Thursday 31 October 2013

Happy Halloween!

 
Halloween is another excuse to get out the fancy dress, my FAVOURITE hobby!! Seriously! I love any reason for dressing up and going a bit crazy. Over the years I’ve dressed up as a mummy, witch, a zombie and may more random creatures! This year I’m not getting the opportunity due to work and things being so busy but I hope some of you lovely lot are! I will definitely be decorating a pumpkin at some point today!
Anyone got any fancy dress plans?
Happy Halloween!

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Hot Rod Red Gelish Nails


I have no will power! I was going to resist getting Gelish on my nails again. However as someone who has a nasty habit of biting her nails, this is the longest my nails have ever been. They are also stronger and not snapping, I am in LOVE with Gelish!
Therefore I have made the decision to live off baked beans and super noodles for the next week and treat myself for the last time (*cough, cough). Who needs to eat when you have nice nails?!
This time I went for ‘Hot Rod Red’ which is an awesome fire engine red. I love a bright nail and red goes with most of my (black) wardrobe. I am also heading out for a hen do this weekend and we are all dressing up as ladybugs, so my red nails are perfect for that too!

Monday 28 October 2013

Motivational Monday #30

I can’t believe there have been 30 of these posts! It’s crazy! I started these posts with the theory that it would motivate me and keep me positive. I wanted to look for the good in things instead of the negative and just in general, smile more! So how’s it worked out I hear you all asking? Well, I actually think it’s worked! I feel that I have a much more positive perspective on life. Yes I have my ups and downs, I am only human but I am working it through and I feel like I am definitely much happier! Therefore I am going to continue them for a while yet.
 
As I mentioned in last week’s motivational Monday post I’ve been feeling a little sensitive lately, for no real reason I just am. I’m finding myself looking into things too much and taking things a little too personally. It’s not a healthy way to be, I don’t enjoy it so I am determined to change!
 
I HEART THIS QUOTE! I am tempted to get a massive print out of it. Why do we care so much about what others think? Why is there opinion so important? At the end of the day who are they to judge us? We are all so much better than that, which is what I am going to keep reminding myself this week. I am who I am and I’m a tiger!
Happy Monday Lovelies!
 

Sunday 27 October 2013

My Blogging essentials...

 
I thought I would do a slightly different post for you today and share with you essential tool kit for blogging. These are things I need to be able to blog and would struggle without....
1.    Camera
I have a Panasonic LZ20 Lumix Bridging Camera. When I first started blogging I used to use my phone but was never happy with the quality of the pictures so I decided to treat myself to a decent camera. This camera isn’t top of the range, I have a massive habit of breaking things so didn’t want to spend too much. However I LOVE it so much, it does a great job and I think my blogs definitely improved since I started focusing more on the images and their quality. To edit my photos I use picmonkey.com, it’s so easy to use and really helps to fine tune my pics. I am also a fan of instagram if I do use my phone for any photography.
2.    Phone
I have an Iphone 4s. It has become a bit like my left hand when it comes to blogging. It means I can access my emails and twitter on the go. I have the blogger app on my phone too but I don’t tend to use it as it doesn’t give you as many options as the website. I also am a huge Lister, I heart lists! The notes section on my phone is filled with so many lists including, blog ideas/post ideas/reminders etc. I can also photograph things on the go. It definitely helps me stay interactive whilst away from my laptop.
3.    Twitter
I think I spend just as much time on twitter as I do on my blog. I wasn’t a huge fan of it when I first started using it but it’s such a fantastic way of interacting with other bloggers and sharing your links. The blogging community on twitter is such an amazing source of support and all the regular chats keeps me motivated. I definitely don’t think my blog would be the same if I didn’t have twitter.
4.    Notepad
I always carry a notepad in my hand bag, and have a few on the go at any one time. I use them to write rough drafts of posts, jot down any ideas that come into my head. It’s great for getting whatever’s on my mind on to paper. My notepads are where all my posts begin.
5.    My Laptop
This one is slightly obvious! As a blogger I spend a large amount of time on my laptop and would be massively stuck if I didn’t have it! I use it to write and post on my blog, I use it email in regards to my blog, to tweet, to edit photos, the list is endless!
And of course copious amounts of tea also helps! I would love to hear what’s on everyone else’s toolkit list? Of course I have equipment to help me photograph products and a few other bits that help me out when it comes to blogging but these are my top 5. What are your blogging essentials?
 

Friday 25 October 2013

BOOK CLUB TAKEOVER: Anthony from 'I, Contra Mundum'

Here are my thoughts… I LOVE hearing other people’s views and reviews on pretty much anything especially books! Some of my favourite reads are ones that have been suggested by other people. So thinking along those lines,’ The Book Club Takeover’ was born! Hopefully each week I will bring to you a post from one of my lovely and amazing fellow bloggers who will in turn share with you what their favourite book is, why they love it and a review. I hope you enjoy this feature as much as I do!

A short introduction, hmm? Well, I'm Anthony, a French-Kenyan opera conductor, freelance fashion journalist, budding architect, bitcoiner, and polo player. My interests lie in Franco-Japanese literature, fashion and cuisine; Post-modernism; Futurism; Lepidoptery; Impressionism; Plato and Herodotus. I'm new to blogging and write over at I, Contra Mundum about everything from fashion and philosophy, to graphic novels and mental health. Though my writing may make me seem grumpy and serious, I'm actually the laziest, most melodramatic prankster one'll ever know. Want to know more? Just ask.
 
Review 
Voici mon secret. Il set très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel set invisible pour les jeux. (Renard, Chapter XII - Le Petit Prince)
As an keen reader, I like slipping away into the admittedly wonderful exercise of dissolving into a narrative - escaping the present, escaping critical eyes, escaping time - as does happen in the case of those rare novels that are convincing, thought provoking and entertaining. Having, rather fortuitously, read many such novels, picking my favourite seemed to be, at first, quite the onerous task. I kept oscillating between Dante, Murakami, di Lampedusa and Saint-Exupéry. But I decided to go with my heart, as one should with choices such as these; and the French aristocrat, writer, poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's children's book, The Little Prince, won me over.
Le Petit Prince, as it's known in French, was written during Saint-Exupéry's self-imposed exile to the US after the fall of France to Nazi Germany. He was on a mission to convince the US government to intervene and amidst personal turmoil wrote a delicate story about friendship, love, loneliness and loss. The story, self-illustrated too, tells of a pilot (the narrator, Saint-Exupéry himself) stranded in a desert who happens to meet a Prince - believed to be from asteroid B-612 - who has fallen to Earth. The Prince begins relaying to the pilot his life on the asteroid and travels from planet to planet in search of the meaning of life.
 
I first encountered The Little Prince when I was twelve, sometime after my parent's messy (read: expensive) divorce, and a few weeks into my new life in Neuilly-sur-Seine with my grandmama. It was in her study that I first found the book. My French wasn't very good back then, I struggled, so grandmama used the book to teach me French, and she'd also read it to me before bed-time. As a child, a lot of the book's more profound observations were lost on me. At that time, what interested me most, were the analogues of human society that the Prince encountered, from the Tippler who drinks because he is ashamed of his drinking problem, to the merchant who sells pills that quench thirst and, therefore, save one 'fifty-three minutes in every week.'
Albeit it's classification as a children's book, The Little Prince is also philosophical in nature. It weaves an endearing message of childhood innocence through the perspective of an adult's analytical mind. The Prince's incredulity at how boring and unimaginative adults are - 'Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.' - mirrored how I felt with the grown-ups around me. It was the first time in my life that I felt a real connection with a fictional protagonist - a feeling that I have rarely encountered since and only matched with Fitzgerald's Amory Blaine. But even in my youth certain scenes struck me with their significance, like when the Prince encounters a group of roses and compares them to his own rose on B-612, and he says to them, 'You are beautiful, but you are empty…No one could die for you.'
As I grew older, I read and re-read The Little Prince a few times with a tear. Reflecting while I read, encouraged me to think of other tales similar in scope; tales whose foundations were built on themes of youth, discovery, and a critical examination of our society. The Prince's words serve to highlight the flaws and the unimaginative reality of being an adult in modern society. The universality of this message can be witnessed in J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. They all, in their own way, play with the notion of saudade (to borrow a Portuguese word), bringing into focus the rites of passage we all go through in our ascent, or descent if you're a cynic like me, into adulthood.
 
As this story gnaws at the facade of the authoritarian and materialistic universe in which the Little Prince resides, the reader is able to witness the self-indulgent nature of the universe surrounding our protagonist. His asteroid is a reminder, to him and to us, of the simple things that matter and of where youthful delights still exist. In turn, when he hastily leaves this simple existence behind after an argument with his love (a rose flower), his search for meaning leaves him with more questions than answers. To comprehend the quantitative nature of the world around him becomes an arduous task. The Prince’s bewilderment with adult society is what we must all grapple with as we grow up. The road taken to achieve our aspirations and gain maturity is littered with the discarded innocence of our youth. Much in the same way as Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience
Yet, a few years ago in boarding school, I encountered and was subsequently tasked with defending the Prince from friends who challenged the book's overall optimism. They argued, as Goethe wrote that, 'At the end of their lives, all men look back and think their youth was arcadia.' This was apt considering Saint-Exupéry was very ill when he wrote the book. If, like my friends, you read this book and are similarly pessimistic I guide you to the quote at the start of this review. It comes from Chapter XXI of the book, when the Prince befriends a fox. The tale's essence, it's heart, is contained in the parting lines the fox utters to the little Prince, 'Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.' A message we, like the little Prince, can all live by.
P.S: I hear Hollywood is releasing a film of The Little Prince next year, starring James Franco, Rachel McAdams and Jeff Bridges. I really don't know what to think of that cast but similarly I can't wait to see what they do. Wish it wasn't in 3D though.
Note: For those who can't read French and are thinking of getting an English translation, I highly recommend Katherine Woods' translation. A few errors aside, she really hits the poetic flow of the book. Happy reading!

Thursday 24 October 2013

MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam

 
I purchased my first MAC Lipglass whilst I was in New York in January. Whilst being a huge fan of the brand I was a little hesitant whether to pay a bit more for a lip gloss or stick to my usual high street brands. Being on holiday in the best city in the world, I figured I’d throw caution to the wind and give it a try.
To the detriment of my bank balance, I’ve not looked back and bought a few more! MAC Lipglass is pigmented, very shiny and can be used for subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips.

 
My most recent purchase was the shade ‘Viva Glam’ which is a deep dark red colour. A gorgeous shade for the autumn months. As with the other Lipglass shades I’ve tried, the colour lasts for ages and provides good coverage.
The consistency isn’t too thick, but thick enough to not be sheer. It also leaves a good shine but is moisturising rather than sticky.
If you are looking to invest in a new gloss I would definitely recommend trying any of the MAC Lipglass collection, you won’t be disappointed!

Wednesday 23 October 2013

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

I HAVE NO WILL POWER!!! I am an epic failure when it comes to resisting spending money on naughty treats, and this highlights it all! I am pretty skint at the mo and I’m trying to be good, however after venturing into the world of Gelish nails I couldn’t stop myself from having them one more time. I know, I know, the next few weeks till pay day I shall be living on beans on toast. Oh well at least I have pretty nails!


So here is what I went for, a gorgeous lilac colour called ‘He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not’ with a top coat of glitter. I LOVE it so much. The Gelish has really helped my nails to grow and strengthen, and I love that it stays put for a couple of weeks with no chips.

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Book Club: Izzy's Cold Feet by Sarah Louise Smith

 
The gorgeous Sarah Louise Smith was kind enough to send me a copy of her latest book ‘Izzy's Cold Feet’ back in the summer, and I must send her a massive apology for not reviewing it sooner. Due to being super busy at work and one cold after the other I’ve been a bit disorganised and not had much free time. However being a massive fan of Sarah’s first book ‘Amy & Zach’, you can see my review here, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed with this read!
The Blurb
One bride to be, three ex-boyfriends.

Izzy is engaged to Greg, who is everything a girl could want.

The trouble is – all she can think about is the men she loved before she met him: sexy Ewan, the first love of her life; dependable Jason, who loved her more than she deserved; and irresistible Dexter, who broke her heart...

Then there's the fact that her sister has been missing since Izzy was twelve. After such a traumatic childhood, all Izzy wants is a normal, happy, settled life, but love is never simple.

In the week leading up to her wedding day, Izzy is forced to ask herself who she loves the most. And, given the choice, who would she want to spend her life with?
The Review
Have you ever thought about your ex’s and done the whole ‘what if....’ ? I think most of us have done at some point, and if so I suggest you read this book!
At first I didn't warm to the character of Izzy who is about to get married but has cold feet and starts to remember her past boyfriends. However as the story unfolds I eventually I did and I couldn’t put the book down!
At times I wanted to shake Izzy but you can also relate to her mistakes and terrible choices. Then in the next moment I felt sorry for her because she has huge dilemmas and a lot to get sorted in her head and in her heart. Izzy is really relatable as I think we all have self doubts and question ourselves.

The plot is great and really well thought out, Sarah has a talent for playing with the time line so you jump around from past to present. This way of storytelling can sometimes grate on me and make it hard to follow, but Sarah has done it seamlessly.
There is also an under plot involving Izzy’s missing sister, which added depth and emotion as well as  plot twists that I really didn't expect.

The ending was well structured and perfect, all the questions were answered and loose ends tied up. Luckily Izzy went for the man I was championing for!

Sarah has demonstrated yet again that she has a knack for seamlessly drawing together the past and present and creating authentic, imperfect heroines you adore and can relate to. I can’t wait to see what Sarah comes up with next! I am secretly hooping she will do a follow up to Amy & Zach, I want to see what happens next for those characters!
I was also lucky enough to interview Sarah a few months ago, you can find the Q&A here.

Monday 21 October 2013

Motivational Monday #29

 
I had a weird old week this one just gone by. Works been super busy so I’ve not really stopped but I’ve been feeling a pretty mixed bag of emotions. I’ve been uber sensitive and feeling a bit lonely. I always find it strange how you can feel lonely when you have good friends and family around you, but that’s just how I feel.
Therefore this week’s quote is really fitting and ideal for my current mood. This week I am going to keep my head up, be confident, nit take things too personally and most importantly I am going to stay positive. I always find when I’m determined to act, be and feel upbeat and positive, only good things come from it.
Happy Monday!
P.S. When you read this quote are you singing it in your head like the song? Just me?!

Sunday 20 October 2013

The Perfect Rainy Sunday Afternoon*

 

I don’t know what the weather is like where you all are, but it’s been chucking it down most of the day and is pretty grey and dark outside. Therefore after a lovely early lunch and catch up at a local pub with two of my best friends, some may wonder what to fill the rest of their day with when the weather is only good for ducks. However I absolutely love a rainy Sunday as it means I can be a bit self indulgent! So I was a bit excited to get home and get my onesie on!
My favourite thing for a day like today, is to get super comfy on the sofa and have a Disney DVD session. I love pretty much all Disney films, the top ones for me are Mulan, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas... who am I kidding, I love all the classics! I have a worry thought that Disney has set my romance expectations so high and that’s possible the reason why I am still single! These movies make me feel all warm inside and are perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
To accompany a DVD session, it is all about picking the perfect snacks! My ultimate comfort food is Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream, I have been known to eat a whole large tub in one setting, hence why I only buy the smaller tubs now!
Of course, popcorn is a must! Whenever I go to the cinema I go for ‘half and half’, half sweet and half salted popcorn. I LOVE it! I recently came across Darling Spuds ‘Darling Popcorn Sweet and Salty’ bags of popcorn, it’s so yummy! I really like the mix as I find having either sweet or salted I get a bit fed up of the taste. You can get this popcorn in small bags too, so if you’re like me and trying not to be too naughty it’s the perfect compromise for a nice treat! Definitely recommend them!
For my beverage, today I’ve gone for Cloudy Lemonade. I don’t tend to drink much fizzy pop so it’s a nice treat!
Finally, whilst I’m all snuggled on the sofa I give myself a bit of a manicure and paint my nails.
The Perfect afternoon! What do you guys do when the weathers not great? What do you do for a lazy afternoon?

 


Friday 18 October 2013

BOOK CLUB TAKEOVER: Hayley from 'Tea Party Beauty'

Here are my thoughts… I LOVE hearing other people’s views and reviews on pretty much anything especially books! Some of my favourite reads are ones that have been suggested by other people. So thinking along those lines,’ The Book Club Takeover’ was born! Hopefully each week I will bring to you a post from one of my lovely and amazing fellow bloggers who will in turn share with you what their favourite book is, why they love it and a review. I hope you enjoy this feature as much as I do!
 
 
Hello. It seems a little strange saying hello to another bloggers readers, like I am cheating on my own :) I'm Hayley & I blog over at TeaPartyBeauty.blogspot.co.uk I mainly blog about beauty & the (un)interesting things that go on in my life. So if you ever pop on over you are more than likely to see beauty reviews, life updates & my general wittering. 
 
The lovely Gemma recently put a tweet out asking if anyone would like to do a book review of their favourite book. I got rather giddy when I saw this as I am a massive book nerd. I have over 200 books in my apartment, not to mention a kindle full too. My only problem was choosing a book. I love different types of books, but mostly ones that are real life stories dealing with the issues society faces. 
 
 
For my review I have chosen Alexander Masters - Stuart, a life backwards. I have read this book about 6 times & first picked it up shortly after it's release about 8 Years ago, each time I read this book it has me in fits of giggles & floods of tears. Each time I read it I discover something new; what more could you ask of from a book.
 
This is a true story written by Alexander about his time spent with Stuart over the course of a few years & how two opposite ends of society bond. What drew me in about this book is the fact it works backwards, you meet Stuart at the current time in his life & the story kind of works backwards to his childhood, explaining the way he is as an adult. At the start of the book, when Stuart is reading the first draft of the book by Alexander he dismisses it as boring, telling him to rewrite it  "Make it more like a murder mystery. What murdered the boy I was? See? Write it backwards."Although this wasn't the only element of the book that I was drawn to, Stuart has many problems in his life to tackle, disability, mental illness, homelessness & a criminal past. Exploring the age old question of 'nature or nurture'. 
 
This might all sound a little depressing, but I love books that give you a different view on the people you might normally judge, it opens you up & challenges your perceptions & the way you think. It also has some really heart felt moments between Alexander & Stuart, not to mention some wise words from Stuart. Plus quite a lot of swearing & funny moments. Here are a few quotes from the book, giving you an idea of the style & subject, without spoiling anything.
 
“I don't know, Alexander, sometimes it gets so bad you can't think of nothing better to do than make it worse.” 
 
“But one of Stuart's most personable (and most annoying) qualities is his refusal to judge strangers until he knows them, especially if they're peculiar.” 
 
“When life is this dull, you have to invent purpose. Collecting torn-up newspaper gives you a hobby, provides an anchoring intimacy with your surroundings, keeps the streets clean. Or so you think. Then one day you wake up and realise that it was all a con: what you had thought was an escape from madness was in fact the arrival.”
 
It is hard not to fall for Stuart, his wisdom, total disregard & the tragicness of him. He is an unlikely hero & you can see why he had such an affect on Alexander & the people he met. The book was later made into a film with Tom Hardy playing Stuart, it also won some awards. I have seen the film & have to say it is rather good, but as with most adaptations, it will never be as good as the book.
 
If this seems like your type of book, something that challenges your view of people, mental health & society then go get it. NOW. I cannot recommend this enough.

Thursday 17 October 2013

The Body Shop's Shimmer Waves

 
The Body Shop Shimmer Waves in Bronze is probably the longest standing piece of make up in my bag. I have been using it for years!
The reason I thought id share this product with you now is with Autumn now fully in force, I don’t know about you guys but I am feeling pale and pasty! Casper is not my style icon, so I have been using this bronzer to add a bit of colour to my cheeks.
It leaves a gorgeous tanned bronze colour on your cheeks. I have tried alternatives but find them either too dark, too glittery, too pink, too yellow. This trusted favourite is just the perfect colour for me and suits my skin tone. It’s also just the right consistency and the powder adds the perfect sheen and finish.
 
I also find it perfect for holidays, weekends away etc as it can turn multipurpose.  I use the individual waves as eye shadow, which I would highly rate for this purpose alone! Especially the gorgeous gold shade.
What do you use to avoid the washed out winter look?

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blackberry



 
As you are well aware by now, I’m a little bit obsessed with the Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint. This week I decided to give the shade ‘Blackberry’ ago, which is a dark navy colour. I thought a darker shade fitted into the change of season we are going through, Hello Winter!
I do love this shade, it goes well with pretty much any of my wardrobe choices and it suits my grungy look. As usual with this range it’s pretty good at not chipping and has a lovely shine finish.
What shade of nails are you sporting at the moment?

Monday 14 October 2013

Motivational Monday #28


 
I sometimes get the feeling people think I can be a bit of a walk over. That ‘oh Gemma won’t mind’ attitude. Yes, I can be laid back but you don’t need to take the piss! Treat me like a friend and with respect please.
With this in mind, I LOVE today’s post, sometimes you just need to assert your inner bitch and look after yourself. It’s not being selfish its being protective of yourself and having enough respect for yourself to not let people take advantage. My aim this week is definitely to be more assertive.
Happy Monday!

Sunday 13 October 2013

Lush Spa: The Sound Bath

 
Last week my sister ventured home for a few days, she lives in London so I don’t get to see her as much as I like. She is one of my favourite people on this planet and I love spending time with her.
 
For a naughty little treat and some sisterly bonding we ventured over to the Lush Spa in Poole and we both had the ‘Sound Bath’ treatment. It’s hard to tell you too much about it as there are lots of little magical things that make it a special experience that I’m not sure would be the same if you knew about it in advance!
 
Basically, without going into too much detail, the treatment consists of a relaxing facial with cold and hot stones, ear candles and a scalp massage. With lots of lovely surprises thrown in. Lindsey our therapist was fantastic and made the whole experience lovely.


Coming out of the treatment at the end, I’ve not felt so relaxed and mellowed out in a long time! Lush have turned the whole spa experience on its head and come up with something that’s really special and personal. I am definitely going to be saving up the pennies to go and try out another treatment again soon!

Friday 11 October 2013

BOOK CLUB TAKEOVER: Lynn Jo from ‘Lynn Jo Chaney’

Here are my thoughts… I LOVE hearing other people’s views and reviews on pretty much anything especially books! Some of my favourite reads are ones that have been suggested by other people. So thinking along those lines,’ The Book Club Takeover’ was born! Hopefully each week I will bring to you a post from one of my lovely and amazing fellow bloggers who will in turn share with you what their favourite book is, why they love it and a review. I hope you enjoy this feature as much as I do!

Hi Lovelies! I’m Lynn Jo and you can normally find me over at lynnjochaney.blogspot.ie!! I don’t really blog about anything specific but I have a nice healthy mix of life, beauty and fashion… the basic contents of my head :P I am a college graduate and was made redundant from my job so I have a lot of time on my hands while I job hunt so this blog is keeping me sane in this gap with nothing happening. I am also moving to London in February so this blog is going to be huge to me then. I’ve wanted to start posting about my favourite books on my blog because I love to read so this is a good way to test the waters. Please let me know what you think.

ALSO, I recommend this book to everyone so get a nice copy, even second-hand and share it around as everyone NEEDS to read it!


 
The Blurb

Callum is a nought – a second-class citizen in a world run by the ruling Crosses…

Sephy is a Cross, daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country…

In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. And as hostility turns to violence, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together?
They are determined to try.


And then the bomb explodes…
 
The Review

Now I had hoped to read this book again before writing this post as it has been about a year since I read it last, but then I said no, I’ll write it based on how much I still love it and recommend it even though it has been a while since I read it. It’s impact doesn’t lessen the more time passes since you have read it.

When I was in Transition Year in secondary school our teachers seemed to be mad into getting us to read really different pieces of literature… between English and Irish the books were definitely different to our normal material.

Noughts and Crosses focuses on the whole idea of segregation and minorities in a society run by a power. It is part of a trilogy and I would recommend reading the whole set as the books are gripping and have n almighty impact on you.
I like the book as it puts a spin on who the minority is, they don’t use typical true to life representations and put into power those that are a minority in our world. The story has the usual star crossed lovers vibe to it but there is so much more to be found in the book. You find yourself fighting for the characters and willing them to get through everything and triumph at the end… I won’t say whether they will or not but be warned it could go either way due to the nature of this book.
 
This book appeals to the masses, it covers everything, romance, action, crime, there is something for everyone in this book. I recommend it to everyone, people with completely different literary tastes to me, and everyone has loved it. In school we used copies of the bought by our teachers and I was so into it that I went home and bought a copy of the book to bring home and read ahead myself as I just could not put the book down, I was always reading ahead in class.
 
I know I haven’t said much on the plot but to be honest I don’t need to. Like I love the plot, it’s a brilliant idea for a book, especially the way the tables of power are turned within the world of the book. But I really think this books message and the way it makes you think is the reason it should be read. My class had the most powerful discussions we have ever had after finishing this book. It changed us all, even those in the class who weren’t the literary sort. Like I would not be the one to get involved in discussion of power or power roles, but I was dying to have my say in relation to this book.
 
I think that is all I am going to say on the book, if I haven’t convinced you to read it then let the blurb. How you could not be curious after reading that I don’t know.

Wednesday 9 October 2013

'Shake It Till You Samba' Gelish Toes

 
As I mentioned in last week’s post, I recently went to Butlins for a 90’s themed weekend for a friends hen do. I was naughty and a few days prior treated myself to some Gelish nails, but I didn’t stop there... I pushed the boat out and got my toes done too!
I don’t know if anyone else has feet issues but I am really funny about people touching my feet, mainly because they are INSANELY ticklish! Last time I had a pedicure I managed to kick the guy in the face! However for the want of pretty toes I decided to brave it.
 
I am so glad I did! I love the result! The Gelish shade I went for was ‘Shake It Till You Samba’ which is a fab bright neon pink. It’s also part of the UV range, so under the right lighting I will be glowing! Eeek!
As I’ve mentioned before I love Gelish. If your anything like me and can be a bit rough and ready so you’re always chipping your nail polish, this is perfect! It stays put with no chips for a couple of weeks, it’s also super shiny and just looks great!

Monday 7 October 2013

Motivational Monday #27


For once I don’t have much to say about today’s quote. It says it all, it’s how I aim to live my life. I want to see the positives in everything, I want to be happy, I want to live life the best way I can.
Happy Monday! xx

Sunday 6 October 2013

Autumn Clear Out!


So I had a pretty rubbish start to the day, I, like thousands of others spent the morning on the house phone, my mobile, my laptop and the ipad trying to get me some glasto action. Sadly me and Glastonbury Festival weren’t meant to be and I didn’t manage to get any tickets. Heartbroken is an understatement but I managed to pull myself together and have a reasonably productive day for a Sunday!
The last few weekends I’ve had something on and not really had a chance to catch up with things and get organised. Also I don’t know how everyone else feels, and I don’t whether it’s because of the however many years of education we endure, but Autumn always feels like new beginnings to me. It makes me want to clear out my life and start a fresh. So today I decided to start with my wardrobe and get a few bits on eBay. I am on a mission to try and save a few pennies at the moment, and I have so many bits of clothing that I though I might as well see if can sell a few pieces.
 
I am a nightmare when it comes to clothes! I love shopping and have no will power, my wardrobe is over flowing. Seriously I have a pile of stuff on the floor as have nowhere to put it. So enough is enough! I pulled out everything and put them into three piles of stuff I’m keeping, stuff to bin and stuff to sell. I found tops and dresses with the labels still on!
I feel so much better now after having a clear out, it’s a bit therapeutic. My bedroom looks a bit like a bombs hit it now but hey ho! I even started putting a few bits on eBay. Check out my page here, I will be adding more over the next few weeks.
I also caught up on my blog today, and a bit of blog admin. All my emails (well most of them...) have been actioned or replied to. I also wrote a few posts as well as two guest post, which I’m really excited about and I will tell you more about soon.
All in all I’m quite pleased today, I’ve had a pretty productive day. Go me! Hopefully it will mean this week will be pretty cool as I’m sort of up to date for me! For a severely disorganised person I’m feeling pretty together!

Friday 4 October 2013

BOOK CLUB TAKEOVER: Ffion from 'ThePoorGirlsGuide’


Hi, my name is Ffion, I am a Welsh speaker from South Wales. I am an AS Psychology, Sociology and Business student. My blog is called ‘ThePoorGirlsGuide’ It’s not really a blog about being poor, it’s a blog that every young girl can relate to, not having enough money to buy those new pair of shoes you saw in Topshop or that new dress in New Look. I write personal and lifestyle posts that I think my readers  can relate to. I have also recently started to put some self help posts up for those of you in college or thinking of college next year I think they could help you out. I am as interactive with my readers as I can be and you can follow me on Instagram and Twitter; @FfionGinge and for enquires please e-mail me at ffiongdavies@gmail.com. Blog; ThePoorGirlsGuideTo.Blogspot.com


The Blurb
How I Live Now is the powerful and engaging story of Daisy, the precocious New Yorker and her English cousin Edmond, torn apart as war breaks out in London of a not-so-distant future, from the multi award-winning Meg Rosoff. How I Live Now has been adapted for the big screen by Kevin Macdonald, starring Saoirse Ronan as Daisy and releases in 2013.
Fifteen-year-old Daisy thinks she knows all about love. Her mother died giving birth to her, and now her dad has sent her away for the summer, to live in the English countryside with cousins she’s never even met.
There she’ll discover what real love is: something violent, mysterious and wonderful. There her world will be turned upside down and a perfect summer will explode into a million bewildering pieces.
How will Daisy live then?
The Review
This has always been my favourite book, from when I read it some 3 or 4 years ago. It’s stuck with me, it’s been one of the only books I could ever re-read and I think it’s suitable for anyone aged 14+ I think even my mum would enjoy it! This book has everything mystery, romance, violence, it’s such a good read you’ll never want to put it down. The story is about a Girl called Dasiy who moves to England to live with her cousins where she develops a special bond with one of her cousins Edmond. Without giving too much away (because I want you to read and love this book as much as me) It’s a rollercoaster ride, when the family is torn apart by war and sent to live apart, do they ever meet again? READ IT, I can’t stress enough how exciting this book is, other than to say even someone who hates reading would love this! But read it soon as it’s been adapted into a film that’s coming out on the 4th of October in the UK and as we all know, the film is almost never as good as the book!
 
Thank you to Gemma for letting me share my favourite book with you!

 

Wednesday 2 October 2013

Tiki Tiki Gelish Neon Nails


 
A couple of weekends ago, it was a good friend of mines hen do. So a group of 7 of us travelled across to Butlins for a 90’s themed hen weekend. I’ve never been to Butlins before and I’m not sure it’s my particular cup of tea, however when your with a group of good friends you can always make it work! Plus Chesney Hawkes was headlining and who doesn’t love a bit of the ‘one and only’!!
Embracing the 90’s theme on the Saturday night, still feeling almighty rough from the night before, we got out neon on and dressed up as cheesy quaver ravers. Give me glow sticks and I’m like a kid high on blue smarties!
Using any excuse to treat myself to a bit of pampering, I felt the need for neon nails. Before we went I headed to my local beauty salon and treated myself to some Gelish nails. I went for their UV range, as felt glowing nails totally fits within the raver theme!
I went for ‘Tiki Tiki’ which is a bright neon coral and I’ve had so many complements for it! I highly recommend Gelish, it stays put for ages, doesn’t chip and has a fab hi-shine finish. If I wasn’t so skint I would love to have this done regularly but for now it’s just a once in a blue moon treat!
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