Blogmas 2019 - Retail At Christmas

Blogmas 2019: Retail At Christmas

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I’m doing it – literally when this goes out I will have been doing it for about 3 weeks. I’ve taken the plunge and headed back to retail for 6 weeks. I’m still freelance but I’m currently between contacts. Where has tempted me to go back into the world of Christmas shoppers? Waterstones of course!

Waaaay back when I was 15 (10 years ago 😬) I did my school work experience in the local book shop, which is the one I’m going back to. I didn’t manage to get the temp job then but I am back!

This is my first Christmas in retail since I was about 17! Last time I was working at Debenhams, I was pretty miserable because I had no interest in what I was selling this time however, I am pumped. I’m selling books guys – BOOKS!

It’s going to be fun and tiring but it’s a new experience for me and I’m looking forward to helping people find books for the people they love. That said, I’m not dumb I know there will be busy and testing times this season but bring it on!

When you’re shopping in the run up to Christmas, don’t forget:

People in retail are people too!

Sighing will not get you any closer to the front of the line.

Everyone is trying to get things done

A smile costs nothing but can change everything

Are you working in retail this Christmas? Let me know below!

Blogmas 2019: Unpopular Opinions – Christmas Edition ðŸŽ„

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So, as you all know I LOVE Christmas but there might be some opinions I have that aren’t popular. Seeing as you guys love my unpopular opinions posts I thought I might crack one out for Christmas.

As of November 1st, it is time for Christmas

Halloween is done and it’s time for Christmas – someone defrost Michael Buble and Mariah Carey!

Christmas shopping throughout the year is ok!

Most of my Christmas shopping was done by the 1st December and I’m not kidding. So many people thought I was a giant weirdo which, ok maybe I also am, but I LOVED it.

You don’t need alcohol to have a good Christmas

Personally, I don’t really drink over Christmas. I think I get it from my Mum because she was almost always the designated driver while I was growing up so I’ve happily taken that role on now.

Children singing in public places is not needed

Nope, nope, nope. I WAS one of those kids but bloody hell the last thing you need in a packed shopping center is a load of children singing, 20 odd parents standing still with phones

You can keep your Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings

Gross, gross, GROSS.

Vienetta is a perfect Christmas dessert

The best, much beautiful, many yums.

Eating out on Christmas Day is shitty

Here’s the thing people who can’t be bothered to book pay a lot of money for someone else to cook for them BUT what about everyone working? Most service industries do not let their staff have any time off over Christmas.

It sucks but I get it with hotels but Christmas Dinner? No one needs to go for an overpriced meal when they can cook at home most of those people want to be at home with their families not serving your parsnips.

Are there any you don’t agree with or would add?

The Boujee Book Tag

Blogmas 2019 – The Boujee Book Tag

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‘Tis the season for more book tags tra la la la la la la la laaaaaaaa. I know I’ve done a lot of Christmassy Book Tags over Blogmas but I’ve seen so many good ones, so why not?

This tag was created by abookolive. Go and give her some love!

1. What is your average monthly budget for books?

Hahahahahaha. Oh, you’re serious? I don’t set myself a budget some times I’ll buy 1, sometimes 3 or if I got to a bookish event like YALC I might get 20 or so…

2. What’s the most you’ve ever spent in a bookstore?

Probably £50 or so? BUT I do get discount in a book shop this Christmas…so we’ll see. At YALC though which isn’t technically a book shop but a lot of stalls I saved and then spent about £150. Eeek!

3. Are you willing to pay full price for a brand new release, or will you wait until you have a coupon or there’s a sale?

I will completely pay full price for a new release! Although I am guilty of a buy one get one free…

4. Would you rather buy one new book or several less expensive used copies?

It depends on the condition of the books to be honest. If they’re in good condition yes but if they’re stained and battered probably not…

5. What do you think is a reasonable price for a new hardback book? A paperback? An eBook?

Hmmm it depends on the book really. I think £15 for a hardback is reasonable, £7.99 for a paperback and about £3 for an ebook.

6. Is a signed book worth more to you? How about a first edition?

Yes, 100%. I love having signed books that the author has touched themselves. And I absolutely LOVE going to signings!

7. What is your most valuable book (sentimental or actual value)?

Hmmm, probably my first edition delux of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Fun fact, we found it at a car boot sale for 50p because people didn’t know what they were selling…

8. Will you pay more for a cover or edition you like better?

Yep.

9. What physical characteristics does a good quality book have?

Nice cover, good quality pages, not mass market or a film poster cover *shudder*.

10. If you won the lottery, what bookish things would you do with the money?

Ok so I have this dream of renting a huge car or even a limo and taking it up to Waterstones Piccadilly and Foyles in Tottenham Court Road after hours to shop to my hearts content. Then have my own library in a new house. Also track down a first edition copy of The Bell Jar.

BONUS: Give us an image (actual or mental) of your dream home library!

Ok so first of all huge, thick carpets and electric heating (open fires are great but fire near books?!) wall to wall shelves, comfy sofas and a small tea tray stacked with snacks and tea at all time.

Want to have a go? Then I tag you – make sure you post your link below!

Blogmas 2019: Ranking The Celebrations Chocolates

Blogmas 2019: Ranking The Celebrations Chocolates

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Well, this might be a controversial post but I’m ready to take it on. Are you? I’ve decided that over December I’ll be ranking the tubs of Christmas chocolates and first up we have Celebrations.

Here’s my rankings – keep it civil in the comments guys, we can do this… let’s open the box.

8 – The Snickers One

Ok, so I’m just not a fan of Snickers, not my cup of tea and they always seem to be left at the bottom of the box so I feel like I might not be the only one with this opinion… *ducks*

7 – The Milky Way One

I don’t mind a Milky Way but in mini form it just seems kinda pointless? You can’t get the most of the floaty flavour and I think you just need that from a Milky Way.

6 – The Mars Bar One

Again, similar to the Milky Way one it’s just too small to get the benefit of the bar and I really do like a Mars Bar every now and again!

5 – The Bounty One

Bounty gets such a bad rep and is normally left at the bottom which in my opinion is not deserved. Yes putting it above Mars is controversial BUT I think it works in the tiny size and the more people who leave it for me the better.

4 – The Galaxy One

This is a classic and give me pure joy. There’s no fuss, no frills it’s just a good piece of chocolate you know you can rely on…yes I did just write that about a piece of chocolate.

3 – The Twix One

I’m a big fan of a Twix and while I’m not sure it’s worth swapping out the Galaxy truffle I do love this mini Twix. Crunchy, chocolatey and I can’t eat just one.

2 – The Galaxy Caramel One

Mmm, mmm, mmm gorgeous Galaxy with some smooth caramel? Yes, I am aware that I sound like an advert, this is not spon (but I wouldn’t say no 😉 ) These are so tasty and very nearly got the top spot but were just pipped to the post by the almighty…

1 – The Malteser One

The winner, the almighty, was there any other answer really? There’s a reason there’s a gift box of just Malteser ones because they are the best and I won’t budge on this one. Yes I will also fight my sister for them when Mum and Dad get the chocolates out.

Special shout out to the Galaxy truffle which was a wonderful addition until they ruthlessly cut it.

How would you rank them? Let me know in the comments below and keep an eye out for the next installment 👀.

10 Thoughts Spoonies Have Over The Holidays

Blogmas 2019: 10 Thoughts Spoonies Have Over The Holidays

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Ah Spoonie life, aren’t you lovely? Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year buuuut my Fibro doesn’t always play nicely. If you’re a regular reader though you know I’ll poke fun at myself when I can because you have to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.

So, I thought I’d have a little bit of fun with this one because I know a lot of my Spoonie friends are feeling the same

1. I’m going to pace myself this year

Personally, I alway start with the greatest of intentions, I’m going to chill out, have rest breaks etc. That said though, I’m not the best at pacing myself at a normal time of the year – let alone the time I’m allowed to be super extra.

2. If one more person asks me if I’m ‘better yet’ I may start throwing the Sprouts

WHAT PART OF CHRONIC ILLNESS DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND.

3. I wonder if I could make an advent calendar for my meds to make them more festive…

Always looking for ways to be more festive!

4. Can I put a new body on my Christmas list?

Don’t say you haven’t thought about it…I know I have. New central nervous system? Come to mumma!

5. How do I know/ am I related to so many people?

Seriously though, everyone wants to meet up at Christmas for a catch up or a coffee…because it’s Christmas/the holidays.

Of course you’re (mostly) grateful that there are people that love and care for you but trying to fit them all into the 24 days before Christmas on limited spoons is tough.

6. Yes I have a mobility aid. Yes I’m XX years old. Yes you are in my way.

I don’t know about you but when I’m out in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and I take my walking stick it feels like everyone is either giving a quizzical glance or simply ignores it and me, particularly on the tube, where I need to sit down.

7. How many times can I say no to invitation before I seem like a Grinch?

This happens a lot when your non-spoonie friends want to hang out/ go drinking/ go for dinner etc. I’m usually weighing up my energy levels so I can work, socialise, clean my flat etc. I end up feeling like a TOTAL Grinch minus the cool outfit…

8. Naps, all of the naps, PLEASE

Need I say more?

9. My New Years Eve includes pjs, blankets and falling asleep way before midnight

I haven’t been ‘out out’ on New Years…ever. At most I’ve gone to a house party where there’s no pressure, no queueing for drinks and you can move around. That said, my perfect New Years is definitely on my sofa in cosy PJs with a pile of chocolate and my laptop.

10. It’ll be more relaxing next year…maybe

But I’m yet to have a relaxing next year!

Are there any other things my fellow Spoonies would add? Let me know below.

The End Of The Year Book Tag

Blogmas 2019: The End Of The Year Book Tag

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I was inspired by Hailey in Bookland’s video to have a bit of fun with this tag so, let’s do it!

1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
Honestly, I haven’t DNF’ed any books this year, and the only ones that I’ve started but haven’t finished are the ones that I am currently reading…. soooooo…. I guess not!

2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

Normally it would be Harry Potter because well, I love it but I’m not sure this year. 🤔

3. Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

No! Thankfully all of the books I’ve been waiting for are here for me to enjoy!

4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos

5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

I already have so many great books fighting for the top spot so I’m sceptical that anything can knock them off of the top spot but I am working in a book shop so who knows?

6.Have you already started making reading plans for 2020?

Firstly, the fact that it’s going to be TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY in a few weeks is a little disturbing. But yes I do, I’m going to be doing another 100 books a year challenge and I want to make sure that I get through my YALC haul reads in the first half of the year before I go again in the summer!

What are your reading plans for 2020? Let me know below! 👇

Blogmas 2019: Everything I Read In November 2019

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Well, I’m glad November is over! It’s probably the least I’ve read all year with no audiobooks as I haven’t been working at home much! That said, I was impressed with most of the books I read in November, so here they are!


A Winter’s Promise – Christelle Dabos

So, this is one of our book club reads for January chosen by my friend Maddie and I am in LOVE with this book, I can’t wait to read the next in the series and there will be 4 books altogether! This was originally published in France and has been translated so there are some points where it doesn’t flow as well BUT it’s a magical book that I gave 5 stars.

City of Ghosts – Victoria Schwab

My second Schwab book and another Maddie recommendation and it LOVED it, this is at the younger end of teen but it was completely gripping and I couldn’t put it down. Again, this is the first in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one after Christmas! Another 5 star read.

No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference – Greta Thunberg

I’ll admit I didn’t know that much going in but I’ve seen snippets of Greta’s speeches. This little book contains 11 of those speeches which are all pretty similar. I have the utmost respect for her and what she is doing but I much prefer watching her rather than reading her speeches. 3 stars for me.

Full Disclosure – Camryn Garrett

This book is going to be huge, if it’s not then I don’t know what’s going on. An incredible read about an HIV positive teen who’s navigating relationships, friendships and life as a young adult. A 5 star read that I loved and am so grateful I got an ARC of this.

They Called Us Enemy – George Takei

I didn’t really know anything about Japanese American injustice until I heard about it from George Takei. This was incredibly important in current times and I think everyone should read it. 5 stars!

I backed this on Kickstarter because I enjoyed Sarah and Stef’s other adventures, so I got this for me and Ali. It’s a cute book of comic strips about their time in Canada. 4.5 stars.

What did you read in November? Let me know in the comments below!

Blogmas 2019 My Christmas Shopping Tips!

Blogmas 2019: My Christmas Shopping Tips!

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Christmas shopping – you either love it or loathe it. Personally, I am incredibly extra when it comes to Christmas and I get SO excited about getting gifts for the people I love. Sometimes I buy them, sometimes I make them but I just like it being something personal.

Anyway, seeing as we don’t have long to go until the big day here are my top tips to get your Christmas shopping done.

Get it done as soon as you can

The longer you leave it the more stressed you’re going to get. I lost a pretty important contact 6 weeks before Christmas, thankfully I’d already started shopping so most of the important people were bought for.

Know your budget and stick to it

Just putting it out there some of the gifts most precious to me didn’t cost that much, it was the fact someone thought of me and got something I adored that mattered most.

Don’t be afraid of buying something useful

Last year we got my fiancé’s Dad a multi-tool for his bike for when he goes out. It sounds simple and maybe a bit boring but he loved it and was chuffed we’d got him something he can use rather than a smellies set.

But, also you’re allowed to have fun with your gifts!

I have a friend who I’ve bought Lego for or a silly game regularly over the years, yes he’s a man in his 20s. I’ve also got joke presents for people. Christmas is about fun people! It’s all about the fun times!

Remember you don’t have to be perfect

I LOVE Christmas so I want my gifts to be perfect and nicely wrapped and on time. Things don’t always go perfectly! Gifts arrive late, you might be terrible at wrapping (totally me) or not have the funds to get the gifts you want to. It’s the thought that counts, remember that.

Do what you need to do, seriously

Want to buy premade pigs in blankets? Go for it. Is there a local wrapping station where all proceeds go to charity? Drop off your presents and grab yourself a coffee. A friend has offered to have your kids or dog so you can go and get stuff done? Take them up on it!

What are your Christmas shopping tips? Let me know below!

My Christmas Wishlist...2019

Blogmas 2019: My Christmas Wishlist

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My Mum asked me back in October for a Christmas list, which she then lost about 3 times and I had to keep sending it to her. 😂

I miss the days when I just cut out half of the Argos catalog and stuck it on bits of paper for my Mum. I mean, realistically, I could probably still do that in the Lego section… that Hogwarts set is looking mighty fine.

For real though, I struggled with it – I wanted to ask for things I actually wanted or things I could use. I’m thankful for any gift but would rather it wasn’t something I used once and then it sat in the back of my wardrobe for 2 years, you know?

I did manage to pull together a few things although let me make it clear – I don’t expect my parents to get me everything on the list it’s more of a these things are cool and they’re ideas. Anyway, let’s get on with it.

Ninth House – Leigh Bardugo

This has been all over the internet. I don’t know that much about it apart from it’s meant to be pretty dark has a mystery element. You know, totally in the Christmas spirit. If I don’t get it then I’ll be picking it up as soon as I can get to my local Waterstones.

Serpent & Dove

Another I’ve seen all over BookTube, although this time I know a little more and it has a fantasy element and WITCHES. Ok, there might be a bit of a theme to this list…I really like magic. I’ve seen a lot of good reviews for this book and there’s a complicated marriage – I’m intrigued.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Illustrated Edition

Do I need to explain this one? I have the pervious 3 and I’ve spent a lot of time flicking through while in the bookshop – it’s so beautiful. Jim Kay is a true artist.

Thank U Next Perfume by Ariana Grande

I worship Ariana Grande, I think she has the most incredible voice, a talent for lyrics and seems like a genuinely lovely person. I saw her twice this year and I’m currently wearing my tour sweatshirt – I like Ari a lot.

I absolutely love the smell of this perfume so of course it got added on – I actually prefer celebrity scents most of the time, my current favourite is Fantasy by Britney Spears, I’m a sweet scent kinda girl.

Loungefly Bag

I love Loungefly and Mum surprised me with a R2-D2 bag for my birthday and seeing as I have 2 Star Wars ones I’d quite like one that is Disney or Harry Potter. That said these are super expensive! So I’m ot expecting one!

Hermione Granger Mug

Do I need another mug? No, not at all but c’mon I got a Hermione Granger tattoo this year so of course I want this mug. It’s so pretty.

Lego Hagrid’s Hut

This set looks like so much fun to make, one of my friends has it and while I’m not sure if she’s built it I’m itching to get my own set. Look at Buckbeak – look at him! I could have put LOADS of Potter lego on this list but I restrained myself.

And that’s all of them! As you can see it’s a very grown up and important list of adulty things.

What’s on your Christmas list? Let me know below. 👇

I'm Attempting Blogmas 2019

Blogmas 2019: I’m Attempting Blogmas

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It’s the first of December which means we’re officially counting down to Christmas! Advent calendars have been opened, you trees are going up (or maybe they’re already up) and it’s the start of Blogmas! Yes!

I’ll be honest with you, I kept going back and forward on whether I was going to do Blogmas this year – it’s a lot of work and I wasn’t sure if I could do it again to myself alongside everything else I’m doing at the moment including working my ass off so I can have a break over Christmas! Although, who are we kidding here? Of course I’ll end up doing some kind of work – but I digress.

I’m excited to write about one of my favourite times of the year, a mix of fun and silly posts but also some which might be harder to write or harder to read about some of the struggles that people face. Will it be random? Most likely.

That said I’m trying not to put pressure on myself – if I miss a day because I’m busy, that’s ok. If it gets to half way through and I need to put my health first, that’s ok too.

So, buckle up it’s time to get festive!