2015 in Books | What I Read

Hi, Finding out about Goodreads has set me off on an adventure of tracking my reading. It has totally inspired me to do the most reading I've done in years and I hope this is a trend that will continue into the future.

 2018 Pledged Books

1. The Almost Moon - Alice Sebold ★★☆☆☆
2. The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, #1) - James Dashner ★★★★☆
3. The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner, #2) - James Dashner ★★★★☆
4. The Death Cure (Maze Runner, #3) - James Dashner ★★★★☆
5. The Kill Order (Maze Runner, #0.5) - James Dashner ★★★★☆

6. Legend (Legend, #1) - Marie Lu ★★★★★
7. Champion (Legend, #3) - Marie Lu ★★★★★
8. Prodigy (Legend, #2) - Marie Lu ★★★★★
9. More Than This - Patrick Ness ★★★☆☆
10. Ready Player One (Ready Player One, #1) - Ernest Cline ★★★★★

 11. Metro 2033 (Metro #1) - Dmitry Glukhovsky ★★★☆☆
12. Only Ever Yours - Louise O'Neill ★★★★★
13. The Broken - Tamar Cohen ★★★☆☆
14. A Flash Of Blue - Maria Farrer ★★★☆☆
15. The Murder Wall (DCI Kate Daniels, #1) - Mari Hannah ★★★☆☆

 

16.  Ways to Live Forever - Sally Nicholls ★★★☆☆
17. All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr ★★★★☆
18. Rivers of London (Peter Grant, #1) - Ben Aaronovitch ★★★☆☆
19. The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories - Marina Keegan ★★★☆☆
20. One Day - David Nicholls ★★★★☆

 21. The Company of Ghosts - Berlie Doherty ★★★☆☆
22. Looking for Alaska - John Green ★★★☆☆
23. How to Build a Girl - Caitlin Moran ★★☆☆☆
24. The Manifesto on How to Be Interesting - Holly Bourne ★★★★☆
25. Am I Normal Yet? (The Spinster Club, #1) - Holly Bourne ★★★★★

26. Annihilation (Southern Reach Trilogy, #1) - Jeff VanderMeer ★★☆☆☆
27. Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel ★★★★★
28. The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared - Jonas Jonasson ★★★☆☆
29. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green ★★★★★
30. Authority (Southern Reach Trilogy, #2) - Jeff VanderMeer ★★☆☆☆

 31. The Miseducation of Cameron Post - Emily M. Danforth ★★★☆☆
32. Trouble - Non Pratt ★★★★☆
33. Night Runner - Tim Bowler ★★★☆☆
34. Sea of Whispers - Tim Bowler ★★☆☆☆
35. The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky ★★★★☆

Please let me know of any book recommendations, I'm always looking for new books to read.
Sam 

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Why I'm Not Blogging at the Moment

Hi, I don't really know how to write this and I've been putting it off but I finally felt ready. Last Saturday my boyfriend was given the news that his dad had passed away, he was only 50. It was sudden, unexpected and a massive shock, one I still don't think has fully sunk in. I apologize for dropping that on you because it's horrid to hear of loss at the best of times but just before Christmas just makes it seem worst. We are okay and getting things sorted, Christmas will be a little weird this year. I just wanted to let you know, it's been rather quiet on here.

It's a week since my last post, I think that's maybe the longest I've gone without posting since I started. I'm disappointed that Blogmas hasn't turned out like I had hoped but 12 days of continuous posts was still a big achievement. I hope that you can understand why I'm not posting at the moment, I just don't feel that Christmassy and have zero motivation. But I hope to be back as soon as I feel ready with loads of new posts for you guys. Have a lovely Christmas.

Sam

My Christmas Wishlist | #BLOGMAS Day 12

Hi, Today I wanted to share my Christmas wishlist. I have a real hard time thinking about what I want for Christmas because there aren't that many things I feel I really need, although I'll never say no to Lush goodies or a H&M voucher but other than that I'm stuck. I was forced by a few family members to put my thinking cap on and come up with some ideas so I thought I'd share my picks with you.

On my list you'll find the For life Strainer teapot and some lose leaf green tea, I bought my boyfriend one of these teapots last Christmas and I totally recommend them. I'm almost out of the Loverdose perfume and the 50ml bottle is only £25 on Superdrug at the moment, it's a really great scent and one you should try.

I'm a massive Lush fan and I'll be happy with any products from their range but I really want to try 'The Magic of Christmas Wand' and I'd love to have a play with some 'Fun' for the first time, it's not a product I see reviewed. I'm a big reader and a lover of trilogies so I though it was about time that I read the Divergent series. Finally I picked the sleeping Pikachu plush just because it's super cute.

What's on your Christmas list?

Sam

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10 Budget Friendly Christmas Tips | #BLOGMAS Day 11

Hi, It's no secret that I'm really frugal with my spending and if at all possible I will save money when making a purchase. I don't think Christmas should be any different and if anything it's a time when everyone needs to reassess what they really need as it's such an expensive time of year. Christmas shouldn't be about how lavish a gift you can buy or how many, it's a time for getting together with people we care about and being thankful for the things we already have, I think the commercial side of Christmas gets in the way a bit. Today I've got some tips for saving money over the Christmas period, some of these might be a little late for those of you who are really organised.

Budget Friendly Christmas Tips

Gift Budgets and Secret Santa
This year me, my friends and family have all agreed to have a spending limit on the gifts we buy so that things don't get out of hand. If you have a big family why not consider a Secret Santa system. You could still buy everyone a smaller token gift, but by doing the Secret Santa everyone still gets one special gift.

Hand Deliver Cards
Okay so this one might not be super doable depending on the distance your family and friends are spread around the country/world, but if possible popping into see those people is not only saving you the cost of a postage stamp but brightening someones day.

Buy Tickets In Advance
I personally don't need to travel but I do know that train tickets are expensive, if you plan ahead and pre-book tickets you can save loads of money. If possible why not get someone to give you a lift and pay for the petrol it's probably a lot cheaper, or look at other ways to travel like the Mega bus which has some crazily low prices.

Don't Buy Gift Sets
This one will probably split people because there's something nice about a preboxed gift which is easy to wrap and sometimes with deals they will work out cheaper but in other cases depending on the contents it's way cheaper to make your own hamper of goodies.

Offers and Loyalty Points
If gift sets are your thing make sure you're getting an offer, check for the best price and if possible take advantage of multi buy offers. Buying from stores with loyalty points means you're also getting something back, Tesco have a double up system on points already collected so you can buy even more.

Don't Over Look The Pound Shops
I recently did a £1 stocking filler gift guide and it just shows what amazing things you can pick up for as little as a pound, with a little shopping around sometimes even cheaper. No one said gifts had to be expensive to be good.

Give Homemade
So craft isn't always that cheap but homemade gifts do really show you care. It's the perfect excuse to do some festive baking, you could make some cookies. Alternatively learn to knit and make a scarf for someone.

Start Shopping in The Sales
I'm known for doing this, it helps if you've got the storage room but you can really make some great savings. I don't tend to keep the gifts until Christmas choosing to pick unfestive gifts to give out as Birthday presents during the year. If it's Christmas gifts you want look out for seasonal sales earlier in the year where you can pick up quirky items a lot cheaper. Don't buy items that have use by dates as these will end up being a waste of money rather than a saving.

Don't Pay Postage
This is my biggest annoyance with online shopping. Over the year if you add up how much you've spent on postage with the odd £3.99 here and there you'd be shocked. So when shopping online always do a quick voucher search, it's very rare that I don't find a code. If you're planning a trip into town anyway look at store collection options to see if they're free instead.

Get a Fake Tree
I've only ever had a real tree once and honestly I missed my fake tree. I know there are advantages to real trees but I hate to think of a tree being grown and then cut down and left to die (morbid thought sorry). In the long run fake trees are much better for the environment and a hell of a lot cheaper. Buy one in the sale to make an even bigger saving, along with decorations and lights, that way you're ready for next Christmas.

I hope this was helpful. Do you have any money saving tips?

Sam

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Christmas Decoration Wishlist | #BLOGMAS Day 10

Hi, One of my favourite parts of Christmas is decorating to make everything to look festive. We put our tree up on Sunday, which was really early for us but we didn't want to wait any longer. I can't believe we're already on day 10 of Blogmas, considering how unprepared I am, I'm shocked that I've managed to keep up the daily blogging this long. Today I've got a wishlist of festive decorations that I'm going to be keeping an eye on for reductions to join my existing pieces. As you tell my theme is quite icy, made up of a mixture of white, blue and silver. I would have picked more things but I think the shops are really limited on pieces that I really like this year.

Wilko Polar bears £1.50 Each | Wilko Brush Glass Bauble £1.50 Each

H&M Marble Bauble twin pack £6.99 | Wilko Snow Globe £4.00

Primark Star Cushy £5 | John Lewis Rocking Horse £2.50

How cute are the polar bear baubles, they're store exclusives and I've been trying to find them but so far no luck. I think they are a really good price for the detail. Continuing with the polar bear theme I've picked the snow globe, I think they are the nicest little ornaments to have and this one isn't overally Christmassy so you could have it all year round.

I like to have a few textures on the tree if possible so different finishes on baubles is great. I really like the marble effect ones (which I think just looks like running paint) from H&M because they are visually interesting, but a little over priced. The frosted baubles from Wilko are really pretty and one of the few blue baubles I've seen this year, the finish looks like frozen metal.

I'd love the rocking horse from John Lewis which I think is suppose to be a first Christmas bauble for a little boy but it's adorable. Made from Polymer clay it looks like it's knitted which is a lovely touch. Lastly I found this silver star cushion from Primark it's a really cute size and it fits perfectly with my theme. I saw it in store and didn't want to carry it all day so hopefully I'll still be able to get one.

What colour/theme do you have on your Christmas tree?

Sam

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Secret Santa Dos and Don'ts | #BLOGMAS Day 9

Hi, I don't know about you but secret Santa is one of the elements of Christmas that makes it more fun as an adult. Secret Santa is commonly used as a way of spreading the Christmas cheer around the office at work or to help curve the spending with a large group of people. The amount of money a secret Santa gift requires is set by the group and can be anything from a few quid. This year I'm taking part in two secret Santa's one at work the other with family as an extra little something.

Secret Santa Dos and Don'ts

Do

• Take part and have fun, it's suppose to be a bit of a laugh to get people in the festive spirit.
• Find out about your recipient, preferably as discreetly as possible.
• Be original - look in unusual places like markets.
• Be grateful for the gift you receive even if it's not something you want.

Don't

• Spend over the budget - This is awkward for everyone.
• Tell everyone who you're buying for - it spoils the fun, people normally say after anyway.
• Forget to buy a present and buying something on your lunch break is as bad.
• Buy a joke present unless it's someone close, things can easily be taken the wrong way.

Are you taking part in a secret Santa?

Sam

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My Favourite Films For Christmas | #BLOGMAS Day 8

Hi, I've got my favourite Christmas movie selection for you today. Writing this post has made me want to sit and watch all these films back to back. So this weekend I'm making plans that involve the sofa, a large blanket and lots of hot chocolate. I'm feeling really festive now we're a whole week into advent and I can't wait to get some presents wrapped and placed under the tree.

My Favourite Films for Christmas

The Muppet's Christmas Carol
This is a film I over looked for way too long, it's my boyfriends favourite Christmas film. He made me sit down and watch it properly and I'm so happy I finally did. I like films that are a little bit different visually, and the Muppet's as puppet work is a fine example of this. As it's a comical retelling of the classic 'A Christmas Carol' it's even better because I feel like I'm watching something quite sophisticated but with a fun twist.

The Nightmare Before Christmas
One of my all time favourite Tim Burton films and probably the first film of his I saw. We used to have Halloween parties when I was very little with the family and it was a bit of a tradition to go to the video store and hire this film for the night. Since then I've grown to see this film as more Christmas themed film, but it works equally well for both. The song when Jack ends up in Christmas town is perfect. The cherry on the top of the cake is that this film is the stop motion animation which is my all time favourite.

Balto
Oh how I love this film, it's not a Christmas film but it's set in a snowy Canada. Balto is an animated film based on real events and the heroics of an outcast. Balto is a Wolf/Husky cross who can't find his place in the world, his friends are a goose, two polar bears cubs and a husky. One day an epidemic hits the small town of Nome and all the children are gravely ill, a storm hits and it's down to a sled dog team to get the medication. It's a really heart warming film and I'm a sucker for animated films featuring talking anaimals.

Jingle All The Way
The first live action movie of the list. I think my mum took us to see this film at the cinemas as a Christmas treat way back when it came out (Arr that was 1996). A story of the search for that one must have present and the perils of leaving it until the last minuet. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a favourite of mine to watch when I was younger for the funny and rather strange roles he played. A funny take on the Christmas period with an over the top story line.

What's your favourite Christmas movie to watch?

Sam

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