Category: Blogmas 2020

Blogmas 2020 - Unpopular Christmas Opinions 2020 Edition

Blogmas 2020 – Unpopular Christmas Opinions 2020 Edition

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Every now and again it’s good to get things off of your chest, including some unpopular opinions. Last year I posted some Christmas unpopular opinions and I thought why not do it again? So! here are a few things I think should be set straight. Also, these are for fun and aren’t meant to offend anyone!

Christmas dinner is overrated

There! I said it! Now, my Dad does do a great dinner BUT I’m not a massive fan of Turkey and it’s pretty much just a bigger roast dinner – I don’t get the hype?!

Cheese boards with Blue Cheese should be banned

It’s mouldy. MOULDY.

Not having to see absolutely everyone isn’t that bad

Ok, hear me out. One of the few silver linings of 2020 is not having something on every single bloody weekend from mid November to the end of December. In normal times you have to go to things you don’t want to, see people you’d rather not etc. Honestly? I’m down for it.

Elf on the Shelf is creepy

So, I know we do the whole Father Christmas/Santa thing but Elf on the Shelf is a whole other level. This creepy little elf man turns up, supposedly is a right little shit and destroys stuff but is reporting on whether kids behave? Nope, nope, nope.

Going out on Christmas Eve is weird

I’ve seen people going out to the pub or even going clubbing on Christmas Eve which is so weird to me. I can think of few things worse than waking up on Christmas morning with a hangover. Also don’t you want to be all tucked up in jammies chilling out and waiting to hear those sleigh bells?

Christmas TV sucks

When I was growing up I wanted to know what was going on in the soaps and watch all the specials now, there’s very few shows on across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing day that make me want to turn on the TV. The exception to this was Gavin and Stacey last year and that’s because I love Gavin and Stacey.

Going out on New Years Eve is the worst

There is absolutely no part of me that wants to go out on New Years Eve. Everywhere is so, so busy, super expensive and full of drunk people. While I know this year is going to be different, on a regular year if anyone asks me to go somewhere other than a house party it’s a hard no.

What are some of your unpopular opinions? Let me know in the comments below!

Blogmas 2020 - My Christmas Wishlist

Blogmas 2020 – My Christmas Wishlist

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My Mum asked me to write a Christmas list back in August, before I’d even had my birthday. Now, I struggled this year to write things down. We’re moving into a smaller place and most of my books and all of my Lego sets are packed away in storage for the forseeable future, so what on earth was I going to ask for?

I came up with a little list and you guessed it both of those things are on the list…oops!

General Bits

friends lego

Friends Lego Set

I’ve had my eye on this set for a while. I grew up with friends in the background (it literally started the year I was born) and it became a firm favourite, something I can have on whenever and still remember a lot of lines. I think it would be so fun to build the set!

Waterstones Voucher

I know for a fact a lot of my friends and families don’t want to buy me books because they don’t know what I’ve read and what I haven’t read. So I add a Waterstones voucher to my Christmas list. It’s also pretty fun popping to the shop after Christmas and being able to go to my local bookshop and ask my bookseller friends for their opinion.

They’re actually my friends by the way, that’s not me getting over excited.

Anything Dalmatian

101 Dalmatians has been one of my favourite films since I was in a high chair and made my Mum watch it every damn day. Recently Dalmatian’s seem to be ‘in’ but that is fine with me as long as they don’t do another remake, Glen Close was perfect as live action Cruella in 1999 and it’s the only live action Disney film I accept.

Clementine Gin from M&S

Ok, so three things. One – it’s Clementine gin, yum. Two – it has gold flecks and a Christmas theme. Three – it lights up!!! Need I say more? They also do another flavour but I can’t remember what it is. It’s so pretty!

Loungefly

I’ve got a fair collection going now so this was just a little add on – I don’t expect to get it but you never know!

Books

Of course, I’m asking for books – what else would I ask for?

The How & The Why – Cynthia Hand

This has been on my want to read list for a while, it’s about a girl who was given up for adoption looking for answers and also about her mother at the same age and her life. Definitely looks like an emotional read.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you’ve followed my blog for a while you might be thinking hang on didn’t you already read that? The answer is yes and it’s one of my favourites so I really want a physical copy. Also, how beautiful is this cover?

The Dark Vault - V.E Schwab

The Dark Vault V.E. Schwab

I absolutely love V.E Schwab and I’m making my way through all her books. I hardly ever see copies of The Dark Vault and I’m intrigued by the concept. Also she’s become one of my auto-buy authors, I’ll read pretty much anything she writes.

House of Salt and Sorrows – Erin A Craig

I always try and add in some kind of fantasy on my wishlist, because who knows what you might find. Last year it was Serpent and Dove which has turned out to be a new series I love, so here’s hoping! This is loosely based on 12 dancing princesses but with suspected murder. I’m down.

What are you hoping for this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!

Blogmas 2020 10 Small Businesses My Followers Want You To Know About

Blogmas 2020 – 10 Small Businesses My Followers Want You To Know About

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This year has been all about supporting businesses and helping them get through the tough times, as we approach Christmas I wanted to share the love with some small businesses!

I already had a few businesses I wanted to mention, but I also wanted to see what my followers thought. What I didn’t expect was over 50 responses (you can see the full thread here)! Picking 5 of them was tough but I’ve put some of my favourites below, all of which are UK based.

There are so many amazing businesses out there but I know due to funds it’s not always possible so if you can’t shop small right now I hope these are some that you can bookmark and keep in mind for later!

I want to note that I have not been given anything in exchange for posting about these companies. All of these have either been recommended by my Twitter followers or I have purchased from myself.

Liberty Things

If you’re looking for some adorable and quirky earrings then check out Liberty Things on Etsy. Gingerbread, Jammy Dodgers and some of my personal favourites – the Powerpuff Girls! One of my friends absolutely raves about this business and I can see why! You can pick yours up here.

Pencil Pencil

I’m a sucker for stationary and these are great! There are a whole variety of different quotes from films and TV shows, I really like the Back To The Future pencils. Others include Batman, Clueless and Drag Race – I wasn’t kidding when I said there is variety. You can shop here.

Izabela Nair

After 2020 I think we could all use some positivity and a bit of a boost, Izabela shared these great cards with me that give you a little bit of a pep talk or your own inspiration. I’m planning on getting some of these for myself when I can! You can buy your own box here.

Book Besties

I’ve had Book Besties on my radar for a while now but there are so many amazing fabrics to choose from I haven’t been able to decide which ones I want! Can we take a moment to just melt at Baby Yoda? He’s so cute! I will warn you book lovers you’ll want them all! Pick up bookish goodies here.

Twin Moon Supply

My regular followers know that I am a big Disney fan and these patches are ADORABLE look at them! I’m definitely adding the Neverland one to my wish list and Big Thunder Mountain because you can’t really go wrong with those two classics. You can shop some Disney goodness here.

The Clovelly Soap Co

Clovelly Soap Co is all about smelling divine with a range of soaps, candles and bath products. I’ve definitely got my eye on the set of candles above with Christmassy scents, mm mm mmm! For lovely smelly goodness, click here.

The Naughty Shrew

For those who are trying to do more for the environment you’re going to want to take a look at The Naughty Shrew. I was blown away by the sheer amount of eco friendly products available! You can find more of their products (including a great vegan range) here.

Annie Sews

Annie responded and put her shop forward and it is SO cute. A mix of sewn products and jewellery I absolutely adore this little rainbow! You can see Annie’s creations here.

Bubble Trouble UK

I’m all for finding good quality cruelty free bath bombs and fizzers and Bubble Trouble ticks both the boxes. They have some really cute Christmas creations too! If you’re in the mood for a fun bath take a look here.

Pink Alligator

I’ve actually known the owner of Pink Alligator since I was at primary school and it goes without saying Ciara has always been excellent with creating. After her normal job in theatre was shut during the pandemic she took to creating and I adore what she’s created. My favourite is definitely the eye mask above! Once I can I’ll be getting myself a few treats. There’s lots of different goodies here.

And some favourites from me

As well as my followers there were a few small businesses I’ve bought from recently that I wanted to share with you too!

Alyesa’s World

I now own 3 of Alyesa’s wonderful pins, these are a must have for V.E Schwab fans in particular (there are 2 different pins for one of my favourite books of the year The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue). There are also pins from other popular books and series such as Crescent City. You can see all the beautiful pins here.

TreatBox

I came across TreatBox through work and I LOVE these boxes! Whether you want to send a gift for a reason such as a new baby, Christmas gift or a birthday these are perfect. You can choose how many gifts and create a box that’s unique or pick one of the lovely created ones. Also they fit through the letter box! You can pick a box or build your own here.

Disclaimer: I have worked with TreatBox in a professional capacity in the past, however, all boxes I’ve received I have purchased myself.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Candle

My Mum bought me one of these candles this year as we were meant to be going to Disneyland, I’ve also bought one for my best friend and I have to say these are gorgeous. The smells are delicious and not too overwhelming. They’ve also started doing other non-Disney scents including Elf on a Shelf. Fill up your home with the beautiful smells here.

Cotton Moon Embroidery

I’ve got to know Zoe this year and I have absolutely loved seeing her grow her business and I absolutely love the two designs above – there’s also one of a highland cow that I’m particularly fond of. You can take a look at all of the available designs here.

Are there any other small businesses I should know about? Drop me a link below!

Blogmas 2020 - What I Read In November

Blogmas 2020 – What I Read In November

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November was a quieter reading month for me, I was working on some cool stuff but I also struggled to find the energy to sit down and read rather than scrolling YouTube and not really having to think.

So, my focus for the month was mostly shorter books and poetry collections that I could easily follow while ticking a few books off of the massive TBR pile.

This Winter – Alice Oseman

It’s no surprise that I adore the Heartstopper graphic novels (see reviews here for volumes one, two and three!), pre lockdown I picked up this signed edition in my local Waterstones to get me in the mood for winter.

It’s a short story set on Christmas day centring on family and some of the more stressful times celebrating Christmas can bring, but ultimately ended up being lovely and adorable. It was also the only thing I could read in the first week of November.

A quick, lovely 5 star read.

Blood and Honey – Shelby Mahurin

The follow up to one of my favourite books of the year Serpent and Dove. This one took a little longer for me to get into than the first in the series but once I was in I couldn’t stop.

I enjoyed seeing the development of Reid in particular and his choices following the ending of the first novel. There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to spoil it. Two words though – that ending!!! We now have to wait until August 2021 to get the ending to the trilogy.

This one was 4.5 stars for me.

Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back – Alicia Cook

I only realised that Alicia Cook had release a new collection thanks to the Goodreads Choice awards. I absolutely loved her previous two collections so put in an order for this as soon as I heard about it.

This follows Alicia’s signature style of having an a and b side, creating two different poems from the same words and written to a song. This very much looks at the depths of depression and how it feels.

A 4 star read for me.

Home Body – Rupi Kaur

It’s no secret that I’m a Rupi Kaur fan and pre ordered my signed edition as soon as it was announced. I found this collection to be different, initially I wasn’t as in love with the first half of the collection but as soon as we hit the second half I felt, once again, like Rupi had taken the thoughts and feelings in my head and put them on a page.

A 4 star read for me.

I Kissed Alice – Anna Birch

This was perfect for a chilled Saturday. A female/female enemies to lovers story involving rival artists and a shared love for Alice in Wonderland. Illiana and Rhodes absolutely despise each other, but what they don’t know is that they’ve actually been communicating, falling in love and collaborating on an Alice In Wonderland space comic together without ever meeting.

The suspense! The drama! I loved this book, it was also a super quick and easy read if you’re in the mood for something lighter. Also the novel is beautifully illustrated by Victoria Ying.

I’d love to hear more about what happens after the end, no spoilers of course! A 4 star read for me.

Have you read any of these or are they on your to read list? Let me know in the comments below!

Blogmas 2020 - The Bookish Naughty or Nice List

Blogmas 2020 – The Bookish Naughty or Nice List

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I wanted to add in some Christmassy tags and found this one over on Jenniely, let’s have some fun!

Rules

  • Tag & link the person who tagged you (tagged above)
  • Tag and link me/this post (I’d love to see how good you’ve been this year!)
  • Tick/cross off the ones you’ve done
  • Tag another 10 people!

Want to take part? Consider yourself tagged!

Bookish Naughty or Nice Tag

1. Received an ARC and not reviewed it  ✔️

Yes, I mean really who hasn’t?

2. Have less than 60% feedback rating on Netgalley

It’s currently at 57%…promise I’m going to work on it next year! Not travelling means I’ve read a lot less eBooks and I’ve been tackling my massive physical TBR.

3. Rated a book on Goodreads and promised a full review was to come on your blog (and never did) ✔️

Haha, haven’t most bloggers?

4. Folded down the page of a book

Nope! I did this growing up but now I’ll grab something to pop between the pages. On a good day it’s a bookmark, on another day it’s whatever is in reach.

5. Accidentally spilled on a book 

I don’t think I have this year!

6. DNF a book this year ✔️

Definitely, life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy for the sake of other people.

7. Bought a book purely because it was pretty with no intention of reading it 

I always have the intention of reading the book, whether I get to it is another thing.

8. Read whilst you were meant to be doing something else (like homework) ✔️

This is the story of my life from the moment I could read – of course I have!

9. Skim read a book 

Not an entire book, maybe a paragraph or a page.

10. Completely missed your Goodreads goal 

Nope! Another great goodreads year!

11. Borrowed a book and not returned it to the library 

I haven’y used the library this year at all because of the pandemic!

12. Broke a book buying ban ✔️

Hmmm yes, probably.

13. Started a review, left it for ages then forgot what the book was about ✔️

Oh definitely!

14. Wrote in a book you were reading

Nope, not since I was at University I think.

15. Finished a book and not added it to your Goodreads

Definitely not this year.

16. Borrowed a book and not returned it to a friend

Nope! I do have a book I’m borrowing at the moment but that will go back when I can see them next.

17. Dodged someone asking if they can borrow a book 

I haven’t had to this year but you’ll bet I do. Usually I just order them the book if I can.

18. Broke the spine of someone else’s book

Never!!!

19. Took the jacket off a book to protect it and ended up making it more damaged 

No, thank goodness!

20. Sat on a book accidentally ✔️

Who hasn’t?

Want to do this tag? Consider yourself tagged!

Blogmas 2020 - Festive AF

Blogmas 2020 – Festive AF

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It’s here, we’ve made it to the last month of 2020! Thank GOODNESS! And I’ve decided to try and be festive af this year, because why wouldn’t you after everything. I’ve been listening to Christmas music, wearing Christmas jumpers and grabbing festive drinks since November.

In my family, Christmas is a big thing anyway and while the majority of things that I usually do in the run up to the big day have been cancelled or changed I still want to get in the Christmas mood!

So, what kinds of things are you going to see on my blog? At least 24 days of blogs talking about some small businesses you should know about, my Christmas faves, what I’m hoping for under the tree this year, how to save spoons for my fellow spoonies and, of course, talking about books.

Because I obviously don’t know how to take a break, while I’m taking part in Blogmas I’ll also be in the process of moving house, getting back to the gym and everything else that December comes with.

Are you taking part in Blogmas this year? Drop your link below – I’d love to follow and support other bloggers!