Hello everyone! Today I thought I would post an update on just what exactly I've been up to since 1st January rolled around. Some of these are just a statement, and others will be in more detail, and some may even get their own blog posts in the near future! So, lets see what I've been up to.
1. I enrolled at college. Again.
Technically not again, as I went to a sixth form (basically the UK's version of high school. where you stay until you're 18) when I left comprehensive school at sixteen, followed by university, so college is kind of a new experience for me!
2. I started a placement in order to support number 1.
Self explanatory really, other than the 5.30am starts, I cant really complain much, other than tiredness!
3. I have currently completed two books for the year, as well as put one down and I am in the middle of three!
I dont know how it happened, but all of a sudden I'm going from reading Starter for Ten, to reading Starter for Ten + Endgame, to those + Gone Girl! At least my vow to be more productive and loving towards my TBR pile is staying true!
4. I've used the days off from work that me and my boyfriend have off at the same time to do a bit of travelling nearby. From Washington (near Newcastle) to places such as Richmond and Keswick, I've enjoyed these proper date days so much, they really do help you to understand just how much you love that person and why they make you happy.
5. I've been to the UK's largest open cave! Side note - I'm not sure if that is what it is classed as, but that's what I was told!
hint.... I'll be blogging about that too!
6. Inbetween all of this, I've been working and doing coursework, so my crafting has had to take a side step...
7. Because of 6, I am going to post about my stitching in the next few weeks, as I have a few ideas planned and would like to share them all with you!
So, there you go! It seems pretty boring because there's no images, but my planned posts, as suggested above, will contain plenty to make up for the lack here!!
What have you been up to in 2015? Have you got any places you would recommend visiting in the North/North East UK? Please do let me know in the comments below and I'll get back to you!
Showing posts with label cross stitch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cross stitch. Show all posts
Sunday, 8 March 2015
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, 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!
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!
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