Tag: blog

Book Review: The Switch – Beth O’Leary

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Eileen is sick of being 79.
Leena’s tired of life in her twenties.
Maybe it’s time they swapped places…

The switch isn’t like any book that you’ve read before. A young woman who’s worked herself to the point of collapse and still grieving her sister, is ordered to take some time out to rest and recharge. Eileen on the other hand is frustrated, in her late 70s living in a small village she wants a little more excitement in her life – particularly as she’s getting nowhere with the local dating scene.

After Leena takes a trip to see her grandmother for a bit of comfort they hatch a plan, one that seems insane but might give both women just what they need. Eileen will go and spend some time in Leena’s flat in London – giving herself a taste of the city life. At the same time Leena will stay in her small town in Yorkshire for her sabbatical. Who knows what they’ll learn from taking on each others lives.

Beth O’Leary has a way of getting you to not only fall into the story, but you also really care about the characters. I still find myself thinking about the characters from her first novel, The Flatshare, sometimes and I read that over a year ago. I pre-ordered the audiobook as soon as it was available on Audible and it did not disappoint.

I could relate to Leena on a personal level, someone who wants to prove herself, be busy and often overworks herself and the whole way through I was rooting for her. As for Eileen, I absolutely adored her, the way she fits in with Leena’s firsts, how she takes life into her own hands and decides to go for it after not having the chance as a young woman.

What is excellent in O’Leary’s books is that she also manages to weave in some important lessons within a story that is ultimately a romance. Within this novel is the pain of grief and the complexity of family, giving so much more to the story and the heart of it.

If you’re looking for a read that will lift your spirits, give you a laugh but also make you feel that there is a bit of love and hope in the world, I would suggest picking this one up. I’ve read all of Beth’s books so far and I absolutely love it.

The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2021

The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2021

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It’s that time of year again, we’re already half way through the year and I have to admit it hasn’t been my *best* reading year especially after starting 2021 recovering from covid! That said, there have been some great reads, so let’s take a look at where I am so far!

My goal: 50 books

My Harsh Reality: As of writing I’ve read 42 books. However! My original goal was 100 at the start of the year but Goodreads kept telling me how ‘behind’ I was so I decided to change it to 50 and I’ll review the goal once I hit it. I can see myself reading about 75 books this year if I’m still not 100%.

Let’s get cracking.

Best Book of the Year- So Far

The novel just managed to sneak in as I wrote this post and oh wow I loved it. This novel takes us back to Victorian London but also takes place in the present day. We follow two women and one girl as big changes take place in their lives and they’re all seamlessly interwoven. There’s murder and revenge but also a lot of heart and understanding. It’s pretty brilliant.

Best Sequel Read in 2021

No other sequel I’ve read has lived up to it – this was an excellent follow up to the ACOTAR series, one of my favourites. This is now competing for my favourite book of the series in general because while Nesta isn’t always likeable she is real. She feels a deep level of pain, anger and lashes out. The fact that she isn’t perfect makes the novel even more powerful and I can’t wait to see what comes next. It’s a brilliantly written book.

Newest Release I Haven’t Read Yet, But I Want To

While One Last Stop is actually out as I write this, my copy has been held up so I’m eagerly waiting for it to arrive. I absolutely loved Red, White and Royal Blue and can’t wait to read another book by the author. Also this one has time travel? I’m down.

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

Can I pick 2 here? Mostly because they’re both the final book in series’s that I’ve loved.

First up Gods and Monsters by Shelby Mahurin and after the cliffhanger in book 2 I need to know what’s happening to Lou and Reid, also even though it came out last year I’m still not over what happened in Blood and Honey. It’s out next month, the 27th July 2021 and I have everything crossed my copy comes on time because I cannot handle spoilers.

Next is the final book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series which I took way too long to pick up. I loved the first, was hooked on the second and I’m intrigued to see what the third holds especially as this time it’s a threat against Pip herself. It’s released on the 5th August on the UK.

Biggest Disappointment

This was hard because I don’t think there’s anything I was really looking forward to that disappointed me, I guess it would have to be Dearly by Margaret Atwood. I’d just heard so many good things and I just didn’t connect with it at all.

Biggest Surprise 

I can’t remember how I came across The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott but it looked interesting. This is Zoe Thorgood’s debut and that fact was a huge surprise. This is an excellent book with a stunning art style and it’s made me incredibly excited to see Zoe’s career develop, also her Instagram is great.

Favourite New Author

I’m currently really into Tillie Walden books and I’m slowly picking them all up – I really love the art style and the stories find a way to pull at my heart strings, no matter what their length. I’m really hoping to find a few more of her books when I’m next in London and am let loose in Forbidden Planet.

Most Beautiful Book I’ve Bought This Year

This picture doesn’t do it justice, the colours, the design, there’s foiling. It is *chef’s kiss* also I really loved this book, it’s perfect for any lover of books. Also, Cathy Rentzenbrink is really, really lovely.

Books To be Read By The End of The Year

I have a huge TBR in my house and there’s so many that I need to get to which includes (but isn’t limited to):

The Wolf Den – Elodie Harper

Circe – Madeline Miller

The Missing of Clair De Line – Christelle Dabos

Malibu Rising – Taylor Jenkins Reid

Lycanthropy and other Chronic Illnesses – Kristen O’Neal

What are you looking forward to this year? Let me know below!

The Christmas Gift I Really Didn't Want!

The Christmas Gift I Really Didn’t Want!

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After Saturday’s post, I really wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue with Blogmas posts, I intended to take a day or two and see how I felt. I guess this isn’t a Blogmas post as such, but I wanted to write anyway. After feeling not quite right on Saturday with what appeared to be a bad cold and a light cough (which I assumed was my asthma responding to the cold). Seeing as I was planning to see family, I thought I’d rather be safe than sorry. I’m really glad I was.

My local test site had slots on Sunday, I went over, did my self administered test and went home, hoping I just had a cold. Monday came and went, nothing but I couldn’t taste my drink in the evening, strange. Can you see where this is going yet? Yep. Tuesday morning I woke up to a text I didn’t want. My result was positive for Covid.

Yep I got a Christmas present that wasn’t on my list and was definitely not wanted. I’m now in isolation with Ali. I cried, like many people I was looking forward to Christmas, even if it was going to be different – going to see my sister and parents but now I can’t.

Aside from Christmas I am feeling crappy, I still have a heavy cold and a bit of a cough and now I’ve lost my sense of taste and smell which I’m really hoping comes back soon because food is bland af right now. So, in some ways I am lucky – I know things could be a lot worse and I could be feeling much worse. I’m also grateful I got it checked and didn’t go and potentially infect family members! Mostly I’m sleeping it off and when I’m awake I’m reading.

So, yes a very Merry Christmas I guess!

This will probably be my last post around Christmas, I’m hoping that I can post again before the end of the year but my main goal is just getting better in the next few weeks before I go back to work in January.

Stay safe and Merry Christmas.

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 2019 - Ranking Cadbury Heroes

Blogmas 2019: Ranking Cadbury Heroes Chocolates

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We’ve made it, the last installment of ranking Christmas chocolates. It’s been long, it’s been opinionated but here we are. Now it’s Cadbury’s turn to be under the microscope.

Are you ready? Let’s do it.

9. Fudge

Ok, I confess I find these super bland and pretty tasteless compared to some of the other varieties of fudge in other boxes around Christmas. Always left as a last resort.

8. Dairy Milk Caramel

I’m not a fan of caramel and in these it’s too sickly sweet for my liking. and there’s never a good chocolate to caramel ratio. I’m very passionate about this.

7. Eclair

Similar to the toffee penny in Quality Street, this one can take a tooth out if you’re not careful, even though they are pretty yummy. It just takes a while to get through them.

6. Double Decker

They’re not the best but they’re definitely not the worst. I much prefer the bigger version of these but beggars can’t be choosers.

5. Wispa

Pretty standard but also pretty good also works super well if you dip it in hot chocolate – thank me later. 😉

4. Twirl

All hail the Twirl, one of my favourite Cadbury bars in tiny format – what’s there not to love?

3. Crunchie

The addition of the Crunchie was a bloody brilliant idea and they are so tasty, which is why they are secure in the spot of number 3 and not to be moved.

2. Classic Dairy Milk

You can’t beat a classic bit of Dairy Milk can you? It’s a staple of British chocolate and I don’t think you can go wrong with it.

1. Creme Egg Twisted

A little bite of Creme Egg at Christmas? Yes please. One of the best decisions the people at Cadbury made. I stand by it.

Where would you rank the Heroes? Let me know below! 👇

Blogmas 2019: Getting to 1,000 Subscribers!

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This wasn’t a planned post from Blogmas but it’s one that I’m pretty chuffed to write! In the last few days I reached 1,000 subscribers to my little corner of the internet!! Yippie!!

Way back when I started University in 2013 I didn’t think of this blog as being something I’d still be doing 6 years later and with over 1,000 people getting my posts to their email. It’s been a really nice end to the year blogging wise, particularly as I haven’t been able to put as much into my blog in 2019 as I wanted to but you guys have still kept reading!

Thank you so much to each and every one of you 1,000 people because it really does mean so much to me to have your support. Whether you’ve been here since my daily posting at university to 2-3 posts a week now you’re awesome and I can’t wait to keep sharing with you the next part of my life and ideas!

This was a pretty great gift!

Life Update: How’re Things Going?

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Hey girls and guys, it’s been a little while since I wrote this kind of post but I think it’s time.

We’re over a quarter of the way through 2019, I’m fine, it’s fine we’re all FINE. In all seriousness though, it’s gone pretty quickly and each month has had something memorable for me some big, others just a personal moment. It seemed like a perfect time to catch you guys up.

Three months down and quite a few changes. I moved house, started an awesome freelance project, got engaged, got a new hamster and I’m sure there are so many other things I’m forgetting as I’m typing this. As you can imagine, with all that change I felt very overwhelmed and had times where my mental health wasn’t at it’s best. I’m doing okay now, I’m on the waiting list for some therapy and I’m going to get through it.

So, what does May look like over here? Hopefully, I’ll be blogging a LOT more. I’m not promising every day, although I did think about doing every day in May – right now that’s not a pressure I want to put on myself. The funk I was in is slowly passing, so let’s hope that continues.

I also have 2 award events I’ve been invited to, hopefully a good amount of work to keep me busy, a Hen Do (Bachelorette party for my US readers), hopefully booking my wedding venue (!!), a family meal and at some point I hope to get some sleep. Oh! And before I forget this month is Fibromyalgia awareness day and Mental Health Week. So keep your eyes peels for those.

In short, this is a post to say I’m back. I haven’t been feeling 100% but I’m working though it and I’m looking forward to blogging again.

May, I am so ready for you.

How I’ve Evolved As A Blogger

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Ah blogging, something we all love – well I’d assume so, seeing as you’re reading one! As I write this I’m struggling with blogger block, I’ve got over 100 ideas in drafts but can I finish one I’m happy with? If you’re reading this then clearly I can.

I’ve been blogging on this site for almost 6 years, originally starting it just before I went to uni because I wanted to write about what it was really like to be a student, rather than just a generic guide. Comparing my blog then to what it is now is odd. I’ve grown as a person, but so has my blog.

I don’t post every day

When I went to uni I wanted to write on my blog every single day. It had a kind of diary element too I guess. The longer I’ve been writing the more emphasis I put on quality, not quantity. Each week I try to post 1 book review and 1 other post. I don’t put any more pressure on myself than that.

Of course, if there is something in the news or something that’s caught my eye that’s time sensitive I write about it. Personally, I think my blog is better for it.

I learnt about images – and where to get free ones!

When I first started I knew I wanted to write, that was it. I had a shiny camera and I’d try and add pictures when I could or I’d just find some on Google. I didn’t know about sites like Canva where I could create my own. I had no idea about image copyright – now it’s something I do and make sure that I only use images I have permission to use.

Everything about blogging has been a learning curve and I’ve gained so many skills from working on my little corner of the internet.

My writing is better

Every year I write the equivalent of a book on here (let’s hope I can sit down and write an actual book at some point too!) over 6 years that is a lot of writing. I can see such a positive change in my writing and hopefully in another 6 years it will have improved even more.

My opinion is valid (to some people at least!)

It’s crazy that I get asked to read and review books. I’ve been sent some absolutely incredible reads, my NetGalley is fit to burst – I couldn’t have imagined that people would care about my opinion on anything, let alone books.

I definitely feel like I’ve evolved for the better and while I might have a few slumps a year, and I do, it’s a part of me now. So, I’m curious how have your blogs evolved?

5 Things I’ve Gained From Jobs I’ve Had Since Graduating.

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When I left university I thought I would get a job, stay in that job for a few years and not even have to think about another one until I wanted to. With hindsight I laugh at myself then, because what I didn’t know is that it’s simply not the case. 

From the examples I’d had in my life you worked in one place for a long time, people in my family had worked at the same place for over 10 years sometimes – they might have changed roles but they were with that company. The thing is, that didn’t seem to apply with me. 

I’ve moved around a fair few times since graduating. For some, it was simply the fact that my position wasn’t needed anymore and so my contract ended, from others I wasn’t right for the role and let go and some were simply short term contract roles. In some of those I was miserable and leaving was the best thing I did…but when I was made to leave I couldn’t help but feel like a failure. But, with the gift of hindsight I realised I actually learnt a lot.

Doing a good job is important but so are boundaries.

I’ve always been an overachiever, but I had to learn about boundaries. I would work and work and work way past what I should have been.

I needed to learn to separate my work life and my home life. To know that my job wasn’t my entire life (although this gets a little more difficult when you are working for yourself). I learnt that I work to live, not the other way around! It’s an important lesson.

Learning what I want and what I don’t in my personal and professional life

I learnt that I love the world of digital, have a passion for social and like to be creative. Traditional marketing methods never spoke to me short-term and instead of managing campaigns I wanted to be in the thick of it! I wanted to be writing, making, creating.

I also learnt that a 45-minute drive every morning and every night made me miserable, as did a rigid 9-5.30. That the corporate scene bored me and that I needed to enjoy what I was doing.

I have to look after my own health because other people won’t

In more than one of my jobs I felt that I had to hide any health issues I had, even mentioning the word stress was looked down upon. As if I couldn’t do my job.

When I worked late and gave my all, it wasn’t noticed or acknowledged but if I was overworked and got ill or wasn’t my ‘normal self’ it was pulled up. I had to learn the hard way I needed to look after myself because no one in the working world was going to.

Resilience

Every time I got knocked down I got back up again vowing to do better next time. Once, after being told my job wasn’t going to exist anymore I cried, drove back to my home town and immediately got online and started contacting people who might know of some leads.

Did I cry when these happened? Of course, I did, I’m human! Did I have times where I thought I just couldn’t do it and wanted to give up, duh! Somehow I did it.

There are good people in every company, organisation, etc

Ultimately in every single job I’ve had I met wonderful people. People who I’ve stayed in touch with to varying degrees. No matter what there are good people in the world and that’s always a good thing to be reminded of.

What have previous jobs taught you? I’d love to know in the comments below!

My Top 10 Highlights of 2018

My Top 10 Highlights of 2018

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We made it to the end of 2018 – wooooooo! It’s been a weird year of up and downs, but I’ve learnt a lot from it. I wanted to share with you just 10 of my highlights from 2018, it was hard to whittle them down! If you’re looking for my bookish favourites of the year you can find those here.

paramore - couple - 10 years - relationship - growing up

Paramore

We kicked off the New Year with another trip to see Paramore, our 4th time together. As you can see Ali still doesn’t want to smile for pictures. Despite how it looks we had a great time!

Becoming A Published Poet

Finding out I was being published and then recieving the final product! I’m a published writer!!! I wonder what I can publish in 2019…

London Book Fair 2018

Visiting the London Book Fair

I was invited to attend the London Book Fair as a blogger with my Mum. It was something I wanted to do for a while and it was an interesting day, even if I did feel a little like a deer in headlights.

Hammies

One became…three. I said no more and then Ali and I went to Pets at Home and we saw our little guys BB & Artoo. I’m now a hamster Mum x3 and I absolutely love my little buddies. They really keep me company when Ali’s away.

YALC

I got to go to YALC! A whole day of being around book people, buying books and it was magical. I also got a pretty impressive book haul, which I’m still making my way through. Hopefully I can finish tme all before next year!

Going freelance & starting my business!

I’d been toying with the idea of going freelance for a few months but thought it was something I would never be able to do, until I had to! I’m now living life as a freelancer and absolutely LOVING it!

  • Heathers The Musical
Six The Musical

Musicals!

I saw not one but two new musicals this year which I didn’t realise how much I missed! When I was younger I was a total musical nut, I even wanted to be a musical theatre actress when I grew up (more on that in another blog).

I loved Heathers enough to see it twice and I’d happily see Six again when it moves back to London. I’m looking forward to getting more shows in 2019!

10 year anniversary

We made it to 10 years! I’ve been lucky enough to spend the past decade with this wonderful human. He’s pretty great.

Disneyland!

I got to go to Disneyland!!! DISNEYLAND. I loved it so much I wrote not one but two blogs. You can read the first one here and the second here.

I Read 115 Books!

After setting my Goodreads goal at 50 so that I didn’t feel any pressure, I managed to double it and then added some! I read some really amazing books (and some not so amazing books).

There are more things and people that I haven’t had a chance to add but here’s to hoping I have an even better 2019!