July Owlcrate Unboxing and Review: Good vs Evil

Jul 27, 2016Jul 27, 20162 Comments

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.

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.

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!

The Red Queen Bookmark

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

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!

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!

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.

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

Jul 17, 2016Jul 18, 20161 Comment

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!

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.

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!

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.

Giant Chewie Funko

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

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.

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.

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.

Book Review: Wishful Drinking – Carrie Fisher

Jun 16, 2016Leave a comment

‘It isn’t all sweetness and light sabres’

Carrie Fisher was born into the madness of Hollywood, the daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher grew up watching her parents sing, dance and act. Is it any surprise that this bundle of joy grew up to be one of the best known actresses of her generation? At the tender age of nineteen Carrie was catapulted into stardom after the release of Star Wars A New Hope as Princess Leia became the heroine girls wanted to be and the beauty the boys wanted to date. In Carries memoir, written to accompany her stage show of the same name, she reminds us that underneath the glamour of it at she had to cope with her own demons; addiction, mental illness and the media.

Now, if you didn’t know already I LOVE Star Wars, I got into it last year after finally watching the original trilogy (after being put off by the prequels on TV) and now I’m obsessed. Finding out that Carrie had written a memoir (she’s actually written a second and had a third coming out later this year) meant I had to get hold of a copy, especially as I knew it spoke openly and honestly about her experiences with mental illness as well. There’s many reasons why I adore Carrie Fisher and her humor and ability to be open about having Bipolar Disorder is just one of them, before this turns into a post gushing about how awesome Carrie Fisher is let’s get on with the review.

When I started reading Wishful Drinking, I knew barely anything about Carrie Fisher in fact I knew about 4 things. I knew she’d played Princess Leia, that she also had a mental illness, that she was hillarious and that she is in love with her dog Gary. I knew nothing about her addiction, that she was a fiction writer or that she had famous parents. Going into this mostly blind I was shocked and in awe of Carrie and her achievements. The fact that at 19 she was relatively unknown and went on to be such a huge star would mess with most peoples heads, couple that with the rather odd upbringing she had (including having Elizabeth Taylor as a stepmother) Carrie appears to have developed a thick skin and a brilliant sense of humor. I laughed and laughed.

The memoir has gotten a lot of negative reviews for being ‘too short’ or having a hectic structure. While I can see where other readers get this view I felt that this accurately portrayed what Carrie was saying, the narrative perfectly fit the voice. Also, I’ve now watched the show and seeing as this was a supplement for those who couldn’t see it personally I can understand its length. If you’d like to watch it as well as reading, there are some great clips on youtube to give you an idea of how she performed this on stage, I absolutely loved it and wished I could have seen it live.

I also praise this for Carrie’s honesty, it feels like there is nothing she hides from us. She’ll tell you about her absolute lowest points in life, about the addiction she faced and the love she has for her daughter, Billie. With that in mind Carrie is in no way self pitying, she laughs at the past, her family and the craziness that has been her life. She’ll remind you that sometimes she forgets things because the Electric Shock Therapy she has for Bipolar Disorder wipe out a good portion of her memory. She makes us remember not to take life too seriously.

I gave Wishful Drinking four stars ****. I really enjoyed this as a quick read and an insight into Carrie’s life before, during and after Star Wars. What I like most though, is Carrie’s humor and positivity. I know how awful life can get when you’re sick and how much more you appreciate life when you’re better and Carrie absolutely embodies that. I highly recommend Wishful Drinking for anyone who wants a quick and hilarious read.

Harry Potter Spells Tag!

Jun 15, 2016Leave a comment

I found this over on my friend Becky’s new blog (check her out here) it combines three of my favourite things, Harry Potter, books and fun tags. So, here we go! Remember I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Expecto Patronum – a childhood book connected to good memories

Lola Rose – Jacqueline Wilson

This was the first time I met an author I really admired and got a book signed. It was the first time I saw an author as a real person and she signed in pink pen. Pink. Pen.

2. Expelliarmus – a book that took you by surprise

How to Be a Woman – Caitlin Moran

I tried reading this initially when it was first released, but I was too young to get it and thought she was a bit mad. I read it again last Summer before starting a Writing Women class and it changed my life and made me embrace feminism. I never thought it would become one of my favourite books.

3. Prior Incantato – The last book you read

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman. So freaking good.

4. Alohamora – A book that introduced you to a genre you hadn’t considered before

Star Wars Moving Target made me realise I might like Sci-fi and give it a go.

5. Riddikulus – a funny book you’ve read

Why Not Me? – Mindy Kaling. Kaling’s second book was MUCH better than her first and had me in stitches.

6. Sonorous – a book you think everyone should know about

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.

I cannot describe what this book means to me, or how much Plath means to me as a writer. There are few books that deserve the title of classic, but The Bell Jar really, really does.

7. Obliviate – a book or spoiler you would like to forget having read

The Storyteller – Jodi Picoult, that spoiler was incredible.

8. Imperio – A book you had to read for school

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

Most people hate the books they’re forced to read, I on the other hand fell in love with TKAM. It started my love for reading novels about and based in the civil rights era and the treatment of African Americans.

9. Crucio – a book that was painful to read

I’m choosing to see this in the light of a book that was so GOOD it put you in pain emotionally.

The Fault in Our Stars – John Green.

My heart still hurts. Still.

10. Avada Kedavra – a book that could kill (interpret as you will)

Maestra by L.S. Hilton

Sex, Scandal, Murder. Don’t give this book to your Nan, could induce a heart attack.

As always if you’d like to do this tag then go right ahead! Drop me a link in the comments as I’d love to read your responses!

Image from Pinterest.

Sunday Seven: Seven of this weeks pics!

Jun 5, 2016Leave a comment

I’ve spent most of the past week in Basingstoke, meaning I’ve been very snap happy this week, so for a little something different I wanted to share my top seven snaps of this week.

Ed doesn’t like me shutting the door whenever I’m at home, he wants all the attention, no matter what time it is. I snapped this little pic while I wanted to sleep and Ed wanted to play.

This week my little cousin and Godson turned 13. 13! Harvey and I are really close, he’s my little dude and I can’t believe he’s gone from this chubby cheeked baby to a really awesome little man. Also, check out the cake that my super awesome sister made!

It was doughnut day this week so I popped to the shop and picked up these beautiful, scrummy pink ones. They tasted good, so good.

I was finally able to pick up my Illumicrate from my parents! I was not only surprised but loved every item in the box and can’t wait for my next one. If you missed my post, find it here.

Lottie is my shadow whenever I come home. This didn’t change this week, if you couldn’t find her you could guarantee she was on my bed fast asleep…even if it’s a choice between my Mum’s double bed or my single, she still chooses my bed.

This is Betsy, my aunts puppy, she’s also known as Chewbacca by my cousins. I swear she’s like a little walking rug apart from she jumps up and wants cuddles and has a fondness for cake. Don’t you love this little smile too?!

Another one of my little mischief maker in the evening.

If you want to keep up with more of my snaps, make sure to follow me on Instagram @chloemetz_!

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

May 29, 2016Leave a comment

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.

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.

Comic Con Summer 2016!

May 28, 20163 Comments

Today I attended my second ever MCM Comic Con! This was the first time I’ve put together a costume and became a cosplayer! I’ve been sure I wanted to cosplay someone from Star Wars for a while and then I saw The Force Awakens *cough, three times, cough* I was sure I wanted to be Rey. Here was this absolutely incredible character, she was strong, she kicked ass and this was something I could make. So for the past few months Ali and I looked up parts for costumes, Ali’s took a lot more work than mine and is so realistic I can’t begin to describe just how awesome it looks. I was still stitching mine this morning (while Ali had fixed up my awesome hair do) and had to do a few adjustments at Con as well…hey, I’m still learning.

One of the things I love most about Con is how creative people are. You just look at some people and are in awe of their talent and creativity, I hope that one day I can do something so that someone might think that of me. Ali and I did get quite a few comments and smiles through the day. The best part for me though was when I saw kids who thought we were Rey and another Jedi. The kids in my building were left open-mouthed, whispering as we went past ‘They’re Jedi!’, it was so much fun just to see their faces. We were walking around with Ben and Abbie, just looking around, laughing, oh and buying…

Aside from the amazing stacks of Funko Pops around (yes, I have to be very careful with my spending and have saved up for Con for MONTHS before) there is also Artist’s Alley, a hub of incredible talent. I picked up so many different prints and pieces of artwork. It’s hard to explain how amazing it is to see and talk to these artists about their work and get customs done, things like that. You really never know what you’re going to find, it’s something Abbie and I get really excited about it.

It was nice to have Comic Con to look forward to after all the stresses of assignments last month, I just got to hang out with my friends, wear a costume I was comfortable in and just be the huge geek I am inside. Am I already planning October? You bet I am.

Sunday Seven – This weeks Favourites (14th -20th March)

Mar 20, 2016Mar 20, 2016Leave a comment

It’s that time of the week again (although I don’t quite know how the week went so fast!) for me to write my Sunday Seven post. I’ve had a busy but not very picture worthy week this week so I’ve had to add in a picture of the wonderful Sylvia Plath at the end that is obviously not my picture, the rest are though! Enjoy my favourites of this week!

Star Wars Trainers (!!)

Now, I already got some amazing slip on Stormtrooper shoes in Primark and didn’t get these and planned to go back and pick these up, by the time I got back they’d sold out! I’d described them to my Mum and if she saw them to pick some up and I’ll pay her back. She found them and this week I’ve been rocking the pink beauties.

2. The Picture that mindf****d everyone this week

My Mum sent me the picture on the right today, while posting it on Facebook too. My friend commented that she was sure I had a picture like this too, which is the picture on the left. We look alike, we always have but with these side by side people couldn’t believe the likeness. I love looking like my Mum, I think she’s absolutely beautiful but I couldn’t help laughing.

3. My Dobby Pop arrived!

The second series of Harry Potter Funko pops have been released and I’m slowly acquiring them. I was a bit iffy about getting Dobby, but he is adorable and looks so cute with my collection.

4. A Cup of Tea and a Good Book

I was unexpectedly left with a hour and a half gap before my dyslexia session, in which I was able to grab a huge cup of tea. I’d forgotten how nice it was to get out of the house and just read somewhere else, without being interrupted. A definite, but expected highlight to this week.

5. The Phonogram Series

Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie are a dream team. I’ve previously read the 3 volumes of one of their other series’s The Wicked and The Divine and I was hooked. When this came into my local comic book shop I had to pick it up and I absolutely loved it, it’s made my top 10 graphic novels and I’, eagerly reading through the next one. It’s got goddesses, the 90s, Britpop, kick ass women and some amazing music references (and even a reference to Sylvia Plath). What more could I want from a comic book?!?!

6. Caitlin Moran’s Moranifesto

Ah Caitlin Moran, my Feminist hero who made me realise that I actually was a feminist and the idiots around me were just bad examples. This is Moran’s newest book, only coming out recently and it is HUGE. I’m taking time to read it every night and missing sleep because of it. It’s funny but also deals with important issues from her Times column. One day I want to be as cool as Caitlin Moran.

7. Sylvia Plath Interviews

I currently have a love hate relationship with my dissertation. I love the topic and I’m passionate about what I’m writing about, but I have to write it and there’s so much to be included and finished in the next 6 weeks. Listening to Plath’s voice in interviews as part of research is definitely one of the better parts of my dissertation.

My Top 10 Graphic Novels

Mar 19, 20161 Comment

For the past year or so I’ve fallen in love with comic books and graphic novels. In particular I like reading about badass women, alongside the classic superheroes like Superman, Captain America and Spiderman. It’s nice to read these books that have the amazing story with the bonus of incredible art. My friend Joe introduces me to so many amazing comic books and I’m in the shop every weekend seeing what’s in my subscription box. Mostly I like to collect trades, which are usually 6 issues of a series in a volume, known to everyone as a graphic novel or a trade for those who collect. I thought I’d share with you 10 trades that I absolutely love at the moment and it was so hard to just try and pick 10!

Captain America: Civil War comes out in cinema’s later this year and so it was only right that I read this beforehand. My friend Lucy got my this for christmas and I really enjoyed seeing all these amazing superheroes as well as the angle of the plot. Now, I don’t know how much of this is going to stay in the film but I’m hoping it’s close because this really was a great book.

I’m a huge Star Wars fan, watching the trilogy last year changed my life. So when I found out there was going to be a six part mini-series featuring my favourite princess I had to own it. It shows Leia as we all love her, smart, clever and not taking crap from anyone. Ther artwork and storyline was fantastic and I recommend it to all my friends who like Star Wars. I’ve read a few Star Wars based ones and this was definitely my favourite.

This was the first trade I bought and so far the goriest. Lady Killer is about a 1950s housewife who is also a killer, but when the tables are turned she needs to protect herself. A really different and imaginative story and great artwork, waiting for the next installment is driving me mad.

I picked this up after browsing. I wanted to read some more Captain America and I was told this was good. It’s written after 9/11 and kind of looks at how Captain America reacts to what has happened and how it affected the everyday people. Really enjoyed it and it was well done especially because of the subject matter was handled.

This started my obsession with Harley Quinn. I know a lot of people who don’t like this comic and don’t really like Harley as a character but I absolutely loved her. The first one I read so quickly and just admired how Harley came to life, I don’t think it was as well done in the second and I’m get to read the third but I’m definitely a Harley fan for life, whether or not Suicide Squad does a good job with her is yet to be seen.

The first comic book I bought when I was 11 was of a variant of Spider Girl (different to what she is now) so Joe recommended me Spider Gwen, it was the first time I subscribed to anything. I don’t know what it is about her but I can’t get enough (and she’s getting her own Funko Pop this year!!). It’s set in an alternate universe where Gwen Stacey has Spider Powers and is trying to get over the death of Peter Parker, a great spin on Spider Man.

I’m putting these two together because they have the same Author, whom I absolutely love. These are different series’ but similar in the way they deal with Gods and Godesses mixed in with the real world. The Wicked and The Divine focuses on a group of Gods who are bought back to earth every 90 years, they set the tone and popular culture for the world, but in two years they are dead. Phonogram is a musicians dream, focusing on Britpop in the 90s, Goddesses and mentions brilliant music. Seriously have worship vibes towards Kieron Gillen.

Codename Baboushka is about a Russian Spy, it’s fairly new at the moment having only just completed its first 6 issues but the first part was brilliantly done and left on an interesting ending. Baboushka isn’t my favourite but I did really enjoy it, hence why it’s here.

Again Black Magick is just starting out. It’s really hard to explain without someone reading it, not because of spoilers but because it’s so early in that I’m not even 100% sure that I know what’s going on. There is dark magic that is returning that seems to be after Rowan, who’s also a police officer. I think there’s still a lot to be explained but even with the little knowledge I have I’m really keen to keep reading, meaning it’s definitely a keeper.

I hope you enjoyed these and as always I’d love your comments below and any recommendations!

Sunday Seven: 7th Feb 2016

Feb 7, 2016Leave a comment

As promised I’m starting a new weekly post about my favourite 7 things of the week! Some weeks it might be themed, others it will just be my favourite 7 things of the week, like this week! If you’ve got an idea of what you’d like to see in Sunday Seven then let me know in the comments!

One – Having my face plastered across the Uni

Last year I won an award for Overcoming Adversity and to promote this years award there has been a very embarrassing picture of me and the other winners all over Facebook, Twitter, the student paper and all around the screens at the uni. I’m nominated for 3 awards this year too which is awesome, but doesn’t make this picture any less embarrassing.

Two – My Hamsters

Hamski and Noodle are my fur babies and have been really active this week. We’ve had a lot of hugs, some lessons in not biting (Noodle) and a few mini photo shoots. I’m completely besotted with them both.

Three – Fresh Flowers

I’m a sucker for fresh flowers. I just love the smell and the way they brighten up a room, even if it’s rainy and horrible outside. My grandparents got me these on Monday to say get well soon, because they’re adorable.

Four – New Books!

I had some books I needed to exchange this week and came home with three that I’ve been desperate to read. Sex Criminals is a graphic novel and nothing like the title suggests, well it is but not what you think a sex criminal would be, it’s volume 2 out of 3 and so far, so good. The next two books are by authors I adore and have reviewed before, both are Young Adult fiction and look to be brilliant.

Five – Primark’s Star Wars Game

The Force is strong in Primark. I absolutely love anything Star Wars since watching the original trilogy over my birthday, then of course the new film was fantastic. I popped into primark and got a kick ass pair of shoes for a fiver (!!), R2-D2 cup for £3.50, Storm Trooper knickers for £2.50 and the socks for about £2. This badass stuff and the Harry Potter stuff they normally have is one of the reasons I only let myself in there sparingly.

Six – American Crime Story

Now, I don’t normally watch a lot of TV. There are a lot of ‘cult’ shows that I’ve never watched or I have watched and haven’t seen the appeal, I’m much more of a book girl. That said, I watched the first episode of American Crime Story and I am hooked and can’t wait for the next episode on Tuesday. It’s also made me interested in the trial itself, meaning I have a lot of reading to do after pouring over documentarys last month.

Seven – Harley Quinn

All hail Harley Quinn! This is the graphic novel that started my obsession. I absolutely love the character of Harley and today picked up another novel, making it my third. There’s another two I need to buy and of course I’m excited about the new Suicide Squad movie. I have to admit so far I like this version of Harley better, but we shall see when the movie comes out in August.

Chloe Metzger

Lifestyle, Books and More

Tag: Star Wars

July Owlcrate Unboxing and Review: Good vs Evil

Sunday Seven: Star Wars Celebrations Europe

Book Review: Wishful Drinking – Carrie Fisher

Harry Potter Spells Tag!

Sunday Seven: Seven of this weeks pics!

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

Comic Con Summer 2016!

Sunday Seven – This weeks Favourites (14th -20th March)

My Top 10 Graphic Novels

Sunday Seven: 7th Feb 2016

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