Hello! Now, this isn't a "typical" blog post about books or films or whatever. Well, it kind of is if you think of this time of year, it's a somewhat typical blog post.
In this blog post, my intention is to be reflective over what 2014 brought me. If any of you reading this have experienced the same experiences, please comment below! If you feel that you'd like to share some of your 2014 experiences with me, the comment box is there for you too! So, here goes!
2014. What a year. I've achieved what I thought was not to be achieved. I graduated fromYork St John University with a high 2:2, kicking myself for that one module I didn't do so well in. Because of this (yes I've used because as a sentence started, shoot me), I've moved from my wonderful house in York back to living with my parents in my hometown. Which isn't such a bad thing as I'm currently living rent free until I enter a full time job. High five for free internet!
I've regained my love for books and stitching. And odd combination, but it works for me. I know people will be thinking "oh but you've barely blogged about this and you've said you would" but things get in the way and I genuinely forget. However, regaining my love for books is something I thought would never ever happen, considering for the past three years all I have managed to do is read about theologians, so I'm pretty pleased that my reading for pleasure has come back.
I started stitching when I was young and then kind of forgot about it (a running theme in my life, no lie). Until recently, and I went kind of mad with stitching, purchasing lots and lots of kits and never finishing them, some even left unstarted! And then christmas came around an I started stitching tags for gifts, so that sidelined everything and became my main focus. I don't know how, but I managed to create half a dozen gift tags. I'm quite proud!
I took my family holiday this year, and my wonderful boyfriend was allowed to come too! I did so much in those two weeks in a country I've been visiting for a good 15 years that I've never done before this year, and if I had the chance, I'd do them all again!
Tip; if you ever visit Mt. Teide in Tenerife, take a jacket. Sounds daft but it is FREEZING at the top!
At the minute I can't think of any more major major highlights other than attending my boyfriends graduation, so I'll leave it here.
See you all in 2015! X
Wednesday 31 December 2014
Sunday 7 December 2014
Christmas Recommendations!
Okay, so I know its only December 7th, and I haven't really been in the Christmas spirit - if anything, I've been quite Scrooge-ish). BUT, with Michael Bubles calming music in my ears (his Christmas CD no less), I feel that it is only right that I blog about my recommendations for the Christmas period, with particular attention being paid to films and books! So, in no particular order, I present to you:
Music
Naturally, all of the Christmas songs must be listened to. No matter how irritating or cheesy or rubbish they are, they have to be listened to.There are loads and loads of options out there, but, and anyone who knows me will see this as no surprise, my main recommendation when it comes to music is...
Music
Naturally, all of the Christmas songs must be listened to. No matter how irritating or cheesy or rubbish they are, they have to be listened to.There are loads and loads of options out there, but, and anyone who knows me will see this as no surprise, my main recommendation when it comes to music is...
Yes, it's the Canadian heartthrob that is Michael Buble. His Christmas Album is filled with covers of classics that make your heart melt and just want to grab the one you love and curl up on the settee/sofa and enjoy a special Christmas with them.In fact, listening to Michael Buble at any point in the year is a great idea!
Film
Again, Christmas films are available in the hundreds, if not thousands. That's why it is so hard to pick a favourite. So, I have a few.
1. Jack Frost
This film is one of my mams favourites. It is a heartwarming story about this young boy who loses his dad. He thinks his dad is gone forever, when in fact, his spirit is still around and looking out for him, in the form of the snowman built in the boys garden. Yes, I am aware of how creepy it sounds, but you just have to watch it. It's a 90's film, so if you are in your twenties and havent seen it yet, SHAME ON YOU!
2. It's A Wonderful Life
"Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its wings"
I first saw this film in Year 9 English, when I was 14. My teacher at the time was one my favourites, she always chose materials for topics that had an underlying message or theme that made you think. This is another one of those choices.
I absoultely adore this film, and its black and white entirity makes it just that little bit more magical for me. I need to purchase this on DVD though, as I haven't really watched it for a year or two so need to get back into it again!
3. The Polar Express
I had trouble deciding which one was my favourite between this and the next choice. Tom Hanks plays the conductor of THE Polar Express in this film and the character (an animation may I just add) actually looks like him! Once you've seen this you cannot unsee it. And no, I am not sorry for that!
All I need to say about this film is that no matter what age you are, this is a must to watch around Christmas time. It makes you believe once more, even if it is just for the length of the film!
4. Arthur Christmas
I am 21. I repeat, I am 21. And this film is supposed to be for kids. But I dont care.
This is a heartwarming film focused on Christmas wishes and making them come true. Arthur and his brother Steve help their Dad out throughout the year in order to make sure that every child gets their wish - a present from Santa. Steve is in charge of the delivery operation amongst a number of things, and Arthur is in charge of recieving, reading and responding to Christmas letters. Just as Santa sets off to deliver presents, they come to a realisation - a present has been left behind! So GrandSanta, with the help of Arthur and a delightful little elf who loves wrapping, sneaks out to deliver the present with his two guests.
This is a fanstastic film that I have kickstarted my Christmas off with this year, and no doubt I will watch again before the big day! I could not recommend this film enough!
Books
Okay, I have a confession.
At the start of this blog I said I would be recommending loads of book for the festive period. However, after listening to Buble (I still am, on repeat), and writing about films I recommend, I have come to a realisation - there are no books to recommend!
It's not that I havent enjoyed any books, because I have. It's just that I havent actually read any Christmassy books, so I dont know what to recommend! Maybe you guys could help? Please Please Please recommend a Christmas read for me in the comments below, I would really appreciate it!!
Do you have any particular recommendations for me or anyone else reading this blog? If so, what are they and why? I really do look forward to hearing from my readers, and I will reply to you as soon as I can!
Sunday 30 November 2014
November Book Haul
Hello!
In my last post I mentioned that I would probably do a follow up blog a few days after the last post to go into more detail about the mini haul I had.
I lied.
And I am so so sorry! I got caught up with overtime at work, cross stitching gift tags and cards, reading, and watching Netflix. So, I'm going to be a good little elf (as it can now be classed as the Christmas season - at least according to the number of houses with Christmas lights) and give you all a more detailed look into my book haul!
November 11th - payday
So the day I got paid, I went for a wander around the shopping area where I work, with the intention of buying Christmas gifts for people. Instead, I ended up purchasing three books for myself, as well as some hairdye, and well, no presents,
Each of these books came from the same Charity Shop - Scope in this instance - and were a complete steal at a total of FIVE POUNDS for the three.
1. The Noahs Ark Quest - Boyd Morrison
*Note - known as The Ark in the U.S. Also, I forgot to take a photo of this one!*
"The greatest archaeological discovery in history could mean the end of mankind"
This book focuses on a woman named Dilara Kenner, who is contacted by a man who claims to have vital information regarding her missing dad. So, she drops everything to go meet this man, However, when she meets him, he tells her of Noah's Ark and the potential death of billions. And I am 99% certain her father is linked into this all, or at least I hope he is! Just as the man begins to explain what he is on about, he actually collapses, and, with his dying breath, tells Dilara to find a certain man named Tyler Locke, who will be able to tell her everything she needs to know.
When she finds him, he agrees to investigate this claim of Noah's Ark alongside Dilara, and they reveal some interesting information. Religious fanatics have infact got a weapon from the Ark that will allow them to recreate the very same effects from the Biblical Flood, which could cause the death of millions.
I'm interested to read this, and see where it takes me. However, I do think it sounds a little too far fetched, I mean, how would these religious fanatics know where teh Ark is, or infact have anything from the Ark itself? I guess I'll have to read to find out!
2. The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown
I have a confession. I've never actually read a Dan Brown book before. I know! So, pick yourself up off the floor, dust yourself down, and continue reading whilst getting over this shock!
Robert Langdon is asked to perform a lecture in the U.S Capitol Building when he is rudely interrupted by a disturbing object encoded with five symbols being found in the building. Langdon looks into the object, and finds that there is an ancient invitation into a lost world of potentially dangeroud wisdom. His mentor is kidnapped, and Langdon realises that the only thing that can save him is infact to accept said invitation and plunge head first into a world of Masonic secrets, hideen history and an inconceivable truth
Now, I think I am getting myself into a lot of confusion here, as I have infact realised that this is e third in the Robert Langdon series, although the synopsis makes it sound as though the books are standalones and I do not need to worry about missing the first two. Here'ls to hoping!
3. The Luminaries - Eleanor Catton
Whoever donated this book to charity - I owe you one. Big time.
This book has won the Man Booker Prize award in the year of its release - 2013 - so imagine my surprise and delight when a book I have heard nothing but amazing things about has been placed on a shelf in my local chairty shop! I grabbed this baby and was never letting go - I even reluctantly had to hand it over to the cashier and gave this look of desparation for the book to be put in a bag so I could have it back before she kept it for herself!
The Luminaries is set in New Zealand in 1866. The main character - Walter Moody - has arrived in the country with the aim to make his fortune there. On the night of his arrivalhe finds himself in the company of twelve local men who have met in secret to discuss a chain of unexplainable events. A wealthy man has vanished, a prostitute attempted suicide, and an enormous fortune has found its way into the home of an incredibly unlucky drunk. Moody soon finds himself drawn into this mystery, which involves a network of fates and fortunes that is profoundly complex an ornate, and I cannot wait to get involved myself. However, at a whopping 800pages and then some, I am going to be on a while reading it. That is, when I eventually get round to starting it at all!
Extra Purchases
Megan Olivier, a BootTuber I follow, announced she was having a book clearout and wanted to sell some of her books on ebay. So I thought I would go for a wander over there and see whether there was anything worth bidding on. I am so pleased I did, as I can announce I have won two bidding wars in order to get two wonderful books.
The books I won were:
Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Sepetys
The Girl In The Red Coat
Now, I am currently reading Between Shades of Gray and I am loving it. I need to find the time to just be able to sit and read it and get it finished so I can post a review for you guys!
Both of these books are centred around war. One is the story of a Latvian girl, the other a little girls journey through life, perhaps the most heartbreaking war story to come out of WW2 next to Anne Frank. If you have seen Schindlers List, you will recognise the image on the cover of the book.. This image is a replica of a still of "the girl in the red coat" from the black and white film Schindlers List. This little girl can be seen in a specific scene amongst number of Jews living in Ghettos in a German-occupied Poland. The author - Roma Ligocka - attended a screening of Schindlers List when it was first released, and knew in an instance this little girl was her.
From that alone, I wanted to know more. I cannot wait to read TGITRC after BSOG, and I will definitely tell you all about it!
So, that is is for my little mini haul! Until my next post - I wish you all well!
***** have you read any of the books I've mentioned? Or from these purchases could recommend any? Please let me know in the comments below, I love reading your comments and thoughts on the items I blog about!
In my last post I mentioned that I would probably do a follow up blog a few days after the last post to go into more detail about the mini haul I had.
I lied.
And I am so so sorry! I got caught up with overtime at work, cross stitching gift tags and cards, reading, and watching Netflix. So, I'm going to be a good little elf (as it can now be classed as the Christmas season - at least according to the number of houses with Christmas lights) and give you all a more detailed look into my book haul!
November 11th - payday
So the day I got paid, I went for a wander around the shopping area where I work, with the intention of buying Christmas gifts for people. Instead, I ended up purchasing three books for myself, as well as some hairdye, and well, no presents,
Each of these books came from the same Charity Shop - Scope in this instance - and were a complete steal at a total of FIVE POUNDS for the three.
1. The Noahs Ark Quest - Boyd Morrison
*Note - known as The Ark in the U.S. Also, I forgot to take a photo of this one!*
"The greatest archaeological discovery in history could mean the end of mankind"
This book focuses on a woman named Dilara Kenner, who is contacted by a man who claims to have vital information regarding her missing dad. So, she drops everything to go meet this man, However, when she meets him, he tells her of Noah's Ark and the potential death of billions. And I am 99% certain her father is linked into this all, or at least I hope he is! Just as the man begins to explain what he is on about, he actually collapses, and, with his dying breath, tells Dilara to find a certain man named Tyler Locke, who will be able to tell her everything she needs to know.
When she finds him, he agrees to investigate this claim of Noah's Ark alongside Dilara, and they reveal some interesting information. Religious fanatics have infact got a weapon from the Ark that will allow them to recreate the very same effects from the Biblical Flood, which could cause the death of millions.
I'm interested to read this, and see where it takes me. However, I do think it sounds a little too far fetched, I mean, how would these religious fanatics know where teh Ark is, or infact have anything from the Ark itself? I guess I'll have to read to find out!
2. The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown
I have a confession. I've never actually read a Dan Brown book before. I know! So, pick yourself up off the floor, dust yourself down, and continue reading whilst getting over this shock!
Robert Langdon is asked to perform a lecture in the U.S Capitol Building when he is rudely interrupted by a disturbing object encoded with five symbols being found in the building. Langdon looks into the object, and finds that there is an ancient invitation into a lost world of potentially dangeroud wisdom. His mentor is kidnapped, and Langdon realises that the only thing that can save him is infact to accept said invitation and plunge head first into a world of Masonic secrets, hideen history and an inconceivable truth
Now, I think I am getting myself into a lot of confusion here, as I have infact realised that this is e third in the Robert Langdon series, although the synopsis makes it sound as though the books are standalones and I do not need to worry about missing the first two. Here'ls to hoping!
3. The Luminaries - Eleanor Catton
This book has won the Man Booker Prize award in the year of its release - 2013 - so imagine my surprise and delight when a book I have heard nothing but amazing things about has been placed on a shelf in my local chairty shop! I grabbed this baby and was never letting go - I even reluctantly had to hand it over to the cashier and gave this look of desparation for the book to be put in a bag so I could have it back before she kept it for herself!
The Luminaries is set in New Zealand in 1866. The main character - Walter Moody - has arrived in the country with the aim to make his fortune there. On the night of his arrivalhe finds himself in the company of twelve local men who have met in secret to discuss a chain of unexplainable events. A wealthy man has vanished, a prostitute attempted suicide, and an enormous fortune has found its way into the home of an incredibly unlucky drunk. Moody soon finds himself drawn into this mystery, which involves a network of fates and fortunes that is profoundly complex an ornate, and I cannot wait to get involved myself. However, at a whopping 800pages and then some, I am going to be on a while reading it. That is, when I eventually get round to starting it at all!
Extra Purchases
Megan Olivier, a BootTuber I follow, announced she was having a book clearout and wanted to sell some of her books on ebay. So I thought I would go for a wander over there and see whether there was anything worth bidding on. I am so pleased I did, as I can announce I have won two bidding wars in order to get two wonderful books.
The books I won were:
Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Sepetys
The Girl In The Red Coat
Now, I am currently reading Between Shades of Gray and I am loving it. I need to find the time to just be able to sit and read it and get it finished so I can post a review for you guys!
Both of these books are centred around war. One is the story of a Latvian girl, the other a little girls journey through life, perhaps the most heartbreaking war story to come out of WW2 next to Anne Frank. If you have seen Schindlers List, you will recognise the image on the cover of the book.. This image is a replica of a still of "the girl in the red coat" from the black and white film Schindlers List. This little girl can be seen in a specific scene amongst number of Jews living in Ghettos in a German-occupied Poland. The author - Roma Ligocka - attended a screening of Schindlers List when it was first released, and knew in an instance this little girl was her.
From that alone, I wanted to know more. I cannot wait to read TGITRC after BSOG, and I will definitely tell you all about it!
So, that is is for my little mini haul! Until my next post - I wish you all well!
***** have you read any of the books I've mentioned? Or from these purchases could recommend any? Please let me know in the comments below, I love reading your comments and thoughts on the items I blog about!
Saturday 22 November 2014
An Update of all Kinds, including a Mini Haul and BookTube info!
Hello followers! I have a quick (at least I hope it will be) update with regards to a couple of issues. Firstly, I want to discuss BookTube and how things are going with that, then I want to discuss a mini haul (although that may come later as there are pictures for that one and I don't want to drag out this post) and tag's I've been requested to do by fellow BookTubers.
BookTube
So, incase any of you wonderful people did not know, I am on YouTube, attempting a video version of this blog. However, my laptop refuses to connect to the Internet properly (damn you technology) therefore, I am having to use my Kindle to blog, as well as borrowing other people's laptops (such as right now, I'm using my boyfriends laptop whilst he isn't here). Sadly, this means that I am unable to record and upload my videos to YouTube, meaning I am having to do them on here instead.
BUT
Every cloud has a silver lining. As does this cloud! Because I cannot upload to YouTube properly, it means I will be responding to tags and uploading reviews to this blog instead, which is excellent for my own peace of mind, as I feel like I have been neglecting my blog slightly. (Sorry everyone :( ). SO you shall see updates on here more often, starting with two tags from Wanderness, one from The Sheep and the Wolf, and the final one from Michael from Bitten By A Radioactive Book.
Mini Haul
Since payday (11th November for me) I have purchased five books. Three of these books have been very briefly discussed in a mini update video on my vlog, and they are The Noahs Ark Quest, The Lost Symbol, and The Luminaries. The other two additions I won on ebay as a fellow BookTuber was having a clear-out of her books, and these ones are Between Shades of Gray and The Girl In The Red Coat. I have already started reading Between Shades of Gray and I am very excited to see how it pans out, so look out for that post!
In the mean time, I will post in the next couple of days with regards to the Mini Haul and discuss each in more detail (at least two of them have maps within the first few pages - exciting stuff!). But for now, I shall bid you all a good evening (if you're in the UK at least). If you are not on GMT, then I hope you are having or have had a lovely day!
**I'd love to hear your thoughts on my recent changes from BookTube to blog, is it something you are looking forward to? Please leave your comments below, and please leave your blog details if you want me to follow you! If you follow me, I will follow back!
BookTube
So, incase any of you wonderful people did not know, I am on YouTube, attempting a video version of this blog. However, my laptop refuses to connect to the Internet properly (damn you technology) therefore, I am having to use my Kindle to blog, as well as borrowing other people's laptops (such as right now, I'm using my boyfriends laptop whilst he isn't here). Sadly, this means that I am unable to record and upload my videos to YouTube, meaning I am having to do them on here instead.
BUT
Every cloud has a silver lining. As does this cloud! Because I cannot upload to YouTube properly, it means I will be responding to tags and uploading reviews to this blog instead, which is excellent for my own peace of mind, as I feel like I have been neglecting my blog slightly. (Sorry everyone :( ). SO you shall see updates on here more often, starting with two tags from Wanderness, one from The Sheep and the Wolf, and the final one from Michael from Bitten By A Radioactive Book.
Mini Haul
Since payday (11th November for me) I have purchased five books. Three of these books have been very briefly discussed in a mini update video on my vlog, and they are The Noahs Ark Quest, The Lost Symbol, and The Luminaries. The other two additions I won on ebay as a fellow BookTuber was having a clear-out of her books, and these ones are Between Shades of Gray and The Girl In The Red Coat. I have already started reading Between Shades of Gray and I am very excited to see how it pans out, so look out for that post!
In the mean time, I will post in the next couple of days with regards to the Mini Haul and discuss each in more detail (at least two of them have maps within the first few pages - exciting stuff!). But for now, I shall bid you all a good evening (if you're in the UK at least). If you are not on GMT, then I hope you are having or have had a lovely day!
**I'd love to hear your thoughts on my recent changes from BookTube to blog, is it something you are looking forward to? Please leave your comments below, and please leave your blog details if you want me to follow you! If you follow me, I will follow back!
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Twenty-Eight and A Half Wishes: A Review
Hello! Today I bring you a review blog of the book Twenty-Eight and A Half Wishes, a murder mystery novel by Denise Grover Swank! So, let's get started!
I got this book on the Amazon Kindle Store, for a total of ZERO POUNDS. Yep, that's right, a total of nothing. Which did make me a bit dubious about this book, as most books that are free on Kindle are in fact either Classics, such as Jane Austen, or not exactly the greatest. So I went into this with a restricted view.
HOWEVER, I have since found out that it has won an award - "The Beacon" - and won the Unpublished Division, Mainstream Category in 2010. And this then changed my view. If the book has won an award, it must be good, right?
OF COURSE IT IS.
I fell in love with this book quite quickly. when i first picked it up I was in the middle of doing my dissertation - which was a very bad move. It meant that I didnt follow it as well as I should have, and lost interest in favour of panicking over my dissertation and other assignments. So it was left to gather metaphorical dust on my Kindle, until I finally picked it back up again this summer on the recommendation of a very good friend. And I am so pleased I did.
The book is about a girl named Rose, and Rose has these - usually - pointless visions, such as a leaky pipe or dog escaping. Usleless to her, but useful to the people she seems to be talking to at the time.Until one day...
"It all started when I saw myself dead."
I KNOW RIGHT?!
So naturally, you need to know why she's suddenly having visions of herelf dead. However, when she gets home later that day, she finds her mam(mom/mum/mother) dead in the exact spot where she should be dead herself. And with the help of her sister Vi, her sisters husband, her nosy neighbours across the street, and a wonderful, gorgeous, mysterious new next door neighbour called Joe, hilarity ensues in the form of not only trying to solve the murder that she seems to be framed for, but also in the form of Rose trying to break free of the obedient mould she's always been in.
This book is full of twists, things I definitely didn't see coming! I was left hating Joe (the hunky next door neighbour) at times, whilst also left me hating myself for hating him, if you get what I mean? His actions are sometimes questionable, but they all tie in together at the end.
This book is the first out of a series of mystery novels, and I will be purchasing them all - eventually!
Overall I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It is only losing a star because of my own reasons, nothing wrong with the book itself, just my emotions all over the place! I would highly recommend this book, it makes you luagh, cry, drop your Kindle on your face while reading in bed in shock, and overall leaves you questioning so many different things!
A must-read, and at 0.00GBP, you would be crazy to say no!
Have you read this book? Or another one like it and you think I would enjoy it? Please leave your thoughts and recommendations in the comments, I love your feedback and recommendations!
HOWEVER, I have since found out that it has won an award - "The Beacon" - and won the Unpublished Division, Mainstream Category in 2010. And this then changed my view. If the book has won an award, it must be good, right?
OF COURSE IT IS.
I fell in love with this book quite quickly. when i first picked it up I was in the middle of doing my dissertation - which was a very bad move. It meant that I didnt follow it as well as I should have, and lost interest in favour of panicking over my dissertation and other assignments. So it was left to gather metaphorical dust on my Kindle, until I finally picked it back up again this summer on the recommendation of a very good friend. And I am so pleased I did.
The book is about a girl named Rose, and Rose has these - usually - pointless visions, such as a leaky pipe or dog escaping. Usleless to her, but useful to the people she seems to be talking to at the time.Until one day...
"It all started when I saw myself dead."
I KNOW RIGHT?!
So naturally, you need to know why she's suddenly having visions of herelf dead. However, when she gets home later that day, she finds her mam(mom/mum/mother) dead in the exact spot where she should be dead herself. And with the help of her sister Vi, her sisters husband, her nosy neighbours across the street, and a wonderful, gorgeous, mysterious new next door neighbour called Joe, hilarity ensues in the form of not only trying to solve the murder that she seems to be framed for, but also in the form of Rose trying to break free of the obedient mould she's always been in.
This book is full of twists, things I definitely didn't see coming! I was left hating Joe (the hunky next door neighbour) at times, whilst also left me hating myself for hating him, if you get what I mean? His actions are sometimes questionable, but they all tie in together at the end.
This book is the first out of a series of mystery novels, and I will be purchasing them all - eventually!
Overall I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It is only losing a star because of my own reasons, nothing wrong with the book itself, just my emotions all over the place! I would highly recommend this book, it makes you luagh, cry, drop your Kindle on your face while reading in bed in shock, and overall leaves you questioning so many different things!
A must-read, and at 0.00GBP, you would be crazy to say no!
Have you read this book? Or another one like it and you think I would enjoy it? Please leave your thoughts and recommendations in the comments, I love your feedback and recommendations!
Saturday 1 November 2014
Monthly Update - November 2014
Hello!
So, October is finally over, with the month ending in its usual fantastic way - Halloween! This year however, I opted for a night in with my boyfriend and parents, as opposed to going out and getting drunk silly, especially with a supposed 8.5 hour shift the following day! AND, I decided to blog for you wonderful people too! Is there really a better way to spend Halloween? I doubt it 😉
So, with the end of October comes November, and in true November style, I'm starting to feel a little Christmassy, and I don't know why. I kind of feel like Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas. You go from pumpkins and scariness one night to Santa Claus, reindeer and sleigh bells the next. One of the issues with this however, is that I work in retail. And as soon as that Christmas music starts, I have a dread of Christmas!
Anyway, back to the task in hand...an update!
So this month I managed to finish a whole two books! I know! Someone stop me before I get out of hand! I have also been experimenting with designs in terms of Christmas cards and gift tags in the form of cross stitch, something a little handmade to make each gift extra special and personal for the person on the receiving end. I'd love to share them with you, but they aren't completely done yet and I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!
What else did I do in October??
I created a goodreads account! If any of you are avid readers or have a goodreads account, please leave it in a comment below so I can find you guys and add you on there, I love looking at people's reading interests and gaining inspiration as of what to read next!
So, that's pretty much it for the update, although I do have a review that needs writing for my Kat read, Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes, so I'll be posting again soon!
So, October is finally over, with the month ending in its usual fantastic way - Halloween! This year however, I opted for a night in with my boyfriend and parents, as opposed to going out and getting drunk silly, especially with a supposed 8.5 hour shift the following day! AND, I decided to blog for you wonderful people too! Is there really a better way to spend Halloween? I doubt it 😉
So, with the end of October comes November, and in true November style, I'm starting to feel a little Christmassy, and I don't know why. I kind of feel like Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas. You go from pumpkins and scariness one night to Santa Claus, reindeer and sleigh bells the next. One of the issues with this however, is that I work in retail. And as soon as that Christmas music starts, I have a dread of Christmas!
Anyway, back to the task in hand...an update!
So this month I managed to finish a whole two books! I know! Someone stop me before I get out of hand! I have also been experimenting with designs in terms of Christmas cards and gift tags in the form of cross stitch, something a little handmade to make each gift extra special and personal for the person on the receiving end. I'd love to share them with you, but they aren't completely done yet and I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!
What else did I do in October??
I created a goodreads account! If any of you are avid readers or have a goodreads account, please leave it in a comment below so I can find you guys and add you on there, I love looking at people's reading interests and gaining inspiration as of what to read next!
So, that's pretty much it for the update, although I do have a review that needs writing for my Kat read, Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes, so I'll be posting again soon!
Friday 31 October 2014
The Maze Runner - A Film Review
Hello! This week I went to the cinema and got to see The Maze Runner, a film adaptation of the dystopian novel written by James Dashner.
***Please note, this review may not be completely spoiler free!***
As an avid reader (although my blog fails to show this right now) I found myself in a bit of a dilemma with regards to this film. I hadn't read the book, although the trilogy and its prequel are currently housed on my shelf, yet I knew what the film entailed - to an extent - due to booktubers reviewing the novel and some film reviews. Therefore, I decided perhaps I should find out what I'm missing and go see the film.
I don't know how to feel about doing this.
After seeing the film trailer, which you can find below, I found myself under the belief that it was similar to The Hunger Games trilogy. And I was right in a way. People get randomly chosen and thrown into an arena in The Hunger Games to fight to the death, and in The Maze Runner, they are systematically chosen to be put in the centre of the maze, most likely until death. There's clashes in both, and alliances in both, theres bad guys in both (The Capitol in THG and Grievers in TMR) and somewhat good guys in both. You get the picture.
From the reviews I'd seen, I went into the cinema preparing myself for drama, violence and endless tears. What I got was something else, and I fear that it didn't meet my expectations because they were seemingly high,
The film itself was very fast-paced and you're thrown right into the action. It is as if you're Thomas, without any idea of who you were before waking up in the box. I'm not sure I liked that. However, you see his memory unfold before your eyes and that is something that couldnt really be done if you already knew his past, so its understandable why the film starts with complete mystery.
So, just as Thomas seems to be settling in nicely, after being attackedand going off into the maze, just three days later the community get a new arrival (which is odd considering they are meant to be once a month) - a girl. Which naturally rocks the community a little. From then on, the film really does pick up pace and before you know it, the end credits are rolling and youre left kind of wanting more, kind of hoping that they dont actually do the sequel.
However, with the film ending how it did, you kind of need the sequel for closure.
Going in blind to that film, I have to give it an honest review, as I have no book to compare it with. I did enjoy it, although I left with a bad feeling inside me, and I don't know if that was just because it was over, or the film in general, or the final death (which does tug on your heartstrings). Therefore, I am giving the film a hopeful THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS.
The Maze Runner is currently doiing well in box office and is therefore still out in UK cinemas with numerous showings in a day. The trailer I feel is best to make you want to go see the film can be found below!
Have you seen the film or read the book? Either one or the other, or both, or neither? Please let me know what you think below, I read all of your comments and will reply when I can!
***Please note, this review may not be completely spoiler free!***
As an avid reader (although my blog fails to show this right now) I found myself in a bit of a dilemma with regards to this film. I hadn't read the book, although the trilogy and its prequel are currently housed on my shelf, yet I knew what the film entailed - to an extent - due to booktubers reviewing the novel and some film reviews. Therefore, I decided perhaps I should find out what I'm missing and go see the film.
I don't know how to feel about doing this.
After seeing the film trailer, which you can find below, I found myself under the belief that it was similar to The Hunger Games trilogy. And I was right in a way. People get randomly chosen and thrown into an arena in The Hunger Games to fight to the death, and in The Maze Runner, they are systematically chosen to be put in the centre of the maze, most likely until death. There's clashes in both, and alliances in both, theres bad guys in both (The Capitol in THG and Grievers in TMR) and somewhat good guys in both. You get the picture.
From the reviews I'd seen, I went into the cinema preparing myself for drama, violence and endless tears. What I got was something else, and I fear that it didn't meet my expectations because they were seemingly high,
The film itself was very fast-paced and you're thrown right into the action. It is as if you're Thomas, without any idea of who you were before waking up in the box. I'm not sure I liked that. However, you see his memory unfold before your eyes and that is something that couldnt really be done if you already knew his past, so its understandable why the film starts with complete mystery.
So, just as Thomas seems to be settling in nicely, after being attackedand going off into the maze, just three days later the community get a new arrival (which is odd considering they are meant to be once a month) - a girl. Which naturally rocks the community a little. From then on, the film really does pick up pace and before you know it, the end credits are rolling and youre left kind of wanting more, kind of hoping that they dont actually do the sequel.
However, with the film ending how it did, you kind of need the sequel for closure.
Going in blind to that film, I have to give it an honest review, as I have no book to compare it with. I did enjoy it, although I left with a bad feeling inside me, and I don't know if that was just because it was over, or the film in general, or the final death (which does tug on your heartstrings). Therefore, I am giving the film a hopeful THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS.
The Maze Runner is currently doiing well in box office and is therefore still out in UK cinemas with numerous showings in a day. The trailer I feel is best to make you want to go see the film can be found below!
Have you seen the film or read the book? Either one or the other, or both, or neither? Please let me know what you think below, I read all of your comments and will reply when I can!
Sunday 19 October 2014
Struggling to Finish Books? You are not alone...
OK, so this isnt a 'conventional' blog post that someone who posts reviews would usually post. However, I felt like this was a necessary post considering I'm going through this myself.
Have you ever picked up a book in a shop, or read the summary and reviews or whatever and thought "you know what, this book sounds really good, I'm really looking forward to reading it" and then you get home or get a copy of the book, start reading it and then just stop, for some unknown reason, even if you really enjoy what you're reading? Me too.
It's happening to me right now. My current read (Rivers of Destiny by Barbara Erskine) had so much promise when I picked it up from a charity shop in a city near where I live, and at 50p, I just couldn't resist. I started reading it, and my god I absolutely loved it. And then, I stopped reading it. Just like that. And I have no idea why.
Maybe I couldn't get comfortable. Maybe my mind was doing overtime on a billion other thoughts. I just don't know. One thing I do know however, is that since I put that book down, I haven't really wanted to pick it up. I know I will someday, just not right now.
And thats OK.
Trust me. It's fine. Even if it's something you've never done, or something that goes against what reading means for you, it is fine to put down a book and not pick it up again until you feel ready. Heck, you can even move onto something else in the meantime, it might make you favour that first book once again.
I know for a fact I wont be alone in feeling this way (or at least I hope I'm not!) I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you start a book and don't fancy finishing it right now, dont panic! Curiosity will get the better of you someday. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, mayebe even next year. It doesnt matter. Just because someone else can finish that book in x amount of hours or days doesnt mean you have to. You abide by your own rules. All I know for a fact is that if I was forcing myself to finish a book, I'd definitely fall out of love with it a little bit more with every page I forced myself to read.
Do you ever feel like this? I'd love to know I'm not the only one! Perhaps you'lve picked up a book and dont really want to finish it, or arent that fussed? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Have you ever picked up a book in a shop, or read the summary and reviews or whatever and thought "you know what, this book sounds really good, I'm really looking forward to reading it" and then you get home or get a copy of the book, start reading it and then just stop, for some unknown reason, even if you really enjoy what you're reading? Me too.
It's happening to me right now. My current read (Rivers of Destiny by Barbara Erskine) had so much promise when I picked it up from a charity shop in a city near where I live, and at 50p, I just couldn't resist. I started reading it, and my god I absolutely loved it. And then, I stopped reading it. Just like that. And I have no idea why.
Maybe I couldn't get comfortable. Maybe my mind was doing overtime on a billion other thoughts. I just don't know. One thing I do know however, is that since I put that book down, I haven't really wanted to pick it up. I know I will someday, just not right now.
And thats OK.
Trust me. It's fine. Even if it's something you've never done, or something that goes against what reading means for you, it is fine to put down a book and not pick it up again until you feel ready. Heck, you can even move onto something else in the meantime, it might make you favour that first book once again.
I know for a fact I wont be alone in feeling this way (or at least I hope I'm not!) I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you start a book and don't fancy finishing it right now, dont panic! Curiosity will get the better of you someday. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, mayebe even next year. It doesnt matter. Just because someone else can finish that book in x amount of hours or days doesnt mean you have to. You abide by your own rules. All I know for a fact is that if I was forcing myself to finish a book, I'd definitely fall out of love with it a little bit more with every page I forced myself to read.
Do you ever feel like this? I'd love to know I'm not the only one! Perhaps you'lve picked up a book and dont really want to finish it, or arent that fussed? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Wednesday 8 October 2014
The Hundred Year Old Man - A Review
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and
Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson
First Released: 2009 (English Translation 2012)
I’VE FINALLY FINISHED THIS BOOK AFTERFIVE HARD WEEKS. The
need for emphasis on that sentence was important, as this book has given me so
many mixed emotions.
When I first began reading this book, I was intrigued. The
quotes on the back of the book (beneath the blurb/summary) claimed it was “an
incredibly funny story” as well as “hilarious” – just the kind of book I was
after to cure the post-holiday blues. However, by the fifth chapter, I already
found myself having issues.
*******SPOILERS MAY HAPPEN HERE*********
The chapters jumped from the present day to sections of the
main characters life leading up to the time in which the book is set (2005 in
case you were wondering). Yes, they had the dates at the start of each chapter,
but it bugged me that the chapters about Allan’s (the main character) past were
mixed with the modern day ones, and their lengths were much longer than the
present chapters. This probably wouldn’t have bothered me as much if I
understood their relevance at the time. It also bugged me because the chapters
based on the present day were in fact, so much more interesting, and yes,
funnier! The journey Allen makes in the present day is something I would love
to have had a book on by itself, but with more detail from the perspectives of
the other leading characters perhaps.
Another thing I would have appreciated perhaps was a
different approach to the telling of the police chase after Allan. This is more
so to do with the fact that the police only get mentioned every now and then at
the end of the odd chapter until the very end when they want his story, and
even then those characters weren’t particularly likeable. But this may be
because we didn’t really get the chance to get to know them as well as the
other characters.
One of the aspects I did like was the romance that featured
in the book. This happened from the moment Benny and the Beauty met, and I
absolutely adored the way that Benny acted toward her. It made me reflect on my
own relationship and also be really appreciative of what I have. Another
relationship that took my by surprise occurred at the end. However, I will not
give too much away!!
*****SPOILERS END HERE*****
Overall, I feel that the book could have been improved, and
therefore I rate it 3 out of 5. This is because although there were aspects of
the book I loved, including the romance and the current day chapters, I ended
up skipping sections because they became boring and didn’t seem necessary to
the whole book - which is something I try to avoid doing at any cost, but this time, needs must.
Wednesday 1 October 2014
IT'S OCTOBER! - Time for an update
Hello!
As it is technically still the first of the month as I type, I've made a decision. At the beginning of every month,, (within the first five days hopefully) I will post an update blog about how my projects are going, or how reading is going, or my vlog, or anything interesting in general that I fancy sharing with you lovely lot on the day! So - let's get started!
1. I created a Twitter page - please do follow me (@craftsandreads)
2. I have Instagram - @craftsandreads
3. I'm almost finished my current read! (you know, if over 100 pages left is classed as 'almost finished')
4. I've completed my first page of the CutThru cross stitch I'm working on!
5. I actually have a bedroom floor after tidying it, although I don't know how long that is going to last...
I know it's not much, but it's still a blog post and a pretty little update for you all :) please do feel free to comment on the blog letting me know if this is a good idea, I'd really appreciate it!
As it is technically still the first of the month as I type, I've made a decision. At the beginning of every month,, (within the first five days hopefully) I will post an update blog about how my projects are going, or how reading is going, or my vlog, or anything interesting in general that I fancy sharing with you lovely lot on the day! So - let's get started!
1. I created a Twitter page - please do follow me (@craftsandreads)
2. I have Instagram - @craftsandreads
3. I'm almost finished my current read! (you know, if over 100 pages left is classed as 'almost finished')
4. I've completed my first page of the CutThru cross stitch I'm working on!
5. I actually have a bedroom floor after tidying it, although I don't know how long that is going to last...
I know it's not much, but it's still a blog post and a pretty little update for you all :) please do feel free to comment on the blog letting me know if this is a good idea, I'd really appreciate it!
Wednesday 17 September 2014
I have a YouTube channel!
Yes, you read that correctly, I've got myself a YouTube channel!
Today, I bit the bullet and went for it. I know the video is rushed and things, but ultimately, I was just having a mess about whilst attempting to tell you all about my bookshelf
The link to my YouTube channel is here and that is where you can find my first video (sorry in advance!).
One of the things I forgot to mention in the vlog is my Kindle, which was also propping my camera up in the video. Obviously a Kindle is this beautiful piece of technology dedicated to storing books for you to read whilst on the go, and depending on the case you have for it, is less bulky than a book, which is kind of the point. On there, I have completed one of my purchased books, although I am currently reading two others. So, I'll also do a separate 'What's on my Kindle' blog (which I may also make into a vlog if I can cope with looking and sounding foolish).
Please head over to the video, then let me know what you think of my bookshelf in the comments either here or there. Have you got any recommendations based on my bookshelf? Do you agree with my opinions on the books I have read? I'd love to know!
I'll blog again soon, I promise!
Today, I bit the bullet and went for it. I know the video is rushed and things, but ultimately, I was just having a mess about whilst attempting to tell you all about my bookshelf
The link to my YouTube channel is here and that is where you can find my first video (sorry in advance!).
One of the things I forgot to mention in the vlog is my Kindle, which was also propping my camera up in the video. Obviously a Kindle is this beautiful piece of technology dedicated to storing books for you to read whilst on the go, and depending on the case you have for it, is less bulky than a book, which is kind of the point. On there, I have completed one of my purchased books, although I am currently reading two others. So, I'll also do a separate 'What's on my Kindle' blog (which I may also make into a vlog if I can cope with looking and sounding foolish).
Please head over to the video, then let me know what you think of my bookshelf in the comments either here or there. Have you got any recommendations based on my bookshelf? Do you agree with my opinions on the books I have read? I'd love to know!
I'll blog again soon, I promise!
Monday 15 September 2014
Stitchin' the Night Away!
Credit to Google for the image!
So, here it is - my first official stitching blog! Within this blog, I'll be answering a few questions with regards to cross stitch, such as what it is, how long I've been stitching and why. If anyone has any other unanswered questions then please, do feel free to leave them in the comments section.
1) What is cross stitching?
Cross stitching is a wonderful wonderful hobby that I thoroughly enjoy. It involves a needle and thread, which are stitched into the shape of a cross on to a piece of fabric called Aida, which has little holes in it perfect for making the crosses!
2) Why do you cross stitch?
I cross stitch because I find it relaxing and therapeutic - well, for the most part anyway! I love to see the progression I'm making, and think the outcomes are just beautiful!
3) How long have you been cross stitching for?
I've been cross stitching since the age of seven (roughly). Ever since we were 'officially' taught it in primary school, although my Grandma helped speed up the process as I watched her from a younger age.
4) What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
I'd have to say, actually having the guts to buy my largest project to date, and my current work in progress. This one consists of nine pages, and a wonderful amount of backstitch!
5) Do you have anything you dislike about cross stitch?
Personally, I do dislike backstitch, but only when I leave it until the very end of a project instead of doing it gradually. However, it does make a piece come together nicely and finishes it off well.
6) How would you convince someone to start taking up cross stitch?
Bribery? I'm kidding of course! Firstly, you would have to actually be interested in the whole idea of cross stitching and dedicating your time and effort (and money!) into something that may not turn out perfect to begin with, but those skills will come with time. I'd also offer them as much of my help and support that I could, offering them as much help as they could possibly need.
7) Do you use any aids with your stitching? If so, what are they and why?
Yes. I use a stitching hoop, and as I currently have two - a 6" and a 10", it means I can pick and choose between the two. I use stitching hoops in order to keep the area I'm stitching tight and therefore easier to stitch. The Aida rests over the bottom hoop, whilst the top acts like a protective outer layer that it fastened at the top to keep the aida in tightly. If you imagine a sandwich, the bread is the hoop whilst the centre is the aida - kind of.
8) Are there any video tutorials out there to help a first timer?
Of course! If you pop over to Google (after you've read this of course ;) ) and type in cross stitch video tutorials you will find a number of options there for you!
9) Are there any free patterns available for people who don't want to rely on cross stitch kits from craft sellers?
Yes! A number of blogs are available and a number of websites are also there that are designated to just selling cross stitch patters, although some of them do provide kits as well.
Some of my favourites are:
Cloudsfactory - who have a website, Instagram and Facebook account, and can be found here. They also do custom requests if you can't find anything you like, but they do have a variety of patterns to suit anyones taste!
SatsumaStreet - Jody owns and runs this beautiful store on Etsy, which can be found here, and she also blogs, and said blog can be found right here. She does a number of designs and continually creates new cities to become part of her 'Pretty Little City' series, each of which are very cute, and one day I will have stitched them all!
10) Will you ever create and sell your own patterns?
I'm not too sure. For now, I am quite happy in my own little bubble, stitching cross stitch kits I have bought from Hobbycraft or stitching patterns I've bought online. Maybe I will one day, but that wont be for some time yet!
There you have it! My quick blog that has hopefully answered some of your questions. Remember, if there's anything else you wish to ask, please leave a comment in the box below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!
Thursday 11 September 2014
My Intentions
So, I have an empty blog post through Bloglovin, so why not make a new post?
I'd like to list out my intentions, starting out with...
CONQUERING THE WORLD.
okay, I kid, maybe not the world, but conquering my fears of uploading reviews of books or snippets of writing I sometimes work on in case I get badly judged is something I want to overcome. And this blog? Well, this blog is my key. My key to unlocking the door to those fears!
I know how silly it sounds. Writing something and posting it on the internet shouldn't be something to fear. It should be something you embrace and take in your stride. And the response? Well, you live and you learn as some people say.
This blog is going to be somewhere where I can blog my views on books I've read, or am currently reading. I'm also going to blog about my second hobby, cross stitching. I feel so old when I say that. But surprisingly, cross stitching is being taken on by so many twenty-somethings out there, and there is so much support available to people wanting to learn, or experienced stitchers who want to try another stitching brand or technique, and I want to be a part of that help. One way or another.
So, my intentions are:
I'd like to list out my intentions, starting out with...
CONQUERING THE WORLD.
okay, I kid, maybe not the world, but conquering my fears of uploading reviews of books or snippets of writing I sometimes work on in case I get badly judged is something I want to overcome. And this blog? Well, this blog is my key. My key to unlocking the door to those fears!
I know how silly it sounds. Writing something and posting it on the internet shouldn't be something to fear. It should be something you embrace and take in your stride. And the response? Well, you live and you learn as some people say.
This blog is going to be somewhere where I can blog my views on books I've read, or am currently reading. I'm also going to blog about my second hobby, cross stitching. I feel so old when I say that. But surprisingly, cross stitching is being taken on by so many twenty-somethings out there, and there is so much support available to people wanting to learn, or experienced stitchers who want to try another stitching brand or technique, and I want to be a part of that help. One way or another.
So, my intentions are:
- make book review blogs
- make stitching blogs
- provide help and support to followers who want it
- and maybe, just maybe, conquer the world someday.
See you all again soon, when I'll be creating my first stitching blog!
Cell - Stephen King. A Review.
This is the same cover of the version I currently own, although there are several other covers that this could be illustrated by.
The last book I read…
Cell
by Stephen
King.
How long did I take to read it? Too long!
Cell is the perfect book to get people into
wanting to read more o Stephen King’s work, and as he is continuing to release
more books – the latest being Doctor
Sleep (to my knowledge anyway) – then this is a perfect starting point to
gradually build up your bookshelf with all things Stephen King.
***SPOILERS ALERT***
Released in 2006, the book is not too clear on the
time in which it is set. However, due to the technological necessities needed
for the book to work, it must be realistically set within the last twelve
years, making it recent enough for people to go “eee I remember when I had one
of them” at the mention of anything technological.
Within the first ten pages we are thrown into the
beginnings of what is known as “The Pulse”, a virus carried by every mobile
phone in operation around the world. Anyone who answers a ringing phone after
3.03pm on that day in October immediately becomes affected by this virus. The
virus itself effects people in a variety of ways to begin with, but the
majority tend to end up in big groups in sports fields or places where they can
emit music (this is to calm or soothe them during the night hours), and
inevitably work out their attack plans. They are watched over and somewhat
controlled by a ‘Raggedy Man’, who influences their decisions and can rally his
zombie-esque troops to attack at his earliest convenience. But, enough about
him, time to get to grips with the non-zombie characters.
The book is mainly focused on the journey of
Clayton Riddell, who is so desperately trying to get to his son Johnny before
he turns on his mobile phone. Failing that, his sons mother would be suffice
enough until he found his son again. However, as in any book, things do not go smoothly
for the main character. Along his journey he encounters a number of zombies who
attack and attempt to ‘convert’ him, along with a number of ‘Normies’, several
of which stick with him throughout the book in the hope of staying safe.
***SPOILERS ENDED***
I found the book very addictive, and easy to pick
up again if left to one side for several days (which happened several times
until I got on holiday, and even then it took me the full length just to finish
it!). This is a skill I feel is very important when writing books, as if a
person puts it down, or ‘forgets’ about the book, but within the first few
pages can pick it up again in no time, they are more likely to continue to read
it, or at least, I did anyway!
A word of warning however, must be noted. Do not
get overly attached to some of the characters, as some of their actions become
questionable and make yourself doubt what you really like and appreciate in
them as a character. I can’t give too many names, or else people will just not
get attached to any character or just downright refuse to read it at all.
However, one of the things that is bugging me
about Cell is its ending. It sort of
just ended. I so desperately wanted to know what happened, and felt it ended at
the completely wrong and possibly inappropriate time. However, with no sequel
in the pipeline, I guess I’ll just have to make up my own ending.
One of the perhaps more interesting things to come
from the book however, is its film adaptation, due for cinematic release in the
UK within the next two years. The film is going to star John Cusak and Samuel
L. Jackson, as well as Isabelle Fuhrman, and is being directed by Tod ‘Kip’
Williams, who famously directed Paranormal Activity 2. From that alone, I’m
concerned where the film will go, and how they will imagine the ending to pan
out. Hopefully it won’t turn into some incredibly terrifying (or laughable,
depending on your personal views of the directors other films) film adaptation
that lets down the book so bad, but I guess we will have to see.
Overall, I rate this book …
Okay, I’m finding it difficult to decide between
3.5 and 4 out of five. 3.5 because of the lack of closure at the end and a lack
of sequel to follow up this closure, and 4 because of the way the book captures
you and keeps you needing more, as well as the fact that there is a film
adaptation with Samuel L. Jackson as its star. Therefore, it’s getting 3.75
stars, a wonderful midway point.
So, that’s it. The end of my very first book
review via blog! I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog, and look forward to more!
At the end of each blog, I will provide a link to my
previous blog, so here it is!
Thanks for reading, see you next time!
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Who am I?
Hello, my name's Rebecca, what's yours?
So I've started this blog with the help of the fantastic Vanessa, who's very own blog can be found here! Thank you so much for not only inspiring me and giving me the kick up the backside I needed, but for also being my best friend.
Right, let's get started! Ten facts about me:
1. I'm 21.
2. I love reading. My bookshelf is currently offering me a number of books to read for the first time, they're all just staring at me with their little book eyes going "read me, read me!". One at a time children, you'll get your turn!
3. I love to cross-stitch. I find the whole idea of it incredibly therapeutic, especially when I finish a piece, I feel so proud of myself for actually managing to do so.
4. I've recently graduated from university. Yup. believe it or not, this dummy actually has a degree. I don't actually have my official graduation ceremony until November, but I'm so pleased to have completed the course!
5. Red is my favourite colour. I mean seriously, why would you like any other colour?
6. My favourite book has to be The Host by Stephanie Meyer.And yes, I shall be blogging about that book at some point. For those of you who are yet to read it...it's nothing like Twilight, you're fine!
7. Until recently, I was an iPhone virgin. Yes, I did use the v-word. Until July 2014, I had not owned an iPhone. An iPod, yes, but not an iPhone. I love it like it's my baby.
8. I'm addicted to social media. Hence the start of this blog. Pretty much everything that's popular in England right now, I have an account for, even if I don't use it.
9. I'm currently stitching a Bothy Threads piece called 'Cut Thru Princess Palace'. It's my biggest challenge to date in terms of cross stitch, with 9 pages of stitching before backstitch is even considered. But I'm enjoying doing it, so that's all that matters.
10 I'm currently reading "The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson. Not only am I loving reading this, I also think his name's pretty awesome too.
So, that's it! 10 facts about me, and my first blog complete! I will be uploading book reviews and progress reports on craft projects on this blog, so I hope you all enjoy!
So I've started this blog with the help of the fantastic Vanessa, who's very own blog can be found here! Thank you so much for not only inspiring me and giving me the kick up the backside I needed, but for also being my best friend.
Right, let's get started! Ten facts about me:
1. I'm 21.
2. I love reading. My bookshelf is currently offering me a number of books to read for the first time, they're all just staring at me with their little book eyes going "read me, read me!". One at a time children, you'll get your turn!
3. I love to cross-stitch. I find the whole idea of it incredibly therapeutic, especially when I finish a piece, I feel so proud of myself for actually managing to do so.
4. I've recently graduated from university. Yup. believe it or not, this dummy actually has a degree. I don't actually have my official graduation ceremony until November, but I'm so pleased to have completed the course!
5. Red is my favourite colour. I mean seriously, why would you like any other colour?
6. My favourite book has to be The Host by Stephanie Meyer.And yes, I shall be blogging about that book at some point. For those of you who are yet to read it...it's nothing like Twilight, you're fine!
7. Until recently, I was an iPhone virgin. Yes, I did use the v-word. Until July 2014, I had not owned an iPhone. An iPod, yes, but not an iPhone. I love it like it's my baby.
8. I'm addicted to social media. Hence the start of this blog. Pretty much everything that's popular in England right now, I have an account for, even if I don't use it.
9. I'm currently stitching a Bothy Threads piece called 'Cut Thru Princess Palace'. It's my biggest challenge to date in terms of cross stitch, with 9 pages of stitching before backstitch is even considered. But I'm enjoying doing it, so that's all that matters.
10 I'm currently reading "The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson. Not only am I loving reading this, I also think his name's pretty awesome too.
So, that's it! 10 facts about me, and my first blog complete! I will be uploading book reviews and progress reports on craft projects on this blog, so I hope you all enjoy!
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