Why I Love my Kindle.

Okay, so I know that there's probably a billion different blog posts on the Amazon Kindle,  or it's various products including the Kindle Fire, PaperWhite and the original Kindle, so yep, I'm writing another one.


Just about everybody has heard of an Amazon Kindle, or owns one themselves. And if the figures are anything to go by - a staggering 64 million e-book purchases between January and September of 2014 (figures found in this article) - pretty much everyone will have read a book in their format, or know someone who has. If this is in fact true, then why do people seemingly scoff, or scrunch their faces up at me, when I tell them that the Kindle is my tablet of choice?

Kindles run on the Android system, just like the Samsung/Sony/HTC/pretty much anything except Apple products. Yet I know people who swear by Android as they 'cant get away' with using Apple products, but they still own an iPad that they treat like their baby, or an additional limb. So really, what is the issue?

Personally, I believe there are a number of things about it to make you fall in love with a Kindle. For example, it's the device that was created for e-books. Its initial purpose was to support PDF and e-book formats in the best possible way, to allow more people more access to their books on the go, rather than lugging their War and Peace novels around with them (believe me, it's actually pretty hard, speaking from experience). However, the thing I think I love the most about my Kindle (a Kindle Fire), is its versatility. One minute, it's a book, the next a game, or an App, or a different book! But then it becomes a film, or it becomes music. The only thing that my Kindle lacks, is a camera. However, that is because my Kindle is the version before the ones with the cameras installed. But that really doesn't bother me. I'm more than content just flipping between my apps and my books.

I think that's just about it for now. However, I will be posting again in the near future regarding my Kindle! Next time, it wont just be me declaring my love for an e-reader, it will actually be two posts comprising of the books I own on my Kindle, how much I paid for them, and whether I've actually read them yet!

Just a quick last note about those future blog posts - the unread HEAVILY outweighs the read books on my Kindle!

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!

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!