monthly favourites lifestyle blogger

Monthly Favourites – February

Books

 

I read a lot of books this month once again (a mix of paperback, ebook and audiobook) but these three really stood out! After starting the A Court of Thorns and Roses series last month I couldn’t wait to read the rest of the season. I finished these very early on in the month and I already want to read them again…I’m serious. For non-fiction in February, I listened to Brave by Rose McGowan, I had no idea who she was from films just that Rose had started a movement. It’s not an easy read but it’s important and will blow you away. You can read about all the books I read this month here.

Fashion

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Only one fashion favourite this month and it’s this adorable dress from Primark! My grandparents picked this up for me and it is SO flattering. I love a dress where I can easily throw extra layers underneath!

Home

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I finally, finally, finally went to IKEA at the beginning of the month and got a second bookcase! Although it doesn’t look too full here there might still be a few books at my parent’s house that I need to bring over…oops! This is one of the slim Billy Bookcases and I looooove it!

Life 

 

This month it was Valentine’s Day and I was given a giant dragon, which has been named Puff after Ali drove all around the local towns looking for a Unicorn he wanted to get me, they’d sold out! I’ve also had some quality time with Wickett as well as my lovely Godkids Lexi and Ollie and finally, I managed to pick up some new Pop Vinyl’s! Don’t you think Ron and Ginny look fab?!

Top Five Posts

Growing Up With Young Parents 

What Do You Do For Fun? 23 and ‘Boring’

Unpopular Opinions Book Tag! 

Book Review: Everything I Know About Love – Dolly Alderton 

7 Things I Wish I’d Known As A New Graduate 

Harry Potter Haul: Updated

A few years ago I posted my Harry Potter Haul when Primark was just starting to do Harry Potter merch and I spent a lot of my Student Loan on it (sob, I’m getting so old). Anyway, of course, there is now so much Harry Potter stuff that Primark on Oxford Street has a whole section dedicated and decorated to it.

I was lucky enough to receive a LOT of Harry Potter merch for Christmas. So here is my new and updated Harry Potter haul!

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Boggart as Snape Exclusive Funko Pop

Now, I have a confession to make in regards to this. While it was a present from my parents I ordered it because it was an exclusive and came from Australia but it is brilliant! I’m a big Funko collector and this was a perfect present.

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Gryffindor Onesie & Knee High Socks 

This onesie is so, so fun! Now I can be a toasty little Gryffindor on the cold nights to come. Also, I’ll be rocking those knee high socks!

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Hogwarts School Bag

My Sister got me this beauty. It’s absolutely stunning and you’d never guess that it was from Primark. It’s exactly what I think I’d use at Hogwarts.

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Harry Mug & Hogwarts Shopper 

This mug is super cute andd I knew I wanted it as soon as I saw it, thankfully Mum found it first! Also this shopper is so useful it folds up to an absolutely tiny size but you can fit so much in.

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Hogwarts Alumni Jumper 

The jumpers that Primark have been doing recently make up a good chunk of my wardrobe. Of course, I wanted this one so that I could seek out my fellow Witches and Wizards!

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Hogwarts Notebook

My boyfriends Mum got me this beautiful notebook for Christmas, I’ve seen them a few times but never picked one up. It’s a good size and really great quality, I mean look at that crest!

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Hedwig Pillow 

I have wanted this since I saw it on Instagram. It is so cute, incredibly fluffy and despite its shape, really comfortable. Bless my Mum and Nanna for carrying this all the way around London and home for me.

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Hogwarts Make Up Bag

My sister is a wonderful human being for finding this for me. It’s also got a second bag within it which is really useful for brushes, which I also got from my sister (she’s trying to teach me how to use makeup).

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Funko Plushies

These are SO CUTE. I opened these on Christmas day and squealed, I think they’re newish and I’ve been hunting for Hermione ever since with no luck! So damn cute.

The Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Edition 

The boy did good, the boy did very good this year.

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Harry Potter – A History of Magic 

I was lucky enough to get tickets to go to the Harry Potter exhibit at the British Library (more info here). It was a wonderful exhibition but I’m SO glad this exists because you just can’t take everything in, now I can relive it!

Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them Illustrated Edition 

This came out back in November and was on my Christmas Wish List and it’s a beautiful companion to see another idea of what these creatures look like.

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Lupin as Werewolf Limited Edition Pop Vinyl 

I have wanted this for sooooooooo long. This came out as a US exclusive on Hot Topic at first, before a limited quality were also at EMP but I missed them all. So I might have had to buy mine off of eBay, but I couldn’t not have it!

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Gryffindor Jumper

This was in my local Primark in the sale for £5. I snatched this up it’s big and cosy as well as showing my house pride. I also got the matching leggings as an extra treat from my Mum!

What catches your eye from this haul or maybe you already have some of these pieces, let me know in the comments below!

September Favourites!

I don’t quite know how it’s October tomorrow. This month I’ve had a very quiet one, Ali went off on tour on the 3rd, so I’ve spent a lot of time chilling at home and reading. So, this might not be the busiest favourites month but here they are!

Birthday! 

This month I turned 23! I went out a few days before with a few of my closest friends for dinner and drinks (more than a few drinks) before spending the actual day with my family and having the surprise of a Bose speaker delivered from Ali!

Books 

When it’s just me I read a lot. And I mean a lot a lot. I’ve read 8 books this month, around 2 a week! This month I’ve started getting back into reading fiction slowly. There were some really great reads and some I felt were a little disappointing. Making Faces and Fully Functioning Human  were two of my favourites and reviews this month!

 

General

And down to my general choices. I’ve spent the month trying to meet up with friends or seeing family, so that I don’t spend all my time alone! This included friends from my time at uni, my godchildren and family. It’s also been a good month for deliveries including a haul from Typo and my Ginny Weasley Barnes and Noble exclusive Pop Vinyl, as well as my first Wizard World Loot Crate! I think the best part has to have been getting a visit from Ali, even if it was only for 28 hours  and baking for the guys on tour.

My Favourite Posts: 

Long Distance Love

23 Things I’ve Learned in 23 Years 

How Is My Mental Health Right Now?

Goodbye 22 – Looking Back on a Weird Year

Feminist Friday: 10 Things You Can Still Do & Still Be A Feminist 

Using Food as a Crutch

 

July Favourites!

Books

I haven’t read as much as I’d like to this month, partially because I’ve been focusing on my new job (although more on that later). Also, I read books that I didn’t particularly enjoy which is a shame. I did, love the few I did get too. On my holiday I managed to read George R.R.  Martin’s latest novel, set before A Song of Ice and Fire, thankfully this was only around 300 pages and a good start to a new series. I also got to read Dreadnought by April Daniels (review here), which I will recommend to absolutely everyone because you need to read it NEED to! Next up was One of Us Is Lying, think Breakfast Club meets murder mystery. I really enjoyed it and it’s definitely worth a read. I also read Big Little Lies, personally, I don’t think it’s worth the hype but my friend did take some pictures of me reading it…

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Watching

Of course, I’ve been watching Game of Thrones, I can’t believe we’re over a quarter of this season through already. At this point, I honestly have no idea who will end up on the Iron Throne but I have some idea of who we’ll be saying goodbye to this season.

Fashion and Beauty 

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that I cut off my hair! Yep, I booked the appointment walked in and got the wonderful Millie to take it off and I’m so much happier for it! I also went and bought my new ‘out there’ coat from Zara in the sale. Spray paint, sequins and bright pink fluffy material, it was more than a coat it was a signal, I’m here world! I also picked up 3 new dresses from H&M for work in cute colours and designs. And finally, not specifically beauty but I have been getting back into the gym with Abbie. Healthy body, healthy mind, right?

Holiday 

This is the last time I’ll mention it for a while I swear…or at least I’ll try. Of course one of my favourites this month was my trip to Majorca! You can read about it here.

 

General

I’ve had so much going on this month, so to squeeze it into a few pictures! I started my new job and only a few days later went to house sit for my Mum caring for the Fur Babies Lottie and Ed. It wasn’t just a big month for me, my baby sister turned 16, left school and had her prom she looked so beautiful and I can’t quite believe how she’s growing up.  It’s also been a collecting month with San Diago Comic Con pop vinyls (super hard to get) released and I was so happy to be able to get my two Harry Potter ones I’d hoped for, I also have pre ordered a few of wave 3… I’ve also had some great events a leaving Tea Party, going to see The Addams Family Musical and Abbie’s 23rd birthday!

 

Top 5 posts: 

Top tips for flying alone 

The truth about being in a long term relationship 

Book review: Dreadnought by April Daniels 

10 things I’ve realised since graduating

Taking chances and making calls  

 

 

 

Marvel Collector Corps: Spider-Man Unboxing and Review 

It’s time for some geeky goodness here on chloemetzger.com! My Marvel Collector Corps box has now arrived and I was super excited because Spider-Man was the first comic book I bought and to me has always been one of the best super heroes ever. It’s definitely made up for the slight disappointment I felt last month . I will say though for DC fans, I would happily get the DC Legion of Collectors box to review, however, it is only available in the US so unless that changes I won’t be able to get one to review for you! Anyway, on with the review. If you don’t want to know any spoilers please DON’T GO BEYOND THIS POINT, for now, pop back later!

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Monthly Badges 

I’m definitely in favour of these badges, you know what they are and who they represent, which is what you want from a badge really. Who wants to be asked?

Exclusive Spider-Man Funko 

I wasn’t keen on the original Spider-Man release from Funko (plus my sister received him at Christmas, not bitter, not bitter at all). There have been more Spidey releases since then, but I haven’t got around to picking one up so I was SUPER  excited to get this! He’s absolutely fab and, in my opinion, the right colours too. Good job Funko!

Exclusive Fabrikations Spider-Man 

I’ve never bought a Fabrikation before but squealed when I opened the box. He’s so cute!! He also stands up on his own, I absolutely love this and it’s brilliant quality too.

Spider-Man hat

Now, this is cool. Can I get away with it? That is yet to be seen but I love the fact that it’s geared towards the Summer, it’s a little different and it’s an exclusive. Again Marvel have done a great job.

MCC Variant

And, as with every issue an MCC variant, simple design but I absolutely love it.

Marvel have produced an absolute cracker of a box! I absolutely loved every item and while it doesn’t seem like much, it’s all brilliant quality. The theme for next month’s crate is Dr Strange, not a character I’ve been into before but I look forward to seeing the new movie.

What did you think of this month’s box? Leave in the comments below!

Forbidden Planet Haul

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When working in London yesterday I was only about 20 minutes away from one of my favourite shops and I had my fellow comic and pop hunter not far away so I put two and two together and headed for a good old Forbidden Planet Haul. Now, I know that I’m like a kid in a sweet shop when it comes to Forbidden Planet, so I only let myself in there every now and again for a haul. Enjoy!

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Cedric Diggory Funko Pop 

I’ve been after Cedric for a while now, people have been selling him for silly prices because of the Underground Toys sticker (stickers are a big deal in the pop collecting world), but I managed to pick him up in a very beautiful Harry Potter section. IMG_8563

Maz with Lightsaber 

I knew I wanted to get a Maz figure, I didn’t know there was one with a lightsaber. This one is a little different and because I’d never seen it before I popped it in my basket.

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Stark Direwolf and Jon Snow Funko Pop 

If you’re friends with me on Goodreads, you’ll know that I am currently making my way through the Game of Thrones series. I’m loving so many characters, particularly Jon, Arya and Tyrion. I’m only on the first book so I’m excited to see what happens (even though I do know that secret from the end of season six) but I do have a soft spot for Jon and the Stark’s.

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Spider Gwen, Mockingbird, Harley Quinn SS April Fools, Archie IMG_8566

Suicide Squad (Harley Quinn one off), Spider-man Deadpool, Steve Rodgers Captain America (Variant), Black Widow

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Nemi and Star Trek trades. 

Nemi reminded me of the comic book strip from Kerrang magazine growing up and as it was in the sale I thought I’d give it a go. I also saw the latest Star Trek movie on Monday after seeing the other two and so I’m getting into Star Trek and wanted to take a look at the graphic novels that are being produced.

July Owlcrate Unboxing and Review: Good vs Evil

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It’s finally here! After months of watching unboxings, reading reviews and drooling over the contents I ordered my first Owlcrate box thanks to a promotional code from Cece over at ProblemsofaBookNerd. This was slightly more pricey than other crates I’ve tried BUT I have to say that I’m impressed with the contents and it was well worth the wait. This month’s theme was Good vs Evil, half of the boxes are good and half evil, the book is the same but the box is a surprise. While I got the evil box, my cousin got good and it was nice to see the difference between them.

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Death Star Necklace 

As most of you know I am obsessed with Star Wars  I love it and so finding a little necklace of the Death Star in it! Now, I am slightly jealous because the good crate got the Millenium Falcon because obviously I’m with the Force. That said I love this, it is beautifully made. Also, please excuse any stray at hair in the picture, Suki decided she also liked the crate.

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Draco Malfoy Funko Pop 

Ah Draco, angry, confused, although I don’t know if I’d go as far as evil. I was stupidly excited to receive this, even though I already have the pop (because I have a Harry Potter obsession and so I have all but 3 of the pops now). This is  a GREAT addition to the box, absolutely fab!

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The Red Queen Bookmark

A classic villain for this little magnetic bookmark, an adorable design and so cute too!

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Harper Collins mini colouring book 

I LOVED this idea. Harper Collin’s have included a small colouring book full of their YA covers, I’d love to see more of these, because who doesn’t love colouring!

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Here are some of the bits and pieces included, including the breakdown of this month’s box, a sticker and a hint of next month’s box which will also include Harry Potter!

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This Savage Song – Victoria Schwab 

I let out a squeal of joy when I found this in my box, I’ve had this on my to read list and now I have my own copy!! So exciting! The cover is beautiful and it came with a letter from the author and a signed sticker (which I’ve placed inside). I can’t wait to get stuck in to read about the monster’s that Schwab have created.

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I absolutely loved my first Owl Crate, so I’m going to be keeping my subscription, especially as there are going to be Harry Potter related goodies in it! As always I’d love to know your thoughts, so pop them in the comments below!

 

Sunday Seven: Star Wars Celebrations Europe

It’s been all over Twitter and they’re the hottest tickets for any Star Wars fan! Yes this year Star Wars celebration came to London! So Ali and I hit up the Excel centre today to see some of the incredible sights in our closest city. So, for tonight’s Sunday Seven I wanted to share with you seven of the best parts from today!

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Giant builds. 

These were absolutely huge and so, so cool. It was so busy though these were the best pictures I could get, it would have been so cool to sit in them.

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Lego Rey and BB8 

Now, for my birthday I’m hoping to get a Lego Millennium Falcon so seeing this was incredible. I mean look at that BB8, who wouldn’t want to take him home!

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Bumping into R2-D2

After buying something I heard a familiar noise, turning around I realised that R2-D2 was behind me! Not only was that in itself insanely cool as he was just strolling around the event (along with other droids)  he was also signed! One of THE coolest things I’ve ever seen.

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Giant Chewie Funko

For some reason Ali wouldn’t let me bring this Pop home… I can’t think why.

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Seeing CARRIE FISHER.

Now I love the original cast and Carrie is not only hilarious but a great writer we wandered off only for her to come back to where we were standing after her panel. We were standing really close to her and honestly that alone was worth the ticket price. Carrie Fisher, CARRIE FISHER.

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Celebration Swag 

I didn’t go as mad as I thought I would. I DID get the exclusive celebration Pop Vinyls, one that is exclusive to Smugglers Bounty and a Yoda (because Ali persuaded me too) which I’m really excited about because the UK rarely gets exclusives. I also got a con exclusive Ewok family (how cute!), the colouring book I’ve been after for a while and along the bottom is my pass to get into the show. All in all a pretty good haul.

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A nod to Princess Leia 

Now I didn’t go in full cosplay because it was very hot BUT I did manage to get my hair in these Leia style buns and a short white dress.

 

Sunday Seven: Seven Reasons You Should Go to A Con!

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After yesterday’s post, how could I not give you 7 reasons to attend a convention!

A chance to geek out about the things you love 

I love Harry Potter, Star Wars and Marvel and I was surrounded by people who felt the same. If there’s a film, book or comic book of it I can guarantee someone else will share your love of a character.

It’s a chance to dress up and not be judged

You can dress up and you have a reason and no one will judge you when you do! Want to dress up as a character you loved as a kid? Go ahead. Want to be the 12th Kylo Ren at Con? Why not? Want to be a super cool variant of a character? Go you! There is no limit on what you can dress up as at Comic Con.

Artist’s Alley 

So many artists, so much talent. Just look at this beautiful collection of prints, bits and pieces I picked up!

You can meet great celebs

Although you have to pay, there’s a chance to meet some really awesome people you’ve long admired. London Comic Con had Warwick Davis (Star Wars and Harry Potter), Big Bang Theory cast members and more. Previously my friends have met a lot of stars from Doctor Who too!

You can have a GREAT shopping trip

I save up months before a con so that I can spend without worrying because there is SO MUCH I want to buy. My Funko Pop collection always expands, I pick up the art I already mentioned and clothes. There is SO MUCH you can buy though, food, toys, wigs, other costumes, collectables. I’d have to take out a mortgage if I ever went to the San Diego Comic Con.

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There are some truly lovely people in the community 

Obviously you won’t love all of the thousands of people at Con BUT I’ve met some lovely people. We go with Ben and Abbie each time but I also meet others. Yesterday I met two ladies who really stood out to me. The first was a girl in a wheelchair, we were both waiting to get in the disabled access toilet and had been locked out (I was using my crutch and SUPER nervous about it). We chatted about going to con with an injury/disability, annoying toilets like that one and just life in general, she was just so lovely. The second was  someone in a beautiful black dress, we saw each other again later and she just had such a lovely smile and seemed so excited that I liked her dress! Most people at Con are absolutely lovely!

There are Con’s all over the world! My next one will be London MCM in October and I honestly can’t wait.

Marvel Collector Corps: Captain America Civil War Unboxing and Review

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It’s that time again, my Marvel Collector Corps box has finally arrived after I’ve tracked it and have been clock watching to see when it would come. Now I did see some spoilers online a week ago but I was totally psyched and actually forgot all but one of the contents when it arrived this morning! As always this is going to go through ALL the contents so if you don’t want to know what’s in the box LOOK AWAY NOW! You have been warned. Now let’s get going and look into this box of wonder.

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Civil War, Whose Side Are You On T-Shirt

As far as I’m aware every box comes with a t-shirt and I’m in LOVE with this one. The shirt has a great design and is of a really good quality too, I can see myself using this shirt quite a lot and no guesses for what I’m wearing when I FINALLY get to see the movie next week.

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Exclusive Pin and Badge 

As with every crate you get a pin and badge, they are a cool design but I’m not sure what people do with them…so far mine just sit in a little box so if anyone has any suggestions for me leave them in the comments below!

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Black Panther Comic Book 

I’ve never encountered the character of Black Panter before so it was nice that this was included because I don’t think I’m the only one who needs a little more info about the background of Black Panther.

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Lanyard 

This was something I wasn’t expecting, if I’m honest this is a little strange for the box. Again it’s of a good quality and I’m sure I’ll find some use for it BUT I think it was added as an extra because of the two amazing boxed items that are also in there…

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Unmasked Tony Stark Dorb, exclusive to MCC. 

Now, I’ve mentioned on here before I’m not a Dorbz collector, not because I don’t think they’re cute simply because I don’t have the space or the money for another collection after my Pops and my comic books. I absolutely LOVE this it’s something really different and cute and a great addition to the box.

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Captain America/ Iron Man Action Stance Funko Pop 2 Pack 

I wondered when I ordered if it was going to be an either/or of Captain America or Iron Man. Now I already have 2 Captain America’s and 2 Iron Man’s so I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep this or not but seeing the action poses has definitely changed my mind. I mean, look how cool!

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Of course I was impressed by this box, wouldn’t you be? With two boxed items, a quality t-shirt and comic book it was well worth the money spent and once again a kick ass collection. Well done Marvel, definitely adding to the hype, bring on Civil War!