read about on the NHS website, personally I mainly drink it as it supposedly helps your metabolism and its a nice healthy drink with limited calories.

Orange and Lime

I've been trying to go on a bit of a healthy eating kick, not eating between meals and not having cake after meals etc. (ALTHOUGH EXAM STRESS REALLY RUINED IT)  But I still need a bit of sweetness in my life. I have been opting for a combination of Robinson's Orange Barley Water and a Lime squash mixed together, I do not know why I haven't tried this before it is just literally so good and is really summery.

Hoop Earrings

Recently I bought a multi set of hoops from Topshop, as I love my really big hoops, but realistically they're not practical to wear on a daily basis so I wanted some smaller ones for day to day. I think it's quite amusing before I FINALLY got my ears pierced I used to think that hoop earrings were really chavvy and tacky, now here I am the proud owner of 4 pairs of hoop earrings how times have changed.

Paolo Nutini

As you may know Rosie and I went to see Paolo Nutini at the start of the month. Adding to that post though it's just crazy to think he was performing in my home town, and now recently he's been in like New York, it just feels slightly surreal.

Frozen Soundtrack

Yes I know that Frozen came out ages ago and that most people are beginning to get over it. But I just love it, nothing can beat walking down the stairs to the instrumental in Let It Go, the power I feel is immense! Plus the soundtrack as a whole got me through my revision.

Sweeney Todd Soundtrack

 

Sweeney Todd isn't quite as happy as a Disney film, with composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim setting out to see if a musical could scare audiences the way a film does and theme of revenge, definitely not quite so happy. I doubt I would have gone out of my way to listen to this if it wasn't for Performance Studies, because I have become a bit of a Sondheim fan, this helped me in my hours of need during A Level revision as well.

Private Berlin by James Patterson

Finally a book that scared the crap out of me however I kept on reading and reading until I finished. The basic story is that an ex-Stasi member covering up his crimes committed before the Berlin Wall came down in order to disappear. This quote is from the blurb to give you more of an idea 'Mattie Engel is one of the rising stars at Private Berlin, and believes she's seen the worst of people in her previous life with the Berlin police force. That is until Chris, her colleague - and until recently, her fiancé - is fond dead, brutally murdered in an old slaughterhouse outside the city'. Private is a detective agency based in LA and has offices all over the world with the series of books covering all of their different office, a favourite of mine is Private London. All the books in the series are page turners if I really wanted to I am pretty sure I could finish one in a day and I am not a fast reader!!

The current book I'm reading is Bridget Jones's diary, much less gritty.

If you do take anything away from the post please look at the links I put into the Tigers About The House section please. If you would like me to do any further posts on Tigers or endangered species as a whole then let me know, as it is something I am hugely passionate about!

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

February Favourites

Hi guys, I had aimed to post this yesterday, but as always life gets in the way!!



Simple Moisturiser

I've always been sceptical about moisturiser on my face, as I am very spot prone, as I thought more moisture = more spots! This hasn't worsened my skin, and helps my foundation apply alot more easily!!

 

 Barry M Cappucino

This was in a recent haul, I think this is a perfect transistional colour from winter into spring.

 

 (see this post!)

Wavey Hair

As I have been growing my hair I have been avoiding too much heat i.e. blow drying, straightening etc. However if I let it dry totally naturally I do start to resemble Aslan - never a good look!! So I have been french plaiting when its started to dry after i wash it, and I have been loving the effects.

 

 

Soap and Glory Moisturiser

I got this in the January sales and have been loving it ever since, it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. The scent is just divine and makes this so lovely to use.

 

 Les Miserables Music

I finally saw the film, and it has reignited my LOVE for the music, move over Kanye, Schonberg is here to stay!

 





Private by James Patteson

I don't like reading the typical girls book, this is much more up my street, fast paced, and about solving mystery crimes! Love it. 

 

Hope you enjoyed this post! My highlight if February was definatly top hat!

 

xxx