What 2014 brought me...

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

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...

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!