Month's Mini Goals | October

Hi, I'm so excited for the Halloween/Bonfire season. After I've written this I'm off to research all the local bonfires so I can go see a really good firework display. I'm going out for Halloween and it's been that long I'm already excited, just need to work out what to wear. My goals are very seasonal, but it's hard to ignore the change in temperature. At least with the cooler weather comes some of the best seasonal events.

Mini goals for October

• Plan a fancy dress outfit for Halloween - I'm really after trying out some face paint.
• Buy some seasonal candles - I need a cinnamon fix.
• Do a Lush Haul - Well if I'm going to buy the store, I better share it with you.
• Go conker hunting/seasonal walking - I need to make the most of the season before it's freezing.
• Buy winter stuff for my car - I always forget! I need anti freeze as well as other items.
• Wear something I have forgotten about - Pushing myself to make the most of my wardrobe.
• Review a board game - I own too many for them to not feature on my blog.
• Do some more colouring - because it's super relaxing.
• Tidy my room - Once again it's a mess.
• Read as much as possible - I've read 20 books so far this year and would love to see how many I can read before the end.

What are you dressing up as for Halloween, I need some inspiration?

Sam

Want to see more posts follow on 

Bloglovin

Monthly Highlights | September

Hi, It's officially Autumn and I can definitely tell the difference in the air now that the sun isn't shining quite as bright. The trees look so pretty and the local horse chestnut tree is already dropping it's spiky conkers. As I write this there is a lovely blue sky and a slight chill in the air. It's been a rather uneventful month but a good one.

Mini goals for September 4/10

1. Go to the seaside
2. Use prompts to take photos
3. Go on a boat trip
4. Play in the slot machines
5. Read at least 2 books
6. Go see my sisters kittens
7. Buy some of the new Lush goodies
8. Do a restaurant review
9. Buy a smaller camera
10. Enjoy the changing season

My holiday to Filey seems so long ago now, that was where most of my goals got completed and I've failed a little since. As quite a lot of my goals required spending money it's not so much of a problem as my bank balance will be happy.

I've arranged a shopping trip with the sister where I can stock up on all the lovely Lush goodies (probably picking up something from the Halloween range). I still haven't been to see her kittens and they will probably be more like grown up cats by the times I do see them with her living so far away.

I think I've found a camera I want to buy I just need to be bothered to go and buy it, and that leads onto my lack of a restaurant review, that and the fact I haven't actually eaten out this month. So yeah a good but uneventful month, I'm now looking forward to Halloween and Bonfire night as they will be here before we know it.

Recap/Highlights

• I went on holiday to Filey, you can see my holiday photos here.
• I read The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan for #Sassybooks.
• I did a post that was really well received about thing to do when you're having a bad day.

Hope your month has been filled with lovely things!
Sam

Want to see more posts follow on 

Bloglovin

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan | #SassyBooks September

Hi, it's that time again. This month's #SassyBooks pick was 'The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories' by Marina Keegan. This is the first non-fiction book we have read, I'm not much of a fan of non-fiction as I prefer to get lost in a story, but I gave it a go anyway. Go check out Charlotte's and Hayley's blogs for next month's book choice.

The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories

Author - Marina Keegan
Page Count - 256
First Published - 2014

The book is a memoir to Marina Keegan, put together by her family and friends after her tragic death at the age of Twenty-Two. She had just graduated from Yale in May 2012, five days after graduation, Marina died in a car crash. The book is made up of a selection of her essays and short stories showing her talent as a writer. 'The Opposite of Loneliness' was her last essay which was published in the Yale daily mail just before her death. After it gained over one million views when the essay went viral.

I didn't think I would like this as it's so small and broken up into so many different parts. I found that I actually really liked this format and would love to find some other stories made up of only a few pages. I've read mixed reviews about this book stating that she wasn't really that good, but I've fallen for her use of words. I think it takes a lot to create a short story and it be enough to satisfy and that's what she did. I personally think this would make a great coffee table book, as you can read something really meaningful in very little time with these pieces.

As for her Essays I think they are insightful and honest, maybe at times a little boring but that's down to not having an interest in the subject. I loved that she could write six pages on the mess in her car (I couldn't do that). The title essay is her putting down on paper her love for the experience and connections she has made during her time at Yale. It's also a reminder to all her fellow students graduating that they are not alone in the blur of feeling about what's next. There is a bit about a fear of never living up to our own "perfect fantasies of our future self's" which I think is a really relate able point.

The circumstances as to why these essays and stories where published is a sad one. You have to ask if this collection would have ever been published otherwise. This is a collection of undergraduate work by a very young woman, who had her whole life before her to improve, grow and become even better. It should not be judged as if she was the best, but that she was really talented in her chosen profession and could have gone a long way.

Have you read this book? would you?

Sam

Want to see more posts follow on 

Bloglovin

September Reading Roundup | Book Reviews

Hi, With the weather changing and the nights drawing in a lot earlier I tend to get more reading done. I'm a little in shock at just how many books I've managed to fit I'm this month but then I feel this month hasn't gone as fast as normal and there's still a bit to go yet. I did have my little holiday which gave me some spare time to get some reading done. I'm also reviewing 'The opposite of Loneliness' for #sassybooks, my review will be up on Tuesday.

The Rivers of London

Author - Ben Aaronovitch

Page Count - 432

First Published - 2011

 

The story is told from the perspective of Peter a probationary constable who is about to get promoted to do the worst job in the department while his female college is climbing the ranks with much more interesting roles. All of this changes when detective Nightingale recruited him to be his apprentice. Peter is then introduced to the idea of been a new age wizard of sorts. Basically the supernatural we are lead to believe is stuff of folk law and stories is actually real and they works at keeping everything under wraps from the general public.

This is the first story in a series of many books set in London. This particular story is based around the rivers of London and their physical embodiment's, meaning that every river has a human form. There's a dispute about who owns which river that needs to be resolved, which runs parallel to the main story about a killer who isn't human. I enjoyed this book, not one of my favorites and I'm not sure I'll be rushing to read the others but it has a well thought out story. I liked the concept of magic and reality clashing in a modern setting but it didn't blow me away.

Looking for Alaska

Author - John Green

Page Count - 272

First Published - 2011

 

I wanted to read paper towns with it been released as a film but the library didn't have it so I settled with this book instead (wanting to read more John Green, the 'Fault in our star' film was so good). The book is written from the perspective of Miles a boy with a fascination for last words, who prior to going to Culver Creek was not the most social of people. He meets Alaska, Chip and Takumi and suddenly he has a social life.

The story is based on the antics and general life of students in a dorm situation, including pranks and a lot of underage drinking. Alaska is the focus for the story, with a mixture of teenage longing and underlying mental health issues. I enjoyed this story but felt it lost it's way a little when Alaska is the center of tragedy leaving the guys to blame themselves and try to work out what happened, without really getting anywhere. It's what I expected from a story of the young adult genre, with all the sexual tension and social unease.

The Company of Ghosts

Author - Berlie Doherty

Page Count - 272

First Published - 2013

 

This was a random pick from the library, I wanted a smaller book so that I knew I could finish it. The story starts with Ellie attempting to run away from home. She is taking the brake up of her parents badly, her father relocated to the other side of the UK and her mother has remarried. Ellie attempts to run away from home only to bump into Morag, a girl from her music class. This is the catalysis for the story that then takes Ellie to a lonely island after an invite to go on holiday with morag's family. After a sequence of unfortunate events Ellie finds herself alone on the island and things start to get weird, the title is a good hint for what happens.

The idea of been left on a island on your own is quite a scary one. I'm not really sure how much I liked this book, it wasn't badly written or anything like that, just the ghost wasn't that good. I'm sure ghosts can't touch people so that kind of spoilt it. The underlying story of the ghost girl was rather moving and I wanted her to be helped so she could finally have peace.

One Day

Author - David Nicholls

Page Count - 448

First Published - 2010

I've been meaning to read this for ages due to wanting to watch the film but wanting to read the book before hand. I finally bought it for a mere £3 and really enjoyed it. The book is about two character Dexter and Emma, both just graduating from Edinburgh university in 1988. The story follows them through the next twenty years of their lives with all the ups and downs you could expect. I love how cleverly written this book is rejoining the pair on the 15th of July every year, that been the date of their first real connection.

This book makes you think of the what ifs and shows how much your life can change over a period of many years. There where times when both characters excelled each other both professionally and romantically. If I take anything away from this book it would be to not give up on your dreams and that life is short. This was my favourite book of the month and I can't wait to watch the film and see how it compares.

Well that's a crazy amount of books and well done if you read all of the reviews! Have you got any recommendations for next month?

Sam

Want to see more posts follow on 

Bloglovin

 

My Savour Hair Products

Hi, Yay I finally got my hair cut! It's been such a long time since I last got it done. In celebration I decided today I'd do a post featuring four products/items that I regularly use to help keep my hair looking at it's best. Getting into the habit of hair care has been a learning experience as I've grown my hair out of a pixie cut, from many years ago, back when I was lazy about looking after my hair. It's finally at a length I'm really happy with and now I'm trying to keep it looking healthy considering the amount of styling tools I use.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner - Luscious Long
This is the perfect product if your hair is feeling a little dry and in need a of moister boost. It's a really thick conditioner containing Eucalyptus extract and Avocado oil. I love to apply this when I'm having a bath and leave it on for a good hour. It makes my hair feel so soft and I think it makes those pesky split ends not look as bad. I only use this a couple of times a month so even though I cover all my hair it lasts ages.

Argan Oil Hair Treatment
I simply add two drops to the ends of my hair before blow drying and styling. It seems to be protecting the ends of my hair from major heat damage and leaves my hair super soft. I don't go anywhere near my roots with this though as it's quite greasy. This product isn't 100% Argan oil so I'll be seeking one out that is next time, just as a matter of preference.

Wide Tooth Comb
I keep meaning to pick up a tangle teaser but my wide tooth comb is so good for getting rid of all those pesky little knots after towel drying my hair. It glides though my hair with very little resistance and makes this process so much quicker. I got this one from the Bodyshop, it's well worth the money.

Batiste Dry Shampoo
I've been tempted in the past to try other brands versions of dry shampoo but they just don't seem to compare to Batiste. I don't use this product daily but I do use it when ever I don't have time to wash my hair and I always have some with me when I'm camping. I'm sure you all know what a dry shampoo does, I love how much cleaner my hair feels once the excess oils are sorted out. I'm not a fan of strong scents so I picked up 'cool & crisp fresh' which has a lovely clean scent, whatever that is.

What products do you use in your hair care routine?

Sam

Want to see more posts follow on 

Bloglovin

9 Things To Do When You're Having A Bad Day

Hi, As much as we try to be positive all the time, sometimes it's just not possible. We've all had them days that don't go to plan or you feel under the weather. Here are some ways to cheer yourself up and see the positive side of life. I've complied a list of things which make me feel better whenever I'm having a bad day. Hopefully they are helpful to you when you have the same feeling.

Things To Do When You're Having A Bad Day

Buy some fresh flowers

The mixture of colours and fresh flowery scents will be a massive boost to your mood. Fresh flowers never fail to cheer me up, I keep seeing the sunflower boutiques in stores and instantly feel happier.

Treat yourself to something inexpensive

I love to buy myself some sweets or a new nail polish when I'm feeling a bit fed up, something small and inexpensive so I don't later mourn the money I have spent later. I chose an item I will use that day as a tool to create a positive outlook and make myself feel better.

Have a brew
Get yourself a cup of your favorite hot beverage and a listening ear and talk about it, sometimes things seems worse than they are and a different perspective can really help.

Eat something yummy

This can be good or bad, what ever makes you happy. I think when your feeling a bit fed up food can really lift your mood. I love the process of cooking so making a meal from scratch would take my mind off what was bothering me.

Light some scented candles

Burning candles creates a relaxing environment and they are super pretty to look at as the flames dances. Candles are a great therapeutic way to relax and the scent can uplift your mood.

Do some exercise

I'm not a massive fan of exercise but I genuinely believe that if you spend a little time just meditating or doing some yoga you'll feel better just for having accomplishing something. Plus you will get a buzz from all the happy chemicals your body produces.

Take a bath

Relax and make time for a bit of a pamper. Use a crazy amount of bubble bath or an interesting Lush bath bomb. Do some reading or put on your favourite album and sing along.

Look for the positives in life

As much as the situation might be getting you down think of all the things you are thankful for or something you are looking forward too. Distract yourself away from negative thoughts to only the positive happy ones.

Have an early night

Everything looks better in the morning or so they say. Have an early night and start the next day with the determination to not let life get you down. Tomorrow is a new day full of new possibilities.

I hope you don't need to use these tips, but that they are helpful if you do. Have a lovely week.

Sam

Want to see more posts follow on 

Bloglovin

TAG | Closet Confidential

Hi, Yay for the weekend! I'm off to talk to the bank about mortgages today and I'm a little stressed out at having to pretend to feel grown up enough to be talking of such things. I'm scared by the prospect of parting with so much money, but on the other hand I'm very excited at the idea of been a home owner and having my own space. As a result of the mixed emotions I'm having a bit of a blogging brain mush moment so I hope you don't mind if I do a tag post.

1. What's the oldest item in your wardrobe/closet?
I'm not ashamed to say I have a lot of old items as my style doesn't really change. One of the oldest items I own would have to be a silver faux leather jacket I got in the sale from River Island, it's so unusual.

2. What is the newest item?
The newest item would be a collection of black and white stripy tops, general basics but a wardrobe staple. 

3. What is the most expensive item?
The most expensive would be my Dr Martens but I generally buy them in the sale for around the £50 mark. I think the most I've paid is £70 for the metallic purple pair which I will be wearing this autumn.

4. What is the most affordable/cheapest item (that you use a lot)?
This would be my denim jacket that I bought for a mere £12 when everywhere else was selling them for £20 plus. I wear it all the time, worth every penny. 

5. What is the biggest bargain?
My wardrobe probably only contains about 5% of things I paid full price for so this is a hard one. I got an amazing kimono from H&M in the spring for £6 and that was full price, so yeah that! 

6. What is the biggest waste of money?
This would be all the sale items I buy and then never wear and a habit I made a point of putting an end to this year by only looking at sales for items I need rather than buying because it's cheap. Choosing one item it would have to be a Topshop skirt I paid £25 for because I fell in love with it only for the fabric to look like it was years old after only one wash. 

7. What are your 3 favourite items right now?
Dark grey acid wash jeans, burgundy felt hat and my super warm woolly jumper. 

8. What is the most outrageous/colourful item in your closet (that you absolutely love)?
I own a pair of jeans covered in a space inspired tie-dye pattern of turquoise and pink on dark blue. They look nicer than they sounds honestly.

9. What is your favourite piece that you've gotten as a gift?
I don't get bought clothes as presents but I do get rather a lot of H&M gift cards (people know me so well). So I'd have to say pajamas, they count right?

10. What is the most comfortable item?
I have some lovely smock dresses which are super simple but look dressy enough for a meal out and they are amazingly flattering and hide the food baby.

11. What is the most uncomfortable item (but you would take the pain because you love it)?
Either braking in a new pair of Dr Martens or I have a skirt where the waist band sits a little weirdly as a result it digs in but looks fine, it's saved for days when I'm not planning on eating out.

12. Pick your favourite black item and favourite white item.
I own loads of black and about a grand total of two white items. The black item would be my Fedora and the white an over sized jumper.

13. Where do you shop at most?
This would be a close tie between H&M and Primark.

 So that's my answers! This made me think about some key pieces I have in my collection. I need to wear the space jeans some time soon. Have a lovely weekend and let me know if you do the tag.
Sam

Want to see more posts follow on 

Bloglovin