Tag: blogmas

Blogmas 2020 A Bookish Christmas Stocking Tag

Blogmas 2020: A Bookish Christmas Stocking Tag!

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I did this tag last year and wanted to do any updated version for 2020 and seeing as it’s Christmas Eve it seemed like the perfect time to do it! 🎄

Which book is refreshing and vibrant, both inside and out?

The first book that comes to mind is The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta. It’s one of the few novels in verse I’ve seen really celebrated by people that don’t normally reach for poetry. There are some harder parts but I think, ultimately, it becomes a celebration.

The next thing you see is a bag of chocolate coins. Which book have you recently bought that was expensive, but totally worth the high price.

Ok, so I didn’t buy it myself BUT I did receive a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone illustrated and created by Mina Lima which comes in at £30 and it is stunning. I prefer it to the illustrated editions and I think they’ve just sucked me in if they do the whole set. Oops.

You also pull out a bath bomb. Tell us about a book that had explosive action scenes.

I don’t really read books with big action themes but I think Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson should get a shout out here for a particular chapter although I can’t really say much because of spoilers.

Next is a pack of playing cards. Which series won you over?

Wayward Children and Serpent & Dove were both knock out series for me this year. I listened to the entire Wayward Children series in little over a month back in April and then devoured the first 2 books in S&D quite quickly too.

They both have new books coming out in 2021 and I can’t wait.

You also get a candle. Which character is a symbol of hope in their story?

Eve from The Eve Illusion and Eve of Man. Not only is she the first girl born in 50 years but she also will think for herself.

There are socks inside too. Is there a book that you think really encompasses all the distinctive tropes of its genre.

I think there are so many tropes that can be used per genre so nothing especially springs to mine.

There’s also a notebook. Which author’s writing process do you find most interesting/inspiring?

Victoria Schwab is Queen. Not only do. I really enjoy her books, I also like following her thoughts and processes via Instagram – especially with her sticky note plans.

To go with the notebook, there’s a fancy pen. Is there a book or a series you’d change if you’d written it yourself?

I think I would have made Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo part of a duology. I really want to know what happens after the end.

There’s also a small bedside clock. Which book took you a long time to pick up but was worth it in the end?

Serpent and Dove!!! I got this for Christmas last year and didn’t get to it until this year, on the one hand by leaving it until just after the second book came out I could read the second straight away, on the other I went a long time without reading an amazing book.

Your pile is getting really big. You reach in to pull out the last gift and it’s…a lump of coal? You’re a little disappointed. But you look closer and realise there’s a seam running through the coal. You crack it open and sitting there inside is a tiny golden snitch. Tell us about a book that surprised you in some way.

I went through a little phase of reading romance books while in the first lockdown and I found that I really loved the story in Roomies by Christina Lauren. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did but it’s probably my favourite romance this year.

Want to share? Then consider yourself tagged!

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 - 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

Blogmas 2020 – 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

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I came across this tag on Nicola’s blog from a while ago and decided I wanted to have some fun with it. As an extra challenge I’m going to try and only mention books I’ve read this year where I can (some of the questions it won’t make sense but I’ll do my best)

Let’s get on with the tag.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: a partridge in a pear tree.

The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favourite stand alone?

The Midnight Library is perfect as it is and has the right ending for the novel I think.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: two turtle doves.

Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?

Hmmm, this is a tricky one, I’m going to go with Nick and Charlie from Alice Oseman’s books because they are just so, so lovely and I love reading about childhood sweethearts. In my mind they stay together and get married and have loads of dogs. I don’t care if it’s official, that is what’s happening in my brain.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Three French Hens.

In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?

I haven’t finished any trilogies this year!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: four calling birds.

Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favourite series?

The only series I read this year that would fit this (so far) is the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. I listened to the entire series in less than a month and the next one comes out in 2021!

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: five golden rings.

One ring to rule them all! Who is your Favorite Villain/Antagonist?

I know, I keep talking about Serpent and Dove this year but Morgane if probably my favourite villain this year because I can imagine her so easily. She really comes to life, I imagine her as a cross between Ursula from The Little Mermaid and Mother Gothel from Rapunzel. Also she’s got the evil witch thing down.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: six geese a laying.

Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favourite world/world-building?

This year I fell in love with Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children series and all of the worlds within them. They’re so different but equally rich in how they’ve been created – the candy world was particularly interesting.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: seven swans a swimming.

Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who’s your favourite animal sidekick?

I don’t think I’ve read anything with an animal sidekick this year, or very often at all.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: eight maids a milking.

Milk is so 18th century. Which book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?

Again, I can’t think of anything I’ve read this year that specifically mentions a lot of food or drinks that made me want them.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: nine ladies dancing.

Dancing is just one skill of a Lady! Who is your favourite kickass female lead?

I adore Lou from Serpent and Dove, she’s so strong and stubborn. I also found her so funny, now can we hurry up and get book 3 out because I really need to know what happens after that cliff hanger (if you’ve read Blood and Honey you’ll know what I’m talking about).

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: ten lords a leaping.

How about your favourite leading lad?

I have a soft spot in my heart for Nick from Heartstopper, he just seems so lovely. I can’t wait for volume 4 next year after reading volume 3 and Solitare this year.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: eleven pipes piping.

What is your favourite book or bookish thing with musical influence? (It can be about music, reference music a lot etc.)

Music From Another World by Robin Talley has music at its core. Set in the 1970s it follows two teenagers in the USA as they explore their lives and their sexuality through letters.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 drummers drumming.

Drum roll please…what is your favourite read of this year?

Addie LaRue, I bloody love Addie LaRue.

I tag:

You! Reading this!

Blogmas 2020: The Best & Worst Books Of Each Month!

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When I saw Hailey in Bookland doing this idea on her channel I knew it would be a good (and hard) challenge for myself. I’ve read some absolute crackers this year and it’s been an excellent year for releases with some books published in 2020 being in my top books ever category (I’m looking at you, Addie LaRue).

If you want to see everything I’ve read in 2020 then hold tight, it’s coming a little later in the month! At the time of writing this there are 117 books – it’s been a good reading year. Also, it’s worth noting that I DNF books I really don’t like so while these may be the ‘worst’ I read they were still good enough for me to finish.

January

Best – The Only Plane In The Sky

It may seem strange to rate it the ‘best’, it’s such a well written and fascinating book – even if it is about something as heartbreaking as 9/11. This has so many stories of various people who were there, who were with the president at the time and others. A crucial book for learning about something that changed the world so much.

Worst – Sunday’s Child

I was so disappointed but there wasn’t anything memorable about this, I thought it would at least be an insight into a german child’s view of the war but I didn’t really get anything from it.

February

Best- Letters on Motherhood – Giovanna Fletcher

She may now be Queen of the Castle but Gi is also an author and I absolutely love her non-fiction on motherhood. I got this as soon as it came out as I absolutely loved Happy Mum, Happy Baby even though I don’t have any human babies. Before HMHB, I loved watching Gi’s vlogs and blogs and I’m hoping to listen to the podcast in the new year. You can read my review here.

Worst – Fascism and Democracy – George Orwell

I struggle with George Orwell. I read Animal Farm at school and thought it was brilliant, I still do. I tried to tread Homage to Catalonia at uni and couldn’t get through it. Then I thought I should read Fascism and Democracy and it was super short but it could have been even shorter. So much waffle. I think I just need to accept that George Orwell isn’t for me.

March

This was a TOUGH month to pick because there were a few stand outs.

Best- The Gravity of Us – Phil Stamper

I met Phil while we both studied at Kington University as he was undertaking his MA and was so excited to read his book because he’s lovely. The Gravity of Us not only made me interested in space and NASA but it was also really clever in how it was put together and how social media was incorporated. You can read my review here.

Worst – Break your glass slippers – Amanda Lovelace

During Lockdown I got Scribd which meant that I could finish off reading the Amanda Lovelace books that I hadn’t bought yet. I think I’m at a point where I’m just not gelling with her work anymore which is fine – it’s just not for me.

April

I read over 20 books in April, because Lockdown which means I gave you a part 1 and part 2 roundup

Best- The Eve Illusion – Tom and Giovanna Fletcher

I love this series and read the second book in 24 hours, also, while I did see the ending coming it was still super exciting when it did! I can’t wait for book 3, the end of the series, which is due to be released in March next year and my copy is already pre ordered. You can read my review here.

Worst – Lady Stuff: Secrets To Being A Woman by Loryn Brantz

I’m a fan of the cartoons but the book just seemed very repetitive

May

Best- Hold Still – Nina LaCour

This book was absolutely beautiful. There was love, pain and Nina’s incredible writing. I’ve definitely found another favourite author after starting with We Are Okay this year.

Worst – A Quick & Easy Guide To Consent – Isabella Rotman

I got this as an ARC on Netgalley and I couldn’t gel with it. For something that’s meant to be aimed at teenagers it felt quite patronising and a little too young.

June

Best- Bloom – Kevin Panetta

This graphic novel was not only beautiful in all its hues of blue, but it was also a sweet and lovely story that deserves all the love it gets.

Worst – Bantam – Jackie Kay

I wish I could tell you more about this but the fact that I can barely remember anything says it all. Also there didn’t seem to be a great flow to the poems either.

July

Best- Dear NHS 100 Stories To Say Thank You – edited by Adam Kay

I think that Adam Kay is an excellent writer and I recommend This Is Going To Hurt to just about everyone. So in the summer he pulled together a lot of celebrities and high profile people to write about their experiences and thank the NHS, it also raised money to support them. If this year and this book highlights anything, it’s how much it needs to be protected.

Worst – The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed

Another unpopular opinion I couldn’t get on with this book and found the protagonist really annoying. It might be because I’ve learnt a fair bit about the LA riots but I just didn’t care for her perspective.

August

Best- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E Schwab

Addie, Addie, Addie you are perfection and I can’t begin to explain how much I love this book. I will be getting a tattoo of the constellation though so that should tell you something. Beautiful, lyrical and I want all my friends to read it.

Worst – All Hail The Queen – Twenty Women Who Ruled by Jennifer Orkia Lewis & Shweta Jha

Now, this isn’t a bad book at all – August was another great month. I think I would have liked more information on the Queens and their lives. This is a book kind of like Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls but more obscure.

September

Best- Finding Joy – Gary Andrews

I came across this on my birthday and picked it up with a curious mind. This is a stunning exploration of grief through art.

Worst – Felix Ever After – Kacen Callender

I know this is an unpopular opinion but I didn’t like this book. I couldn’t get on with the protagonist and found it quite boring.

October

A tough month because there weren’t any books I particularly didn’t like!

Best- Serpent and Dove – Shelby Mahuir

This is one of my new favourite series, a Witch and a Witch Hunter end up married? Umm hello! Also I love Lou, she’s got a special place in my heart because I understand her sarcasm.

Worst – Ms Marvel Vol 1

I think, for a first volume it was ok, but it didn’t have me rushing to get volume 2.

November

Ahh I loved all of the books I read in November – how do I choose?

Best- Blood and Honey – Shelby Mahuir

Although it started slower than the first in the series, I was hooked and could not stop reading, we now have to wait until August 2021 to read what happens next after that ending. At least it’s something to look forward to.

Worst – Homebody – Rupi Kaur

Controversial because I love Rupi Kaur, I just found the first half of this collection a lot harder to get into which is why it’s here, but I still think it’s a good read and I recommend it!

December

I’ve only finished 2 book sso far this month…between Blogmas and moving I’ve hardly read at all! Let’s hope from next week I can change that!

Blogmas 2020 - A Catch Up

Blogmas 2020 – A Catch Up

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Believe it or not we are now half way through Blogmas and almost half way through December – I know, it’s gone super quickly. So, I thought it would be a great idea to do a catch up of all the posts I’ve written so far, just incase you’ve missed one or two – I know I haven’t been able to keep up with all the posts this year!

Blogmas 2020 – Festive AF

My introduction to Blogmas this year with the reasoning that if we’ve ever needed cheering up, it’s definitely this year.

The Bookish Naughty or Nice Tag

Looking back at the reading year and seeing if I deserve to be on the naughty or nice list! Eeek!

What I Read In November

All the books I read this month, a short but sweet one!

10 Small Businesses My Followers Want You To Know About

I asked, they answered and gave me an excellent list of recommendations, so far this has been my most popular post of Blogmas by far.

My Christmas Wishlist

Just a few things I’ve popped on my Christmas list this year. Do I need more books, no. Is half this list books? Yes.

Unpopular Christmas Opinions 2020 Edition

You loved them in 2019, so I came up with some more in 2020 – you have been warned!

How To Save Spoons Over Christmas

Fellow Spoonies, this is for you, because I don’t know how the rest of you feel but I am EXHAUSTED.

Bah Humbug Christmas Tag

A little bit of festive themed ranting. 😉

My Most Listened To Songs Of 2020

What I’ve been listening to on repeat this year – there is a lot of awesome women on this list.

My Top TV picks of the year

This year we had a TV and, well, apart from reading there wasn’t an awful lot to do during lockdown, so I picked some of my faves.

Giving Myself A Break

Taking a break, and not being too hard on myself.

We still have another 10 days of blogmas and while I have my ideas, I may completely change my plans, who knows?

Who have been your favourite bloggers or vloggers so far? Let me know in the comments below!

Blogmas 2020 – Giving Myself a Break

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Ho, ho, hello!

I think it’s about time I took some of my own advice. If you read one of my most recent posts about how to save spoons over Christmas , you’ll know I said it was important to ask do I really need to do the thing? And be compassionate to yourself. Those are things I haven’t exactly been doing myself.

In the past week we’ve been in the process of moving house (we couldn’t renew thanks to covid destroying the events industry overnight). So, for the time being we’ve move in with family, while other member have taken some of our stuff into storage, helped us out etc. Physically and emotionally it’s been draining.

I initially planned to have most of my Blogmas content written nice and early so I did’t have to much to think about – now it’s the 13th December, I’ve missed 2 days and I was feeling rather shit about myself. I’ve kept my head above water in 2020 just about but now I feel absolutely battered.

While I was worrying that I wasn’t posting I had to stop myself, why was this one of the things I was beating myself up over? Actually, there’s a lot of things on the list I should probably stop being mean to myself about because no matter what depression tells me, most of the time it’s not actually my fault. Global pandemic? Not my fault. Work being tricky because there’s less of it. Also not my fault. Having to leave home because of the implications of said pandemic – you guessed it. Not my fault.

I guess I’m writing this because I know there will be other people out there who are stressed. Who feel like everything is their fault and they could have done better or tried harder. That there are others who will fight anyone who makes their friends and family feel less but are their absolute worst critic.

Here’s the thing, no one is going to die if I don’t write a blog post. A terrible thing isn’t going to happen if I don’t post every day in Blogmas. Basically, I’m trying to give myself a break – which I don’t do often enough.

I hope if you’re reading this and are feeling the same way then it might bring you a little comfort to know you’re not alone.

Blogmas 2020 Bah Humbug Christmas Tag

Blogmas 2020: Bah Humbug Christmas Tag

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While on Twitter today I saw Cait post on Twitter asking who wanted to be tagged in a new book tag that she’s created, giving you a little bit of time to blow off bookish steam. I am IN! You can watch Cait’s video here and if you want to do this tag – consider yourself tagged!

1. What kind of cover art immediately turns you off of a book?

Film covers on books, there are few things I hate more than using a film cover as cover art. Vom. They are two completely different mediums.

2. What do you hate most on a book cover (not related to design)?

Printed stickers. If a book has won loads of awards, that’s great I just don’t need it printed on the front cover, add it inside, I don’t care.

3. When reading a synopsis, what could make you want to yeet the book across the bookstore?

Character goes back to home town after years away and XYZ happens. Snooze, boring, bye.

4. What trope makes you want to scream into the abyss?

Girl who’s described as ‘normal’ or ‘plain’ but everyone is attracted to her and really she’s so beautiful.

5. What book induces rage the moment it is mentioned in your presence?

Technically it’s a script that has been released as a book BUT The Cursed Child. I hate it so, so much. Everything is just awful and wrong.

6. What could someone say, when recommending a book to you, that could break your trust in them?

It was a Zoella book club pick! No, just no.

7. What author you would like to fight?

David Walliams.

8. What character would you like to dropkick?

Joffery from Game of Thrones, repeatedly.

9. If Goodreads was a person, what would you bully them for?

Being super strict on spelling. What a dork.

10. If you could ban anything (trivial) from all books forever, what would it be?

Love triangles WHEN THEY DON’T ADD ANYTHING TO THE STORY. I’m looking at you Hunger Games.

Remember to leave a link to your responses below!

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 - 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!

Blogmas 2019 Merry Christmas

Blogmas 2019: Merry Christmas

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I have no idea if anyone will be reading blogs on Christmas day. For some of my regular readers the day will be super busy with family and friends. I also know people who won’t be celebrating for a variety of reasons.

For those who are I wish you a very Merry Christmas. For those who don’t I’ll be back with another blog tomorrow!

Lots of love,

Chloe