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!

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!

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:

• 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!

 “Who am I?”

Thanks for reading, see you next time!

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!