Tag: 2015

Christmas and Boxing Day Haul

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After a lot of issues with WordPress trying to upload these pictures to my website I can finally write about my gigantic haul over Christmas and Boxing Day ( it’s like Black Friday sales for my US readers).

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I was up at 4am and then 5am on Christmas morning and it was so worth it! I have been so lucky this year with gifts from all of my family with just some of them.

  • Chocolate, lots of chocolate
  • Hair Curlers (so excited for these and they work a treat).
  • Lots of little presents from my sister candles, a handmade mug, chocolates, more chocolates, a chocolate and cookies mug and other things.
  • Money which was used in the sales (more on that later).
  • Strong Looks Better Naked by Khloe Kardashian, #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso and Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling
  • Star Wars cookie mix and cutters, candy sticks, 2016 annual and calendar (you’d think I liked Star Wars or something)
  • Pug Slippers, socks and knickers in my stocking
  • Models Own Nail Varnish
  • The Trial of Captain America
  • Jack Wills Set
  • Harry Potter Travel Mug
  • Fox Screen Cleaner and Fox toy
  • Hot Water Bottle
  • New Umbrella
  • Dressing Gown
  • Harry Potter Hogwarts Library and a George Foreman Grill
  • Cosmopolitan subscription

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And of course I was treated to Pops too! I now have a good section of the Avengers, Batman, Cinderella and Olaf from Frozen. I wrote on Christmas Day how grateful I felt. I was honestly overwhelmed by all the gifts that I’d received I know how lucky I am.

Early on Boxing Day morning I headed off with my Sister, Mum and Nanna. We always get up stupidly early to get to Next and Lush and this year my sister and I did get a good haul!

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Revolution Blush and Highlighter set – £3.99 in Superdrug. IMG_6023

Wildlife cup and straw £3.00 and R2D2 keychain £4.00 both from Accessorize. IMG_6024

Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel, Snow Fairy set, Bear set (x6 bath bears) and Lord of Misrule Shower Gel. All Lush was 50% off.IMG_6020

Yankee Candles, also 50% off in Boots. Large candle £9.99 and medium candle £7.99. The last forever, which is why they’re not cheap! Very excited to use these in the flat even when it’s not Christmas!

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Two pairs of long shorts (£10 ech) and black decorated leggings (around £15) from Next. I also picked up some lovely nail varnishes for £2 each.

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Lush bath balls l-r. Cinders (x2), Magic Wand, Dashing Santa, Yogg Nogg, The Magic of Christmas , Fun play stuffs, Peeping Santa, Star Dust, Holly Golightly (very glittery),  Candy Mountain.

As you can see this is a pretty huge haul! I’m so thankful for everything I received and the money which meant I could buy myself some treats in the sales too!

What did you guys get for christmas? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

 

My Top 11 Books of 2015

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At the time of writing this I’ve read 77 books this year, which is less than I wanted to read this year! Boo! Although there is still time…I might get to 80. So for today’s review I thought I’d tell you the 11 best books I’ve read this year, because I couldn’t get rid of one.

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How to Build a Woman– Caitlin Moran

This is definitely the most influential book I read this year. I tried reading Caitlin’s book when I was younger and hated it, but I decided to try again for my Writing Women class this year. I laughed so hard reading it and just felt I could say I’m a feminist without seeming crazy or arrogant. I’ve not religiously watched all of Caitlins talks on YouTube and read How to Build a Girl and a good chunk of Moranthology. Read my review here.

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Reasons to Stay Alive – Matt Haig

Haig has written a phenomenal book. I’m usually sceptical of books related to mental health, because it’s so hard to put into words but somehow Haig has put in exactly how I’ve felt. It’s also great if you’re living with someone with depression too. Read my review here.

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Beautiful & Beautiful Ever After – Katie Piper

I have been a fan of Katie Piper for years. Getting to meet her and get my own message and autograph was a huge highlight of my year. Both of these books are incredibly honest, Katie has the ‘just getting on with it’ attitude a lot of us with physical and mental disabilities have. Her two autobiographies are a brilliant read and full of heartbreak but also full of hope. Review to come in 2016 but you can read about when I met Katie here.

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Go Set a Watchman – Harper Lee

I rushed home from work to buy this the day it came out. There was a lot of divided opinion but I for one thought it was an incredible book. There is a completely different message than there was in To Kill a Mockingbird, but I think that it is just as important. Read my review here.

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Am I Normal Yet? – Holly Bourne

I have a book crush on Holly Bourne. Am I Normal Yet? is a fantastic piece of YA literature. Bourne always manages to create a magnificent story and this one is no different. Considering mental health, young people and what ‘normal’ is, she created an instant favourite once again. Read my review here.

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This Book is Gay – James Dawson

I picked up this book a long time ago and decided to finally read it (before James announced he was transgender, he is still using male pronouns for now) because I was curious. I felt like I could know more about the LGBTQ community and I’m so glad I did. I honestly think this book should be given out in schools during sex education! Review to come in 2016.

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The Art of Being Normal – Lisa Williamson

This was the first book I read in 2015 and I absolutely loved it. It’s a great addition to YA literature and has the power to open up conversations about the Trans community. I completely forgot to review it so I’m afraid it will be a 2016 review!

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Orange is the New Black – Piper Kerman

Unlike most of the people I know I wasn’t addicted to the TV show. I didn’t mind it but I just didn’t find it as engaging. Instead I saw a Ted Talk by the real Piper Kerman and decided I want to read her book. I didn’t regret it. This is so interesting it looks not only at Piper but at the women around her and casts a critical eye on the prison system. I really recommend this as something to pick up in the new year.

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Extraordinary Means – Robyn Schneider

I was recommended this book by a friend of mine, I’d been curious about it for a while but also sceptical of the blurb. I was totally wrong, if you are a fan of John Green then this is definitely a novel to pick up. It’s funny, heartbreaking and I’m not ashamed to say I cried at one point. The review for this is coming up in February and I can promise you will love the main character as much as I did, so keep your eyes peeled!

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Suicide Notes From Beautiful Girls – Lynn Weingarten

I can easily declare that this was the most amazing book that I read and that was released in 2015. I have told everyone to buy this because Weingarten has an incredible talents for writing that will keep you up until the early hours. I said ‘oh my god’ multiple times while reading and still think the twist is genius. Read this but make sure you don’t have to be up early the next day as you’ll devour it in one sitting. Read my review here.

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the support I’ve received about my book reviews. I’m so grateful for all the feedback and love I’ve received. There are going to be reviews throughout 2016 and I have some great books coming up!!