tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685916718988975732019-05-12T19:35:33.057+01:00jemmas-simple-lifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-52617923329634068032018-02-01T20:12:00.000+00:002018-02-01T20:12:11.991+00:00February Book Haul 2018 | TBR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SAR1QLeONE/Wm23sGtkFAI/AAAAAAAAHHQ/6jSWRowzrvYgII2IS7lGG3TiEf498WUtgCLcBGAs/s1600/optionb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SAR1QLeONE/Wm23sGtkFAI/AAAAAAAAHHQ/6jSWRowzrvYgII2IS7lGG3TiEf498WUtgCLcBGAs/s1600/optionb.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As I said in my <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2018/01/january-book-haul-2018-wrap-up.html">latest post</a>&nbsp;January was a good reading month for me and I'm still one book ahead on my reading challenge *woo*! So, I'm obviously rooting for myself to read as much as possible in February too (even if that means I have to read non-stop during my week off over half term, haha!) if only for the fact that I am officially solidifying my love for reading this month by getting a book tattoo on the 10th - don't worry, I'm sure I'll be sharing photos on here/on <a href="https://twitter.com/jemmasimplelife">my twitter</a> if you're interested in seeing that, I'm so excited! So yeah, I'm setting myself quite an ambitious TBR this month, (considering reading alonside a full time job can be fairly tricky at the best of times!)&nbsp; but I just have so many new books that I'm excited to read, but... here they are! As always, feel free to share the books you're planning on reading this month in the comments below, I would love to know!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">LYING ABOUT LAST SUMMER - SUE WALLMAN //</span> I've already started this one actually since I needed an easy YA to read alongside the non-fiction book I'm getting through at the moment. (Packing For Mars by Mary Roach - you can read more about my thoughts on that book <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2018/01/january-book-haul-2018-wrap-up.html">here</a>, if you like!)&nbsp; After reading and really liking See How They Lie by the same author last year, I had great expectations for this book and I have to say I'm liking it so far.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MY LADY JANE - CYNTHIA HAND //&nbsp;</span>I'm probably a bit late to the game with this book.. but I recently discovered that I had to have it after realising the second book (My Plain Jane) comes out this year! My Lady Jane is a silly, lighthearted historical comedy that retells the story of Lady Jane Grey's reign and romance it's fluffy and funny and fun and also technically educational.. right?! It promises to be full of puns, jokes and mockery and it just seems like a laugh out loud kind of a book... definitely something I'm looking to read this month!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">INK - ALICE BROADWAY // </span>Yes this is yet another book I'm late to the game with, but ahh well! Once again the story line just intrigues me with this book.. I mean a book all about how people's significant moments are tattooed on their bodies, every mistake and every action, is definitely something I've never heard of before.. something I need to read more about! Also, the cover of this book is super gorgeous, anything shiny and I'm sold!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">SATELLITE - NICK LAKE //</span> I definitely want to carry on my tradition of reading books set in space after reading The Lonliest Girl In The Universe and completely falling in love with it last year. I'm already currently reading Packing For Mars by Mary Roach, but I definitely need some more space in my life - I don't know what it fascinates me so much, but I really do love reading about it! This book in particular really intrests me, since it's about a teenage boy in space making his first ever trip to Earth, so I'm excited to see how that pans out! I've heard mixed reviews so let's see how I feel about this one.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">UNDERCOVER PRINCESS - CONNIE GLYNN // </span>Let me be 100% honest with you here, I definitely picked this book up for the gorgeous cover.. I can't even lie to you, just look at it. It's bloody gorgeous. It was only after I bought the book and left Waterstones that I realised what this book actually was, of course it's part of The Rosewood Chronicles by Connie Glynn, who is a lovely YouTuber I watch every now and again! Jokes aside though, this book does seem completely up my alley and I need some Princess - fairy tale action in my life.. it's something I definitely need more of in my reading life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-51675519459654139892018-01-30T12:58:00.000+00:002018-01-30T12:58:55.089+00:00January Book Haul 2018 | Wrap Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Md3FtS7Ds/WnBkmWCv2II/AAAAAAAAHJI/lSAZ_z05YOg3qVrHj8z5dpSn5bOtKdIyACLcBGAs/s1600/JANWRAPUP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Md3FtS7Ds/WnBkmWCv2II/AAAAAAAAHJI/lSAZ_z05YOg3qVrHj8z5dpSn5bOtKdIyACLcBGAs/s1600/JANWRAPUP.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have to say, I'm quite proud of myself when it comes to reading this month - despite being back at work full time and having a pretty busy schedule (for me anyway!) I still managed tor read a fair few books this January.. and I'm still one book ahead of my reading challenge (*mini celebration*)! It definitely helped that I was so into all the books I chose to read this month, in fact two out of five I rated five stars.. and I don't give out my five stars that easily! But yeah, I definitely had a good reading month and really enjoyed all the books I'm about to share, so if you're interesting in reading a few good books I couldn't recommend these more! As always, feel free to share your own recommendations in the comments below and I hope you enjoy.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MOONRISE - SARAH CROSSNAN //&nbsp;</span> I'm pretty sure I've already shared my obsession over this book already on my blog but I can't recommend it enough! I definitely don't hear enough people talking about this book and that's one of the reasons I wasn't too sure about reading it when I picked it up on a whim. I have to admit, I completely picked this up because of the gorgeous cover, thinking if I hate it then at least it's a good addition to my bookshelves, haha! But oh my god, this book was amazing. Just everything about it, it was so emotional and well written. I was definitely taken back when I realised it was written in verse, but it really just added to the whole feel of the book and I can't rave about it more, haha! I'm so glad this was my first book of 2018. Such a beautiful story,so beautifully told, that will definitely stay with me for a long time.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS - AGATHA CHRISTIE //&nbsp;</span>I managed to polish this one off in just two days, which goes to show how good it was! I actually went to see the new film that came out very recently, so I already knew who the murderer was but that didn't really hinder the book too much... although I probably would've read it way quicker had I not already known the answers just because I definitely couldn't have waited to see whodunnit! This is my second book by Agatha Christie though (my first being And Then There Were None) and I have to say, she is probably my favourite classic author - I have just fallen in love with her style of writing and I can't wait to read more of her mysteries! But yes, the basic storyline of Murder On The Orient Express (if you don't already know!) is that a murder is committed on the Orient Express train and Detective Hercule Poirot (who has an amazing moustache by the way!) has to investigate which passenger committed the crime... points if you managed to guess who did it by the way, I had no idea throughout the whole film, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">IN A DARK, DARK WOOD - RUTH WARE // </span>I have to admit, for a psychological thriller (which we all know is one of my favourite book genres) this story line didn't really stick with me too well after I turned the last page. I was very much excited to get through this book as it promised murder, suspense, mystery and all those good psychological thriller-y things I love, and while it did bring all of those things I still feel like it was missing something.. I don't know! I did enjoying trying to figure out the mystery though and I will admit it was a bit of a page turner in the 'I can't wait to see who did it' way, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">PACKING FOR MARS - MARY ROACH // </span>I'm cheating just a tad here because I have yet to finish this one.. but it's going to take me a little while since I really have to be in the right mood for a non-fiction book! I am definitely enjoying this though, I've found every chapter intriguing&nbsp;so far (particularly the one about food.. surprise surprise, haha!) and I'm really enjoying impressing Ethan with all my new knowledge about space... (he's usually the one who shares all the useless, but interesting facts in our relationship, haha!) But yes, if you're looking for a surprisingly easy to read non-fiction book all about how to eat, sleep and have sex in space then I've found the one for you!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END - ADAM SILVERA //</span> It says it all in the title and yet here I still am, heartbroken after turning the last page! The unique concept of this book just intrigued me so much and the whole way through I kept thinking what I would do if Death Cast ever called me.. and if I would even want that to happen... I don't think I would, by the way! I definitely would love a second book all about how Death Cast became a thing because I feel like I would love to know more, but other than that I love everything about this book!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-40920626885126921622018-01-20T10:44:00.000+00:002018-01-20T10:44:10.673+00:00Lost In A Book | Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYqvPRO0OWU/WmMdPgsnNPI/AAAAAAAAG6c/NcRNH7KXs3Ul-DJtNnC3TySmB3s35pPVgCLcBGAs/s1600/lostinabooktag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYqvPRO0OWU/WmMdPgsnNPI/AAAAAAAAG6c/NcRNH7KXs3Ul-DJtNnC3TySmB3s35pPVgCLcBGAs/s1600/lostinabooktag2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I haven't done a tag post in a really long time... too long! But I've found the Lost In A Book tag and I bloody love reading at the moment, so it seems like the perfect tag to do right now... so here I am, with my coffee, under a blanket, blasting The Greatest Showman soundtrack through my headphones... in that blogging mood so let's do it! I hope you enjoy this tag, if you do - feel free to answer some of the questions in the comments below, or link me to your own tag post - I would love to read your answers, especially when they're to do with books because I always love a good book recommendation (who else is obsessed with watching book hauls, just me?!)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">DO YOU HAVE A CERTAIN PLACE AT HOME FOR READING? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Not really to be honest. Recently, I haven't had much time for reading so a lot of my reading happens just before bed, so I'm usually in bed by that point! But other than that I basically read anywhere, on the sofa in the office, on the sofa in the living room.. and everyone else I move around in the house! I'm definitely one of those people who takes my book everywhere - I'm always reading whilst cooking or making coffees or in the bath, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO READ? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I mainly read at home and honestly I always forget to take books out with me when I leave the house! Which is something I always used to do, especially when I used to travel to work on the train. I feel like taking my book to work would be amazing though, on my lunch break - could definitely do with a few minutes down time with a good book!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">BOOKMARK OR RANDOM PIECE OF PAPER? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I actually have these metal bookmarks that go over the page which I love! But, I also love the book depository patterned bookmarks that you get with every order - I have one with The Gruffalo on which is probably my personal favourite, haha! To be honest though, for some reason at the moment I haven't even been using a bookmark.. I've just been using my Goodreads update to remind me what page I'm on.. don't really know why, but meh!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">CAN YOU JUST STOP READING OR DO YOU HAVE TO STOP AT A CHAPTER? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I always have to stop at a chapter... (just like I have to have the volume at a multiple of five.. is that just me or?!) I'm also one of those people who always flicks forward to the next chapter to see how many pages I've got to read to get to it, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">WHAT DO YOU EAT OR DRINK WHILST READING? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I basically always have a coffee whilst reading, it's sort of become an unplanned tradition now! I also normally always have a snack of some sort too, I mean who can read without having a good snack right?!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">E-READER OR REAL BOOK? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I live by real books. I love the feel of a real book, I love the smell of a real book, and most importantly I love how they look on my shelf! So yeah, definitely love a good, real book for sure!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">MUSIC OR TV WHILST READING? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Preferably I'll try and have no distractions whilst reading, thats my favourite way to read! But if I had to choose I would probably prefer to have the TV on.. I feel like music is harder to ignore!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">ONE BOOK OR SEVERAL AT A TIME? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Whenever I tend to start several books at a time I can get quite stressed and honestly never end up finishing any of them for some reason.. so I try and stick to one at a time! I do make some exceptions though, like right now I'm reading a non-fiction book and a YA, since I have to be in the right mood to want to read non-fiction!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">READING ALOUD OR SILENTLY IN YOUR HEAD? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I do a bit of both really! I always remember when I was younger (when I read the Twilight series actually!) I would read out loud and probably annoy my whole house, haha! But now, I tend to read in my head most of the time!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">FICTION OR NON-FICTION //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I actually have a huge love for both, I do tend to read more fiction though so I definitely need to get round to reading more non-fiction!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">DO YOU READ AHEAD OR SKIP PAGES?&nbsp; //</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">NEVER! What sort of monster does that, haha!? When I was younger I actually had the horrible habit of reading the last page of a book every single time I picked up a new book.. I don't know I guess the urge to read it was too much and I just gave in! But I'm glad to say I've broken that habit now, phew!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">BREAK THE SPINE OR KEEP LIKE NEW? //</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I really like to keep my books looking nice, so I always try to keep myself from breaking the spine.. it can be tricky though, especially when I'm really into a good book and I can't help myself from bending it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">DO YOU WRITE IN YOUR BOOKS? //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Not really, I have some old books from school like Great Gatsby and The Kite Runner which are full of annotations.. but I hate analysing books like that nowadays.. so no!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-2141580410133661512018-01-18T20:40:00.000+00:002018-01-19T23:27:11.957+00:00Things I've Been Loving Lately #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1cue9TzqPM/WlIWASocp3I/AAAAAAAAG5c/nOWf11pTAeQEVX4XBAqaP2pjBa_SmOgZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1cue9TzqPM/WlIWASocp3I/AAAAAAAAG5c/nOWf11pTAeQEVX4XBAqaP2pjBa_SmOgZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4834.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I've neglected my blog recently. And I have to say, the worst part about neglecting my blog is the fact that I haven't been able to share the things that I've been loving recently! As I always say, I love doing these posts because I love sharing all the things I love so that you can go off and love them too - you've got to share the love yano, haha! But yes, as you can imagine I've collected a fair amount of things I love over the past few months, so I've reduced my huge stock pile to a much smaller list of the my top things I've been loving recently, so you better be ready! Anywho, without further a do, these are the things I've been loving recently. As always, feel free to share a few things you've been loving in the comments too, I would love to know!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">VASE FROM TIGER (+ plant from Ikea) //</span> The new year kind of bums me out a little bit, mainly because it means all my Christmas decorations have to come down and therefore my house always becomes a little bit bare! So to avoid this huge lack of decor I decided to go shopping for a few knick knacks, especially something for my very naked looking coffee table! We obviously had to pop into the mother-ship that is Tiger (or Flying Tiger... or whatever it's called, haha!) and look at all their insanely cute knick knacks - but something I wasn't expecting to see in there was a really gorgeous vase! I love this vase, it's got a gorgeous pottery finish with a beautiful purple bottom and it was only £4, so how could I actually say no!? Paired with my trusty cheap Ikea plant (which we had to trim just a tinsy bit) it really dresses up my coffee table and brings a very fresh, spring feel to my living room - so happy with it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">POT AND POTPOURRI FROM IKEA // </span>I mean we couldn't look for home decor without popping into Ikea.. and by 'popping to Ikea' I mean spend the day at Ikea because everyone knows that day trips to Ikea are a real thing, haha! I've always seen that Ikea do tonnes of 'flavours' of potpourri, but I've never really been too compelled to buy any - but after seeing their display with their vanilla scented potpourri in a really simple jar, I knew it would be the perfect addition to my coffee table. It really does just bring that something extra too, and it obviously smells amazing too - I can't wait to switch out the scents over the year and get some spicy scents in for Autumn and Christmas.. omg I'm definitely already planning ahead for Christmas, oops, haha!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdO6FwCDaow/WlIWAKWjEsI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/yzSduCpF6NU_2UYyEKj3jIbWdsRW_-u9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdO6FwCDaow/WlIWAKWjEsI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/yzSduCpF6NU_2UYyEKj3jIbWdsRW_-u9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4831.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">WATER BOTTLE FROM HOMESENSE // </span>I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to find a nice water bottle! I feel like water bottles have kind of become a weird trend recently, people are buying those water bottles with the marble and galaxy patterns on and I kept trying to find a gorgeous bottle to show off at work! Needless to say, our home decor hunt led us to Homesense (basically any excuse to go to Homesense and I'm sold, haha!) and their water bottle collection is definitely something to be proud of - so if you're looking for a nice bottle too, definitely recommend! Ethan actually picked this one out and I really love how different it is and it's definitely gotten some comments at work... even if all the kids at work ask me if it's my milk because of how much it looks like a little milk jug, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">CHIP MUG FROM MENKIND // </span>I unfortunately never got round to doing a 'what I got for Christmas post' this year, but one of the things I got for Christmas, from Ethan, was one of those Chip mugs from Beauty and The Beast that everyone is obsessed with at the moment! You might have seen him in a few of my blog photos.. you know, just because he's so photogenic! I basically love my little Chip mug, he sits proudly on my kitchen worktop!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">FRIENDS&nbsp; // </span>If you're living under a rock and haven't heard the news yet - Friends is on Netflix, and I'm definitely on the bandwagon of everyone who's watching the whole series from the beginning again! I've always loved Friends, it's always been one of those shows I stick on when I'm bored or need a little 20 minute pick-me-up.. but I've never watched every episode in order! So it's definitely different to watch the episodes in Chronological order.. I am loving it though!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE GREATEST SHOWMAN // </span>Oh my god, this film - is my basic review, haha! We went to go and see it last night (after I've been playing nothing but the soundtrack for like 2 weeks) and it was just everything. The story. The characters. The message of the whole thing. The fact that we finally got to hear Zac Efron sing after like 11 years. (Yes. It's actually been 11 years since Hairspray.. like wtf.. who's as shocked as me?!) And who knew that we needed a Hugh Jackman/Zac Efron duet..?! Because that was everything! I honestly love every single song from this bloody show too, they are just all so, gah! But if I had to choose I would probably say Never Enough because it's such a good song to belt in the shower, haha! I also have a huge soft spot for Tightrope, because I think Charity is a completely underrated character! God, it was just so good - I haven't been this obsessed with a film since like High School Musical when I was 10 years old, haha! If I had the time and the money I would go and see that film a million times more, so if you haven't already seen it, open up a new tab.. and buy your tickets right now!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-51056274552759512942018-01-16T16:19:00.000+00:002018-01-16T16:19:36.747+00:00Update #23 | Why My Job Is The Best Job <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iE5ew-iT7TI/WlIglvlEB0I/AAAAAAAAG6E/tXfG-ySIC8EioITPu8FpygL0Bp_dIrA9wCLcBGAs/s1600/new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iE5ew-iT7TI/WlIglvlEB0I/AAAAAAAAG6E/tXfG-ySIC8EioITPu8FpygL0Bp_dIrA9wCLcBGAs/s1600/new.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If just got back from my first day of work this year so apologies if I seem a bit tired - definitely not used to socialising/getting out of bed before 11:30am so my brain feels a bit numb to be honest, haha! Probably shouldn't complain though since we had an inset day and the most difficult thing I had to do today is negotiate double sided sticky tape...lol. But yeah, I have to say I am seriously loving my new job. I'm having the best time and it's like whenever anyone asks how I'm finding it I always just feel like I don't do it enough justice, I'm always like 'yeah, it's really good' but like I'm really really enjoying myself! It makes me so happy actually, because if you asked me the same question this time last year I would've said something along the lines of 'meh' and probably would've made a face. Honestly, this new job has made me realise how shitty my last job was - waking up at 5am to do a job I really didn't want to do was tough. And I felt like I literally didn't have a purpose or a goal... add on the stress of writing my dissertation (ugh.. still can't say that word without gagging a bit, haha!) and you've got yourself one miserable bunny. But now I've found something that I genuinely love waking up for and that I can't wait to learn more from every day - you know it's good when work doesn't feel like work and that's exactly how it feels right now! That's not saying I don't have days where I get home from work absolutely stressed and knackered, but I know it's all worth it because I guess I feel like I have a purpose and it's so amazing seeing all my lovely children grow! But yeah, I thought today I would write a quick little update, since I've kind of been neglecting my blog recently due to a huge lack of time and organisation... that's the one thing about having a full time job I'm not so keen on, haha! But I'm definitely hoping to be more organised and prepared this year, so I can work full time and keep my blog going, because I genuinely feel lost without my blog and it's something I love doing! I guess I just need to take all my photos in bulk at the weekend because I get home when it's dark so there's no hope for taking photos then - thank god it's starting to get lighter again in the evenings!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-79981678876714475552018-01-14T15:27:00.000+00:002018-01-14T15:27:37.887+00:00ASOS Wishlist | Winter 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkYn-bZpJME/Wk9yiQvqDZI/AAAAAAAAG3M/w1-gtlCXwR8ZkKF_9zFpQCJ8s2hMj2DJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-01-05%2Bat%2B12.41.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="885" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkYn-bZpJME/Wk9yiQvqDZI/AAAAAAAAG3M/w1-gtlCXwR8ZkKF_9zFpQCJ8s2hMj2DJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-01-05%2Bat%2B12.41.02.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/monki/monki-oversized-hoodie/prd/8973465?clr=grey&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=3&amp;gridrow=13&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=14&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">monki grey oversized hoodie</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/lacoste/lacoste-straightset-118-2-in-dusky-pink/prd/8746602?clr=pink&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=1&amp;gridrow=10&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=17&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">lacoste dusty pink shoes</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/pullbear/pullbear-multi-stripe-oversized-jumper/prd/9163497?clr=multi&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=3&amp;gridrow=1&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=1&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2887">pull&amp;bear multi coloured striped jumper</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-double-breasted-mini-skirt/prd/9060749?clr=tan&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=1&amp;gridrow=18&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=6&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">tan skirt</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-swing-sweatshirt-with-raw-hem/prd/8950669?clr=white&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=2&amp;gridrow=10&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=9&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">white raw hem sweatshirt</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/pieces/pieces-sweatshirt-with-space-babe-slogan/prd/9118229?clr=grey&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=2&amp;gridrow=18&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=7&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">'space babe' grey jumper</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/selected/selected-ribbed-knitted-jumper/prd/9112168?clr=yellow&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=4&amp;gridrow=8&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=4&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">mustard ribbed jumper</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-jumper-with-crop-in-tapestry-pattern/prd/8874684?clr=multi&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=4&amp;gridrow=16&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=4&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">cropped tapestry jumper</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-easy-felt-boater-hat-with-size-adjuster/prd/8927913?clr=black&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=27108&amp;gridcolumn=4&amp;gridrow=3&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=11&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=2791">boater hat</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's the new year and that can only mean one thing - new clothes! Right?! So, I've been a little obsessed lately with scouring through ASOS and looking at all the gorgeous new arrivals for the new year - I have to say, ASOS have some really beautiful pieces recently, it's been difficult to restrain myself from buying the whole lot, haha! But today, since I love doing these ASOS wishlist posts, (you can read my old wishlists here and here!) I thought I would share my recent finds with you lot - I've definitely piled up a bit of a long wishlist, and these are a few of my favourite picks! So yeah, I hope you guys enjoy this post - be sure to let me know in the comments what's on your ASOS wishlist, I would love to know!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Right, so I've been so obsessed with oversized jumpers recently, they just suit all aspects of my lifestyle! I pair them with jeans for a casual look at the weekend, but they can also be paired with black trousers&nbsp; or tucked into a skater skirt and add some sensible shoes for work. I've always just loved the look of them on me too... especially on those days where I'm not feeling so confident, they're perfect! I am particularly loving the mustard colour that I've been seeing a lot recently, I feel like it's a colour that really suits me - so I'm very happy to be seeing it everywhere in fashion at the moment! I've also been searching for ages for the perfect oversized grey hoodie and I think ASOS might just have the one for me - I think grey hoodies looking amazing on casual days, paired with light denim jeans or even leggings if you're in full lounge mode, haha! Needless to say, this hoodie might make it's way to my basket... oops!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I also have a new found love for crop tops too. I definitely had a period of my life where I completely fell out of love with crop tops, mainly due to the fact that they are everywhere.. like just give me a full length top, jeez! But, I'm slowly starting to love them again and I can definitely appreciate how cute they look paired with jeans! I've actually been looking for the perfect plain white long-ish crop top for a while now, something I can pair with light denim jeans for that 'not-trying-that-hard-but-I-kind-of-look-put-together' casual look - I love the look of white tops on me for some reason, I guess it goes well with my hair colour maybe...? So I feel like this long sleeved, raw hem long-ish crop top might be just the top I'm looking for! I also love the tapestry pattern in the other long-ish crop top, I feel like this would look gorgeous with black skinny jeans, or with a black skirt.. the colours are just gorgeous!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have a weird obsession with hats and actually it would seem hats kind of like me back, since they do tend to suit me most of the time! I particularly have a weird obsession with floppy hats, which I love wearing for all occasions... despite the fact that I live near the coast, where it is bloody windy and my hats never stay on my head! This boater hat is just plain gorgeous though! I love the squareness of it and it's black so can easily be paired with literally any outfit. I especially love pairing my hats with cute dresses so let's bring back the warmer weather, woo!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-58048820801744512972018-01-10T16:51:00.001+00:002018-01-10T16:51:05.194+00:00Things You Should Make More Time For In 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yekcrund8Ew/WVPuoAmNIVI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/hy6wWbfLXeYPaJQJAvQOWSmvQjE4sQO9QCLcBGAs/s1600/ME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yekcrund8Ew/WVPuoAmNIVI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/hy6wWbfLXeYPaJQJAvQOWSmvQjE4sQO9QCLcBGAs/s1600/ME.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I feel like I'm going back to my 2016/early 2017 roots with today's post, because I haven't written a real 'pep-talky' post in such a long time... but I definitely do miss it, so maybe I'll bring it back?! Anyways, I say it every year, but I've never really been one for New Years Resolutions... they just never really work out well for me. I've tried the whole stop biting your nails, get fit, save money and avoid all junk food thing and nope, I last around a week, loose all motivation and just think f*ck it and long story short... I end up eating all the junk food in the house. I am however a huge believe of using the new year as a fresh start, a time to put the past behind you and try to become a better you.. even if you still continue to spend all your money on books instead of saving it, haha! At the start of this year I decided to focus on the things I want to make more time for... to be honest the things that we should all make more time for! The things that really make me happy and that get me up in the morning! So, in today's post I am going to share these with you and maybe in the comments you can let me know what you're going to make more time for this year, I would love to know!&nbsp;</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know this sounds incredibly cliche, but one of the things I want to make more time for this year is myself. We all know how much I believe in self care... I mean I've only written a million posts all about the importance of caring for yourself! For me, especially now that I've got a full time job, it can be difficult to allow myself time to do what I want to do. Whether it be, just chill out in my pyjamas all day on a Sunday or an extra long bath in the evening I've decided I'm allowing myself those moments, guilt free. One thing I'm making more time for this year are my passions and hobbies, which is something I definitely struggled with last year. It can be easy to push aside hobbies, especially when life gets in the way - but you have to remember that these are the things you love doing and they probably make you happy, so whatever it is you love doing, do it! One thing I'm definitely allowing myself to indulge in this year, is reading! I can't tell you how amazing it feels to get away from all screens and just spend an hour getting lost in a good book - it definitely is my number one stress reliever at the moment, just add a bubble bath and I'm sold! So I will 100% be making more time for reading this year and trying to allow myself at least 30 minutes a day. I also have always loved photography and it's something I would love to learn more about this year, so I've decided this is going to be another thing I'm making more time for this year - which fits in really well with my blog, so expect more photography.. hopefully! Also on my list is nature. I live around a 10 minute walk from the beach and I feel like I don't make the most of that at all, so I'm making more time for more beach walks this year, since they are the perfect way for me to clear my head and forget all my problems! And finally, it goes without saying, but we should also always make time for our loved ones! I love spending time with people who I love and people who love me back because it makes me feel happy, helps to relieve stress and I mean, it just feels good to be loved! Unfortunately, I live a fair distance from my family and friends - but I'm hoping to learn to drive this year and one of my favourite benefits from that is that I will be able to visit family and friends more often, I cant wait!&nbsp;</div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-8083819719451566052018-01-08T16:33:00.000+00:002018-01-08T16:33:44.648+00:00Most Anticipated Books Of 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93KLIIl5he4/Wk95BHOxCkI/AAAAAAAAG3c/pnSHH_zF0v4iqhM7xv_yErEtowzAHfMbQCLcBGAs/s1600/anticipated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93KLIIl5he4/Wk95BHOxCkI/AAAAAAAAG3c/pnSHH_zF0v4iqhM7xv_yErEtowzAHfMbQCLcBGAs/s1600/anticipated.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2017 was a great reading year for me, I read and fell in love with tonnes of books and it goes without saying that I'm excited to read so much more in 2018. I am, of course, especially excited for new releases that are due to come in 2018.. a lot of these have been on my wishlist for a pretty long time and now that 2018 is finally upon us, I can get seriously excited.. which makes saying goodbye to Christmas just a little bit easier! Ugh.. isn't it just the worst time, when you have to take down all the decorations and you realise that you don't have anything to look forward to anymore.. luckily I've had the first week of January off work so it's been a tiny bit easier, but still.. ugh. I want Christmas back! But yep, these are my most anticipated book releases of this year and the books I am most excited to get my hands on as soon as possible please. As always, let me know in the comments the books releases you are looking forward to in the comments below - I always need new book recommendations!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">LENGENDARY BY STEPHANIE GARBER // </span>Possibly my absolute top most anticipate book of 2018 is of course, the sequel to the amazing book Caraval - Legendary by Stephanie Garber! I read Caraval last year on a bit of a whim, as someone who doesn't tend to read fantasy novels and I wasn't really expecting too much... I went into that book without having my hopes up too high and let's just say I came out having fallen completely in love after I devoured it during a 2 hour train journey! So I am so looking forward to the sequel, told from Tella's point of view! I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE ASAP PLEASE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MY PLAIN JANE BY CYNTHIA HAND // </span>Now, I haven't actually read the first in this series yet (My Lady Jane) but it's in the post and I am already beyond excited to read it (yes, I know I'm late to the game.. shh, haha!) - you can read all about why I'm excited to read that one in my <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2018/01/january-book-haul-2018-tbr.html">January TBR</a> by the way! But yes, I'm already excited for My Plain Jane. I love Jane Eyre and I love how fluffy and funny and fun this series seems and the covers are gorgeous.. I basically just need both of these books right now please, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">BRIGHTLY BURNING BY ALEXA DONNE // </span>Definitely didn't mean to go Jane Eyre themed for this post, but it seems Jane Eyre is back this year, haha! This one just seems so intriguing.. it's basically Jane Eyre, in space. I mean come on. Also, having read the first chapter which you can find <a href="http://ew.com/books/2017/10/25/brightly-burning-alexa-donne-first-look/">here</a> by the way I may have already fallen in love with Alexa Donne's writing style, it definitely reminds me of Lauren James' The Loneliest Girl In The Universe (maybe it's just the space theme, lol!) which was one my favourite books I read in 2017! I can already tell I'm going to devour this book the second I get it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE IMMORTALISTS BY CHLOE BENJAMIN // </span>I have to admit the first line of the synopsis was what immediately drew me into this book - 'If you were told the date of your death, how would it shape your present?' This concept just seriously intrigues me, I can't wait to get deeper into it!<span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">ALL THE BEAUTIFUL LIES BY PETER SWANSON // </span>After reading one of Peter Swanson's other thriller novels last year (Her Every Fear) and hearing so many amazing things about The Kind Worth Killing, which is super high up on my to be read list by the way, I already know that I have to get this new book! It promises murder, mystery and suspense which is everything I could ever hope for in a book... so I can't wait for this thriller!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">BEST FRIENDS FOREVER BY MARGOT HUNT // </span>We all know I love a good psychological thriller so it goes without saying that I can't wait for this! Once again, there's murder, there's mystery... and I'm excited.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-27128779655708762462018-01-06T10:20:00.000+00:002018-01-06T10:20:12.956+00:00January Book Haul 2018 | TBR <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVwkCFC-G9s/Wk4ccOpg44I/AAAAAAAAG2A/iOefhjtHB0McYzTKAlcTe52kT242T8QMgCLcBGAs/s1600/JANTBR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVwkCFC-G9s/Wk4ccOpg44I/AAAAAAAAG2A/iOefhjtHB0McYzTKAlcTe52kT242T8QMgCLcBGAs/s1600/JANTBR.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">New year, new books, right! I've gotten really into reading again recently, after falling into a pretty deep slump during November.. so that means I've treated myself to a fair few new books this month! I'm super excited about all of these and my plan is to read every single one this month, so lets see how that goes... especially when I go back to work next week *sobs*! But no, I'm feeling pretty ready for this year of reading - I've set myself the goal of reading 50 books this year as I managed to read 44 last year, (and I barely read for the first half of 2017) I feel like that's a pretty reachable goal for me and I can't wait to get started...in fact I've already finished 2 books.. oops, haha! I am also so excited for some new 2018 releases this year, in fact I'm writing a post all about the books I'm looking forward to the most very soon, so pop back for that if you're interested! But yes, these are the books I hope to get round to reading this January. Also, as always - let me know in the comments the books you are currently reading, I always love a good recommendation.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">IN A DARK, DARK WOOD - RUTH WARE // </span>This is the book I am currently reading and I'm about 30 pages in and I'm kind of enjoying it... I'm basically waiting for all the action to happen because this book promises murder, suspense and mystery and all those good thriller-ish things, so I am definitely excited to get further into this book! As this book is a thriller, I like to go in not knowing too much but I think that the basic premise is that the main character is reunited with an old friend at her hen do and it all goes wrong from there. Also, can we just talk about the gorgeous gorgeous cover, yes please thank you very much!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS - AGATHA CHRISTIE // </span>I'm cheating a little because I've already read this one... I managed to polish it off in just two days, which goes to show how good it was! I actually went to see the new film that came out very recently, so I already knew who the murderer was but that didn't really hinder the book too much... although I probably would've read it way quicker had I not already known the answers just because I definitely couldn't have waited to see whodunnit! This is my second book by Agatha Christie though (my first being And Then There Were None) and I have to say, she is probably my favourite classic author - I have just fallen in love with her style of writing and I can't wait to read more of her mysteries! But yes, the basic storyline of Murder On The Orient Express (if you don't already know!) is that a murder is committed on the Orient Express train and Detective Hercule Poirot (who has an amazing moustache by the way!) has to investigate which passenger committed the crime... points if you managed to guess who did it by the way, I had no idea throughout the whole film, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">PACKING FOR MARS: THE CURIOUS SCIENCE OF LIFE IN THE VOID - MARY ROACH // </span>I don't read enough non-fiction and it's a shame really because I always really enjoy them - in fact I think my last non-fiction was the psychopath test by Ron Jonson and it was one that I seriously enjoyed reading and learning about! So this month I hope to read Packing For Mars and learn all about space travel. Space is kind of something I've always been a bit clueless in, for some reason I just can't rack my head around it, but after recently reading and falling in love with The Loneliest Girl In The Universe by Lauren James I realised it's something I would love to know more about...also this book has been on my wishlist for basically forever, so I thought it was about time I got it! But yes, if you want to know how to pee with zero gravity, how to have sex in space and what happens when you throw up in your helmet during a space walk look no further than this book! I'm so looking forward to it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MY LADY JANE - CYNTHIA HAND // </span>I'm probably a bit late to the game with this book.. but I recently discovered that I had to have it after realising the second book (My Plain Jane) comes out this year! My Lady Jane is a silly, lighthearted historical comedy that retells the story of Lady Jane Grey's reign and romance it's fluffy and funny and fun and also technically educational.. right?! It promises to be full of puns, jokes and mockery and it just seems like a laugh out loud kind of a book... definitely something I'm looking to read this month!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE - PATRICK NESS // </span>This book seems very different to anything I've ever read before.. and I have to say I've heard some mixed reviews, including people who are just completely confused by the story line - so I'm kind of going into this book a little bit wary but also 100% intrigued! From what I can gather from the rather confusing synopses... the main character of the story lives in a town which occasionally get's effected by supernatural forces?! However, our main character is just really normal and he isn't supposed to save the town.. so I guess it's about those normal kids who just go about their normal lives.. maybe?! I'm intrigued.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END - ADAM SILVERA // </span>I am super late to this one too and I actually feel like the last person to read this book.. but ahh well! The whole concept of this story excites me and I cannot wait to get into this universe.. even if it is apparently completely heartbreaking at the end (who would've known, right..?!) Basically, from what I've gathered this story takes place in a universe where people are told when they are going to die - our main characters are told they are going to die today and they meet up on an app which matches people on their 'End Day'.. so they basically go for one last adventure and I can imagine it's just so so sad gah!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-89714960440654205492018-01-04T10:26:00.000+00:002018-01-04T15:01:09.484+00:00Things To Look Forward To In 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7iJAxxx4LE/Wk5AVGab2CI/AAAAAAAAG24/tG6j_9CmfW44RyL8tYi6WG1ab3VvEvkEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7iJAxxx4LE/Wk5AVGab2CI/AAAAAAAAG24/tG6j_9CmfW44RyL8tYi6WG1ab3VvEvkEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4803.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/01/things-to-look-forward-to-in-2017.html#comment-form">I did one of these last year</a> and I guess you could say all of my wishes came true, because I accomplished everything I set out to do - I handed in my dissertation, I graduated, I blogged tonnes and most importantly.. I bought my dining table, haha! 2017 was pretty good to me and I probably had one of the most successful years of my life! So I decided that this year I want to carry on the tradition and write my list of things to look forward to in 2018. Although my year isn't quite as packed as last year, since I've now finished uni and I have a full time job - I'm still super excited for everything 2018 has to bring! As usual, feel free to share your own lists in the comments below, I'd love to know what you're looking forward to this year!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">LEARN MORE FROM MY JOB! // </span>So back in October I started my new job as a teaching assistant in a reception class and I feel super lucky to have found a job that I genuinely love doing (especially since I'm basically the opposite of a workaholic!) every single child in my class is just so so lovely and they make every second I spend at work worth it! Having a degree in early childhood studies, I really love applying the knowledge I already have to my everyday working life, but I get to learn more and more from my job every single day too! So, something I really look forward to this year is just learning more from my job - the teachers and even the children just teach me so much every day and I love it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I GET TO SING THAT TAYLOR SWIFT SONG! // </span>If you have no idea what I'm talking about I basically turn 22 this year... and I've been waiting an embarrassing&nbsp;number of years to be able to dance around to 'I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I'M FEELING 22' on my 22nd birthday.. so I'm definitely looking forward to that moment, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MAYBE ANOTHER TATTOO...? // </span>I got <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/08/getting-tattoo-routine.html">my first tattoo</a> last year in July and after discovering the pain is so worth it I realised that I might want another one..! I've actually been playing around with a few ideas.. I'm thinking something bookish since I've become a huge bibliophile as of last year and I'm hoping that maybe I might make the decision on what I actually want to get this year!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">WEEKENDS. // </span>Now that I have a full time job in a school I officially have my weekends back - thank god for that! I can't wait to spend more cosy weekends in with Ethan in the colder months and also have some weekend adventures out in the sun during the summer! Speaking of which, I'm hoping to plan a weekend away very very soon to celebrate Ethan's birthday which was back on 31st December! We're looking into spa weekends or maybe somewhere cosy.. so obviously very much looking forward to that!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MORE BLOGGING! // </span>It's no secret that my full time job has definitely made it difficult for me to write regular blog posts - but I'm hoping to work through that by giving myself a more realistic schedule and bulk writing posts.. since I did really miss blogging during my break and it is genuinely&nbsp;something I love doing! I also hope to work with more brands this year since I was given some really amazing opportunities last year, particularly <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/08/speedboats-slides-and-summer-fun-feat.html">my amazing day out in London thanks to byMe Lifestyle!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-38946130504021053372018-01-02T15:32:00.000+00:002018-01-04T10:27:42.763+00:00My Year In Books | 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tD6yk1QkrMg/Wkz8KL1qM_I/AAAAAAAAG1s/6VkGTutGUkYbtCX4NdeJGTFBypfKv5cjwCLcBGAs/s1600/books%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tD6yk1QkrMg/Wkz8KL1qM_I/AAAAAAAAG1s/6VkGTutGUkYbtCX4NdeJGTFBypfKv5cjwCLcBGAs/s1600/books%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Okay. So I've been gone a litttle while! Truth is, having a full time job means you basically have no time for blogging and I was so not prepared for that. But you know what, it's a new year and I've missed blogging so so much - I seriously want to get back into it and I just hope I can keep it up! So even though we're already three days into the new year, and I know I'm a little bit late to the game when it comes to the all the new year posts I couldn't miss out on a good old year in books posts! 2017 was the year I really got back into reading, I read some truly amazing books and I completely filled the two empty bookshelves in my dining room! So, I hope you enjoy this little summary of all the books I read last year - also, if you ever want to keep up to date on the books I'm reading at the moment be sure to add me as a friend over on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/69090430-jemma">Goodreads</a>!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR: </span>The first book I read in 2017 back in January was The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. I wasn't quite as addicted to reading back then as I am now, and most of the books I read fell into the psychological thriller genre so this book was completely my cup of tea! In fact, I would say it's still one of my favourite books to this day - I really loved the twisty and turn-y story line and it was really a book that not only made me come up theories as I was reading it but also I continued to think about after I finishing it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">LONGEST BOOK I READ:</span> The longest book I <strike>read</strike>&nbsp;tackled in 2017 was of course It by Stephen King which is 1,156 pages long... and when I say tackled I really do mean it, because I'm willing to admit that this book took me over a month to read!&nbsp;Needless to say, this is the longest book I have ever read and I would be lying if I said there weren't times when I was seriously considering giving up...and times when I'd work out how many pages were left and convince myself that it was do-able! I have to admit this was a slow read for me and at times the only thing that kept me going was creepy, suspenseful atmosphere that the book gives off and the fact that there were scenes that I found truly scary (which is something I've never experienced with a book before... particularly the one scene where that woman turns into a creepy ass monster really slowly - and the refrigerator. ugh.) One thing that I've seen mentioned a lot in reviews is the amazing way that King is able to get inside the heads of the children and really portray their fears - this was one of the things I really loved about It, it gave the book an extra edge and at times I really was feeling their fears as if they were my own!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">SHORTEST BOOK I READ:</span> The shortest book I read was strangely another book that fits the horror/thriller genre and that was The Grown Up by Gillian Flynn, this lovely book has only 64 pages, but it still a really great read to polish off in one sitting! We obviously know Gillian from some of her very well known classics, like Dark Places, Sharp Objects and Gone Girl so I remember being very excited to read her short story and I wasn't disappointed at all, but you can throw anything with paranormal/thriller-ish elements in it at me and I'll probably enjoy it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">LAST BOOK OF THE YEAR:</span>&nbsp;So, although I technically finished this book 2 hours after the new year I am breaking all the rules and saying that this was my last book of the year, just because it was just the sweetest book to the end (/start) the year with! I picked up Moonrise by Sarah Crossnan on a bit of a whim whilst shopping after I basically fell in love with the cover and after discovering it was written in verse I was so intrigued! I had never read a book that was written in verse before and I honestly had no clue whether I would like that style of writing or not! Turns out it didn't even matter what the style of writing was like because the story was just SO GOOD... it was honestly just such a beautiful story, so beautifully told! Seriously something that has stuck with me even after turning the last page!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">TOP THREE BOOKS OF THE YEAR: </span>So I gave 5 stars to 18 books in 2017 and it was actually pretty difficult to choose my favourite out of those but here are my top three books:&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">1- Caraval by Stephanie Garber</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2- The Lonliest Girl In The Universe by Lauren James</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">3 - Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div id="gr_challenge_5493" style="border-radius: 10px; border: 2px solid #ebe8d5; max-width: 1000px; min-height: 100px; padding: 0px 7px 0px 7px;"><div id="gr_challenge_progress_body_5493" style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><h3 style="font-weight: normal; margin: 4px 0 10px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/5493-2017-reading-challenge" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;">2017 Reading Challenge</a><br /></h3><div class="challengePic"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/5493-2017-reading-challenge" rel="nofollow"><img alt="2017 Reading Challenge" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/challenges/1486591746p2/5493.jpg" style="border: 0 none; float: left; margin-right: 10px;" /></a></div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/69090430-jemma" rel="nofollow">Jemma </a> has<br />read 30 books toward<br />her goal of<br />40 books.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #382110; float: left; height: 8px; margin: 4px 5px 5px 0; overflow: hidden; width: 100px;"><div style="background-color: #d7d2c4; float: left; width: 75%;"><span style="visibility: hidden;">hide</span></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 90%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/9168470" rel="nofollow">30 of 40 (75%)</a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/9168470" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none;">view books</a></div></div><script src="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/widget/69090430-jemma?challenge_id=5493&amp;v=2"></script><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-68001318883980832472017-11-01T17:51:00.000+00:002017-11-01T17:51:25.488+00:00Update #23 | Picking Our Own Pumpkins! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XstEU6-b0mI/WfZUBhG-evI/AAAAAAAAGvk/Q1FRMXbKFjUSvLHROaFjSGk4j0aPS9dwACLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XstEU6-b0mI/WfZUBhG-evI/AAAAAAAAGvk/Q1FRMXbKFjUSvLHROaFjSGk4j0aPS9dwACLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My week has been a little bit hectic, what with starting a new job - I barely have time to breathe let alone blog at the moment, but I'm trying my best! So yes, this post is a tinsy bit late, but it's still Autumn and pumpkins are still Autumn related so I'll let myself off, haha! Basically I thought I would share some of the photos from a lovely day out I shared with my best friend and Ethan! Me and my best friend kind of have a tradition going that every single year we carve pumpkins together and watch scary movies on Halloween.. it's basically an excuse to eat junk for a whole weekend, haha! I actually documented our cute halloween celebration on the blog last year, so you can see that <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2016/10/update-10-pumpkin-carving-party.html">here</a> if you like. So this year we decided to go and pick our own pumpkins and we had a really lovely day at a local farm getting all autumnal and taking tonnes of photos... and of course carving them in the evening! But yes, I had a really lovely weekend and it was a well needed break just before I started my new job which was nice! Let me know in the comments what you got up to on Halloween, I would love to know!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jly0HNjyvbg/WfZUB2xkbdI/AAAAAAAAGvo/DlK_Ug61mqUdKCncQi_-CWxTOX-GmWszQCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jly0HNjyvbg/WfZUB2xkbdI/AAAAAAAAGvo/DlK_Ug61mqUdKCncQi_-CWxTOX-GmWszQCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udV4fc98V_Q/WfZHp-UxyiI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/D9XjQgMUSWAc5767vbe-ta1kuSn9c2U1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udV4fc98V_Q/WfZHp-UxyiI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/D9XjQgMUSWAc5767vbe-ta1kuSn9c2U1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-6199310526043076432017-10-29T22:10:00.000+00:002017-10-29T22:10:01.387+00:0030 (More) Last Minute DIY Halloween Costume Ideas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udV4fc98V_Q/WfZHp-UxyiI/AAAAAAAAGvM/OuAIIt5DOFcIxe0m_QETB0NdSGcSdxTmQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udV4fc98V_Q/WfZHp-UxyiI/AAAAAAAAGvM/OuAIIt5DOFcIxe0m_QETB0NdSGcSdxTmQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So we all know I've been excited for Halloween pretty much since the 1st of September... but somehow it does always seem to creep up on me and every year, without fail, I seem to have to rush over to YouTube to look up some last minute Halloween costumes because I've left it so long! This year I actual don't have anything to dress up for, which makes me incredibly sad (any excuse to dress up and I'm there!) but that won't stop me from browsing Pinterest until the early hours of the morning coming up with costume ideas for the Halloween party I'm not going to, haha! So yeah, this post is for all of you out there who always leave their costumes to the last minute and need a quick DIY costume for that party on Tuesday night! Hopefully you find something quick and easy from my list, but if you need more ideas I actually wrote one of these last year so you'll find 30 more ideas <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2016/10/30-last-minute-diy-halloween-costume.html">over there</a>! Also, feel free to share your own ideas in the comments - I would love to hear them!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>1.Party animal //</b> grab some classic party accessories, like a party hat and a party horn and then pop on an animal mask - you can be whatever you want to be!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>2. Bubble bath //</b> stick on a white shirt and glue/pin on some blown up white balloons.. then grab a shower cap and a cute little rubber duck!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>3. Mummy // </b>basically just wrap yourself in toilet roll... simple!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>4. Skeleton //</b> you could draw some bones onto a white t-shirt, or even cut sections out to create a rib cage - then add your skeleton makeup and you're done!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>5. Deer // </b>all you need is a brown top, cute antler headband and some deer makeup and you're sorted.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>6. Queen bee // </b>dress up in yellow and black like a bee and then add a crown</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>7. Raining men // </b>grab your rain coat and wellie boots, then print out some of your favourite male celebrities and hang them from an umbrella with string!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>8. Arthur //</b> pop on a yellow coloured jumper over a white collared shirt with jeans, then add some round glasses and some aardvark ears!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>9. Dancing girl emojis //</b> grab your friend and both stick on a black top, black shorts and black shoes then stick on a headband with two black bunny ears</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>10. Mary Poppins // </b>find a black skirt, tuck in a white shirt, add a red bow tie and a hat!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>11. Bat // </b>cut some wings out of black fabric and sew them to a black top or dress, add some bat ears and you're done!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>12. Where's Wally //</b> find a red and white striped top, wear it with black jeans, a red beanie and some glasses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>13. Pirate //</b> pop on a striped top with jeans, some boots, a pirate hat and maybe even an eye patch!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>14. 1920's flapper //</b> find a fringe dress or skirt and pair it with a cute feathered headband&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>15.Eleven // </b>grab a pink dress, denim jacket and some eggos!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>16. Georgie // </b>just stick on a yellow raincoat and grab a red balloon!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>17. 80's // </b>wear anything colourful, loud, or remotely related to exercise, haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>18. Crazy cat lady //</b> wear a dressing gown, glasses and slippers and make sure to carry at least 4 cats with you!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>19. Spider //</b> dress in black and use stuffed tights for eight legs!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>20. Retro housewife //</b> pop on a polka dot dress, rubber gloves, apron and some vintage accessories</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>21. Bunch of grapes //</b> wear purple and pin/glue some purple balloons to yourself - you could also throw on a green flower crown for the stalk!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>22. Unicorn // </b>wear pastel colours or white and then use paper to make a cone for your horn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>23. Medusa // </b>Put some fake snakes in your hair and give yourself a dramatic eye makeup look!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>24. Pumpkin pie //</b> pair a pumpkin themed headband/accessories with a orange top that has the pi symbol on it for a punny costume!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>25. Popcorn // </b>wear a red and white striped skirt and glue crumpled yellow paper to a yellow top.. carry around popcorn for bonus points of course (any excuse to eat popcorn all night, haha!)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>26. White rabbit //</b> pop on a blazer and bow tie and add some bunny ears and DIY a giant clock&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>27. Strawberry //</b> glue/draw white dots onto an all red outfit and add a green headband!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>28. Big kid // </b>stick on some pjs (even better if you have a onesie or matching set!) put your hair in bunchies and carry around a teddy bear!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>29. Vampire //</b> wear all black and add some dramatic dark makeup and fangs&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>30. Tooth fairy // </b>wear all white, add a crown/tiara and DIY a wand by cutting a tooth shape from white paper and sticking it to the top of a wand/any stick!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-40010066373748746082017-10-25T13:54:00.000+01:002017-10-26T23:01:48.798+01:00The Ultimate Halloween Playlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC_3pVkFw0s/WfCJFErSbTI/AAAAAAAAGpI/Dtq4hUjPh9sOZDa-C3yrTZob7Pg8jOhXgCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC_3pVkFw0s/WfCJFErSbTI/AAAAAAAAGpI/Dtq4hUjPh9sOZDa-C3yrTZob7Pg8jOhXgCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's about time I wrote another playlist post, in fact my last playlist post was back in June with my&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/06/the-ultimate-relaxation-playlist.html">The Ultimate Relaxation Playlist</a>&nbsp;and of course it is Halloween season - so when better to write one than now, right?! I personally have no plans for Halloween (someone please invite me to your party so I have an excuse to dress up!) but that doesn't mean I won't be making an epic Halloween playlist that I will probably be playing to death (pun not intended I promise... lol) from now until the end of October! So yeah, I thought I might share my little Halloween music concoction with you lot! I've tried to add a big mix of songs, that suit everyone who needs background music for carving pumpkins or a good playlist for a Halloween party! Let me know what you think in the comments below and as always feel free to suggest your own songs down there too - I'm sure I've missed some bangers!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Toxic - Britney Spears</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She Wolf - Shakira</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monster Mash - Bobby Pickett</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Disturbia - Rhianna</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thriller - Michael Jackson</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I Put A Spell On You - Annie Lennox</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mad Hatter - Melanie Martinez</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nearly Witches - Panic! At The Disco</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time Warp - Rocky Horror Picture Show&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Is Halloween - The Nightmare Before Christmas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haunted - Beyonce&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm In Love With A Monster - Fifth Harmony&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Teeth - Lady Gaga</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everybody (Backstreet's Back) - Backstreet Boys</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Uma Thurman - Fall Out Boy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Monster - Lady Gaga</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Monster - Eminem (ft. Rhianna)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spiderwebs - No Doubt&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zombie - The Cranberries&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jump In The Line - Harry Belafonte&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dollhouse - Melanie Martinez</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Creeps - Camille Jones, Fedde Le Grand</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Demons - Imagine Dragons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Better The Devil You Know - Steps</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src=" https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/11138176011/playlist/3ObWFbkFVcimcSu6T1sQ4D" width="900"></iframe><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-80885050768026632242017-10-23T10:48:00.000+01:002017-10-23T14:31:40.620+01:00Book Wishlist #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnmImcrkNEI/We3u310ivHI/AAAAAAAAGo4/l-lUAaW4LYMpmoKGj00ouDNnSa-GSXRHgCLcBGAs/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnmImcrkNEI/We3u310ivHI/AAAAAAAAGo4/l-lUAaW4LYMpmoKGj00ouDNnSa-GSXRHgCLcBGAs/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How has it been two months since <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/08/book-wishlist-1.html#more">my last book wishlist</a>?! I have no idea where that time has gone, but anyways... here I am with another book wishlist post because it's about time I shared a few more of the books that are on my ever growing wish list - I feel like its growing super super quickly recently too, since I have been able to treat myself to any new books recently! (By the way, if you want to see more of the books that are on my wishlist and keep up to date on what I'm currently reading and bits like that we need to be friends on Goodreads - <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/69090430-jemma">you can find me here</a>!) As you'll know from my recent book posts (like my <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/10/october-book-haul-2017-tbr.html">October TBR</a> and <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/10/spooky-book-recommendations.html">Spooky Book Recommendations</a>) I have been reading purely spooky-ish books this month in celebration of Halloween so, as much as I'm enjoying getting in the spooky spirit, it was quite refreshing to pick out some less scary books to add to this wishlist.. I mean I obviously added a few thrillers because I'm stubborn and completely obsessed with thriller books! Let me know what you're reading or what's on your wishlist in the comments below, so I can add all your favourites to my list - I always love recommendations, even if it means my wishlist is overflowing!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWwkuA1LY30/WeeFgWlKLLI/AAAAAAAAGno/aEfvTqz-nWQj-hdx1Elx9ywCJIqF98s0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-10-18%2Bat%2B17.46.44.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="879" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWwkuA1LY30/WeeFgWlKLLI/AAAAAAAAGno/aEfvTqz-nWQj-hdx1Elx9ywCJIqF98s0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-10-18%2Bat%2B17.46.44.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Sudden Appearance of Hope - Claire North | Ink - Alice Broadway | Window - Amelia Brunskill | Did You See Melody - Sophie Hannah | The One Memory of Flora Banks - Emily Barr | Panic - Lauren Oliver | There's Someone Inside Your House - Stephanie Perkins | They Both Die at The End - Adam Silvera | Genuine Fraud - E. Lockhart | We Are Okay - Nina LaCour | The Thing With Feathers - McCall Hoyle&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since reading and falling in love with Caraval by Stephanie Garber, I've opened my eyes to fantasy a little bit more which is honestly a genre I tried to stay away from in the past due to my lack of imagination! But I definitely had to add these fantasy reads to my wishlist since both of them sound like such interesting concepts... Ink is set in world where every significant thing that happens in a persons life is tattooed onto their body forever and when they die their tattoos are put into a skin book (which sounds gross by the way, haha!) so that they are remembered forever. All of this sounds so interesting to me... and if that wasn't enough the cover is gorgeous, so it of course deserves a spot high up on my wishlist! The Sudden Appearance of Hope sounds amazing too as the main character, Hope, is instantly forgotten by people when they turn away from her and when they turn back they see a stranger! The whole concept of her life sounds super interesting, like the fact that she can't hold a job or even apply for one because she's immediately forgotten as soon as she leaves the interview! The reviews I've read also really seem to love this book too, so I can't wait to delve into this one!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Having read purely spooky books all October, I can't wait to get back to a few simple contemporary reads - so I obviously added a few to the list! The One Memory of Flora Banks is one that I definitely want to get to soon and also They Both Die at The End sounds like such an interesting concept for a book and I've heard some really good reviews about it too.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And despite reading only spooky/mystery books all October, I am still clearly very obsessed with everything thriller-ish and dark so those books make up most of my wishlist.. as per usual, haha! I'm particularly in the mood for mysteries at the moment - so Window, Genuinue Fraud and The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett are books I am super excited to get my hands on soon!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-63345987976653892112017-10-18T16:44:00.000+01:002017-10-18T16:44:33.276+01:00ASOS Wishlist | Autumn 2017 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2_xyLnNqnY/WeX7wORgDjI/AAAAAAAAGnY/_IBIHm2pbBYYeGIYCW7C5KrozAxFRvaowCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-10-17%2Bat%2B13.44.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="869" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2_xyLnNqnY/WeX7wORgDjI/AAAAAAAAGnY/_IBIHm2pbBYYeGIYCW7C5KrozAxFRvaowCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-10-17%2Bat%2B13.44.55.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asos.com/warehouse/warehouse-textured-skater-skirt/prd/8541997?clr=grey&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=21&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=8&amp;gridcolumn=3">grey textured skater skirt</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/prettylittlething/prettylittlething-high-neck-stripe-top/prd/8862627?clr=blackandwhite&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=1&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=10&amp;gridcolumn=3">high neck striped top</a> |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-t-shirt-with-cute-print/prd/8636509?clr=white&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=8&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=8&amp;gridcolumn=1">&nbsp;cute slogan tee</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/new-look/new-look-check-a-line-mini-skirt/prd/8987775?clr=brownpattern&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=18&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=4&amp;gridcolumn=1">grey checked a-line mini skirt</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/river-island/river-island-slim-tailored-trouser/prd/8685804?clr=black&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=13&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=5&amp;gridcolumn=2">slim tailored trousers</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/moon-river/moon-river-stripe-jumper-with-tie-details/prd/8712214?clr=multiblack&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=12&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=3&amp;gridcolumn=2">striped jumper</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos-tall/asos-tall-cardigan-in-chunky-oversized-fit/prd/8353677?clr=grey&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=11&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=11&amp;gridcolumn=3">oversized chunky knit cardigan</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-spot-mini-skirt-with-faux-pearl-buttons/prd/8650361?clr=blackwhite&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=12&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=5&amp;gridcolumn=2">mini skirt with pearl buttons</a> | <a href="http://www.asos.com/pimkie/pimkie-faux-pearl-embellished-t-shirt/prd/8770944?clr=black&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=18&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=9&amp;gridcolumn=3">pearl embellished t-shirt</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/new-look/new-look-block-stripe-knit-jumper/prd/8995277?clr=multi&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=2623&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=10&amp;totalstyles=853&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=12&amp;gridcolumn=3">block stripe knit jumper</a> |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-satchel-backpack/prd/8518866?clr=black&amp;SearchQuery=satchel+backpack&amp;pgesize=5&amp;pge=0&amp;totalstyles=5&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=2&amp;gridcolumn=1">satchel backpack</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-movement-wide-fit-leather-loafers/prd/8641514?clr=black&amp;SearchQuery=&amp;cid=4172&amp;pgesize=36&amp;pge=0&amp;totalstyles=374&amp;gridsize=3&amp;gridrow=3&amp;gridcolumn=3">loafers</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Oh Autumn! You are well and truly here and I couldn't be more excited... if only for all the drool-worthy new clothes that have graced ASOS for the new season! I love everything about Autumn fashion.. the colours, the cosy-ness, the oversize-ness - yes, please and thank you. I want it all! I have updated my status from poor student to poor graduate (mainly because I've been obsessed with buying so many books.. I hate my past self, haha!) so unfortunately I can't treat myself to anything just yet but I can still dream, cant I?! Just like last season when I wrote my <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/07/asos-wishlist.html">Summer Wishlist</a>&nbsp;I have once again piled up a hefty wishlist for the new Autumn season, so I thought it was about time to share some of it with you! If you like any of my picks let me know in the comments and also tell me what's on your ASOS wishlist this season - I would love to know!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So as you may be able to tell, a lot of the pieces I have gone for this Autumn are mainly work wear appropriate - as you would know if you read my last post (you should read it if you haven't the link is <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/10/update-22-exciting-life-updates.html">here</a>!!) I have recently got a new job, woo! But, having worked somewhere with a <strike>gross</strike>&nbsp;uniform for two years I literally have like three work appropriate outfits - so I need to get on that this season for sur. I genuinely cannot tell you how excited I am to actually get dressed up nice for work again... and actually make an effort for work instead of rolling out of bed into the staff room and looking like a toe, haha! I decided to go for quite a few skirts, since I love the look of a good a-line or skater skirt with black tights in the colder months - I particularly love the look of a grey skirt, with a plain white or black top and black tights so I will be rocking that look at work all season I'm sure! I also am seriously lacking in the trouser department and I would love to see what those slim-fitting, higher waisted three quarter length trousers would look like on me. I feel like they can look really classy for work on most people, so I have high hopes for those!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have a huge love of stripes for the Autumn season.. and all year round to be honest, but particularly during Autumn! Black and white stripes are probably my go-to I love just pairing a black and white striped oversized top/jumper with some jeans for an easy casual look or even wearing a more tighter fitted, high necked striped top with a skirt or jeans for a look that seems more put together. The block stripe jumper in those gorgeous Autumnal colours is super high up on my wishlist by the way, I love everything about it and I can't wait to style it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I obviously also had to go for a few more simple and casual pieces.. since I basically live in everything comfy and over sized! I love both the cute t-shirts, particularly the pearl embellished one, I feel like this could be dressed down with a pair of jeans, or paired with a skirt for a put together look, or something I would wear to work. I also definitely couldn't leave a big over sized chunky knit cardigan out of the mix, I love throwing these on during colder Autumn days, they pair with anything and keep you super cosy and warm!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And as far as accessories go, I tried to go for versatile pieces I could use for work but that would also work well as staple pieces I could use every single day! I went for a satchel backpack, since I will be walking to work so this would be perfect to carry all my bits and pieces in for the working day - but also it would work well for whatever adventure I might be going on for the weekend! I feel like you can't go wrong with a simple black bag! This goes for the loafers too, perfect for work and play and since I pretty much live in ballet flats and loafers these are the perfect addition to my collection!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-5268432454370247732017-10-16T19:28:00.000+01:002017-10-16T19:28:21.441+01:00Update #22 | Exciting Life Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUxKeJtZBNI/WeT56Yf7ziI/AAAAAAAAGnE/2Zd94umNS_ImpEtV3ChUwTVM0_xpOSMxACLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUxKeJtZBNI/WeT56Yf7ziI/AAAAAAAAGnE/2Zd94umNS_ImpEtV3ChUwTVM0_xpOSMxACLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm taking a break from dancing around my kitchen with joy to write this post because I really want to document this moment... but I'm going to do that annoying thing and make you wait to find out why I'm so happy, mwaha! Honestly, this month has been pretty tough for me. It's been filled with job applications and preparation for interviews (which is super nerve racking, especially for an anxious person like me!) add on an interview which I thought went really well, that I got turned down for and obviously my confidence was completely knocked. Oh and pair all that with a current job that you are really not enjoying and cannot wait to leave and you end up feeling pretty down to say the least! But today I had my second interview, I was feeling slightly more prepared for this one, but my confidence really wasn't back to normal and there definitely was a part of me thinking should I even bother if I won't get it anyway?! I have to admit, I came out of the interview feeling pretty upset, I felt like it didn't go as well as planned and I don't know if it was just my lack of confidence but I was convinced that I wasn't going to get accepted at all... so I called everyone to let them know that it didn't go too well, but it was another learning experience and walked home to wallow in my self pity and eat some magic stars. (Because I'm an adult, lol!) I got home and was literally about to tweet saying that the interview didn't go well when I got a call from the school. At this point I was pretty convinced that they were calling so soon because they knew that it was a solid no.. but I got the bloody job! I literally had the biggest change of emotions I have ever had in my life and I was pretty sure I was about to go into shock, because it was so unexpected! So now I am a teaching assistant in a reception class at a really lovely local school and I am beyond excited to start there now, gah! (Now you understand why there's google-y eyes in my photo for this post, haha!) And even better, I get to say peace out bitches to my current job, haha! So yeah, if I was going to be cliche and add some sort of sappy moral to this post I would say don't loose faith in yourself - whether you've been turned down for a job or your confidence is knocked for whatever reason, just continue to believe in yourself because one person's opinion of you really doesn't count for much, I promise!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-34592047063825281962017-10-12T14:15:00.000+01:002017-10-12T14:15:23.959+01:00Cosy Autumn Book Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ad58pOb8pMY/Wdtl3XW8jCI/AAAAAAAAGmw/tuQw6OrYjtUUuPwphxvvkZEOzzsuaWyRQCLcBGAs/s1600/autumn%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ad58pOb8pMY/Wdtl3XW8jCI/AAAAAAAAGmw/tuQw6OrYjtUUuPwphxvvkZEOzzsuaWyRQCLcBGAs/s1600/autumn%2Bbook.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Yes, I am very much aware that my blog is slowly turning into a book blog.. but I don't even care, as I said in one of my <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/10/october-book-haul-2017-tbr.html">last posts</a> October is my favourite time to read and I am seriously loving reading at the moment and I just can't help myself! Sooo... today, I decided to do the Fall Time, Cosy Time book tag, but it's super old book tag from years ago (oops.. lol) so I've decided to change up some of the questions a little bit and add some other autumn book tag questions in there too and kind of come up with my own Autumn Book tag I suppose. I am currently in the Autumn zone too, it's raining outside, I'm in my PJ's, under a blanket, with pumpkin scented candles burning.. I mean what better time to write an Autumn book tag than now right?! As always, I tag all of you so please do get super cosy and answer some of the questions yourself in the comments, or leave a link to your own Autumn book tags - I love reading about all things Autumn and reading, so I would love to read yours!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTUMN THEMED BOOK COVER? // </span>My favourite cover is probably Rooms by Lauren Oliver (which is why it had to feature in the photo for this blog post of course!) the cover is so spooky and mysterious, perfect for Autumn/October! I literally just got the hardback cover in the post and I spent a good time just staring at it and rubbing it.. is that weird? Haha! The red cover is actually pretty cute too to be honest, if I end up loving the book (I'm planning on reading it as soon as possible) I might have to treat myself to the other edition too.. love a good spooky book! Oh also, as a bonus my least favourite Autumn themed book cover is I See You by Clare Mackintosh... I literally can't stand that ugly bright bright blue colour.. ugh.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. WHICH FICTIONAL CHARACTER FROM A BOOK WOULD YOU DRESS AS FOR HALLOWEEN? // </span>This is so funny because thinking back to anytime we had to dress as a fictional character at school I would always say I'm Bella Swan and just wear my normal jeans and top, to get a free non-school uniform day, haha.. such a rebel! But nowadays I would probably do something a little more adventurous maybe.. I was actually genuinely thinking of going as Georgie from IT if I had somewhere to go this Halloween (which I don't.. boo!) Because then I could just wear a cute yellow raincoat and hold a red balloon.. pretty simple!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. WHAT IS THE CREEPIEST BOOK YOU'VE EVER READ? // </span>The only book that has actually managed to creep me out has got to by It by Stephen King.. as I've said many times when reviewing this book (you can read a full review <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/10/september-book-haul-2017-wrap-up.html">here!</a>) this book has some truly terrifying scenes in it and I was super impressed by the creepy factor - especially since I had given up hope that I could actually be scared by a book... I was so wrong!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. A BOOK YOU'RE PLANNING TO READ THIS OCTOBER // </span>I actually have an October TBR <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/10/october-book-haul-2017-tbr.html">here</a> if you want to read more about some of the books I'm planning to read this October.. shameless promo, haha! And as you'll know if you read that post, I'm planning on only reading books with a spooky vibe this October, so all of the book have some sort of creepy/mysterious factor to them. But, if I had to choose one book that I'm definitely planning on reading (other than Rooms) it would have to be Her Every Fear by Peter Swason, it seems like the perfect book to get me in the mood for Halloween.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. &nbsp;A BOOK THAT MAKES YOU FEEL WARM AND FUZZY // </span>One book I read recently which definitely made me feel all the warm fuzzies was Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.. it just made me feel all cute and gah! Rainbow Rowell perfectly sums up what it's like to be young and in love in that book and if you want a truly cute and heart warming read for a stormy Autumn day you need to read it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GENRE OF BOOK TO READ ON A STORMY DAY? //</span> I would say I love reading a good thriller on a stormy day, but to be honest I love reading thrillers whatever the weather so... to be honest this is a tough one because it can go one of two ways. Either the weather will put me really in the mood for a good horror/spooky book, something dark and mysterious like The Grown Up by Gillian Flynn. Or it'll go the other way and put me in the mood for something cosy and heat warming... a good YA or guilty pleasure book like Angus Thong and Perfect Snogging by Louise Rennison! It really does just depend on my mood I suppose!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SNACK WHILE READING IN AUTUMN? //</span> I tend to do quite a lot of baking when it starts getting colder outside, so there's usually a cookie or two lurking around my kitchen! So yeah, usually anything home made and sweet.. along with a nice cup of coffee or a hot chocolate, perfect!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-82052854902656847772017-10-10T09:16:00.000+01:002017-10-10T09:16:50.069+01:00Spooky Book Recommendations <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w49sgigYdQ/WdtW_dGuahI/AAAAAAAAGmM/AhSwpr7VAaEjAJAewAIsT1NJaUjx3sDTACLcBGAs/s1600/spooky%2Brecs%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w49sgigYdQ/WdtW_dGuahI/AAAAAAAAGmM/AhSwpr7VAaEjAJAewAIsT1NJaUjx3sDTACLcBGAs/s1600/spooky%2Brecs%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">October is probably one of my most favourite times of the year to binge read. It's just so lovely snuggling under a blanket, surrounded by candles with a huge cup of coffee, reading a good book! This year, to get into the Halloween mood I'm reading only spooky books...or any books that fit with a slightly creepy/mystery vibe! I figured I can't be the only one doing this this October so I wanted to share with you some of my favourite 'spooky book' recommendations for the autumn season, so you can also get into the spooky spirit in time for Halloween! I tried to make sure there is something for everyone there, ranging from just slightly creepy to full on horror.. so don't worry if you're not a massive horror fan - you don't have to be! Ooh, also! If you want any more recommendations you can also read my TBR for this month, there's tonnes of spooky books over there... you can find that&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/10/october-book-haul-2017-tbr.html">here!</a> Thrillers and generally creepy books are actually some of my favourite to read - I just love a book you can't seem to put down and these always have that effect on me. So some of my favourite books of all time are in here and I cannot wait to share them with you! As always, feel free to recommend your own books in the comments below, I'm always looking out for spooky books so I would love some ideas!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">ONE OF US IS LYING - KAREN MCMANUS // &nbsp;</span>Starting off with a book that is more for people who aren't a fan of full on horror, the only really spooky thing about this one is that it's a murder mystery... I couldn't really leave it off my list though, since it's definitely one of my favourites and a book I really enjoyed earlier on this year! I actually wrote a longer review of this one <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/07/july-book-haul-2017-tbr.html">here</a>, if you want to know more. But yes, definitely recommend this book to those of you looking for a bit of a spooky read for Halloween but don't want a 'keep-you-up-at-night' type of horror read!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">BEHIND CLOSED DOORS - B.A. PARIS // </span>I, of course.. being the number one fan of thrillers, just had to include at least one thriller in this list! But I mean, thrillers are a great way to get in the mood for Halloween and Behind Closed Doors is definitely one of those books that creates such a creepy, mysterious atmosphere. I think what made it even creepier for me, was the fact that this story line could literally happen to anyone.. any couple who might seem perfect on the outside could actually have a really dark and twisted truth hidden away! It was definitely one of those books for me that I couldn't put down and when I had to eventually put it down I was constantly thinking about it and trying to solve the mystery... would be a brilliant read for October!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">BEHIND HER EYES - SARAH PINBOROUGH // </span>This is my all time favourite book of all time so I mean I obviously couldn't leave it off of my list! This book has an all round creepy and mysterious atmosphere but it's the twist ending that just takes everything to a whole new dark and twisted level.. and what made me love it even more! If you've read books like The Couple Next Door or Behind Closed Doors, you'll be very familiar with the narrative in the beginning as it seems to take on the same story line as those 'couples who seem perfect on the outside but really aren't' type of books.. but the ending is just EVERYTHING and would honestly make this a great book for Halloween.. I'm thinking of re-reading it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">IT - STEPHEN KING // </span>I obviously couldn't write a spooky recommendations book and leave the king (pun not intended) of horror out! I managed to trawl my way through all of It's 1100 pages last month and I was not disappointed! I feel like we all kind of know the main story line of It or we've seen one of the movies, so we know the basics... but this book just brings a whole new level to the horror as I said in my full review, particularly the refrigerator scene and&nbsp;one scene where that woman turns into a creepy ass monster really slowly.. that freaked me out! I've honestly never been properly scared by a book before, but It definitely had some truly terrifying chapters! So, if you're not too scared.. and aren't afraid to be kept up at night I couldn't recommend this more for a truly spooky October read!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE GROWNUP - GILLIAN FLYNN //</span>&nbsp;If you want a short book with a bit of a creepy vibe about it The Grownup is a great place to start! We obviously know Gillian Flynn from some amazing thriller books like Dark Places, Sharp Objects oh and you know... Gone Girl! I always love her writing style and the way she makes books truly creepy and dark and The Grownup is no different.. this one also features paranormal elements which I obviously had to include in my recommendations because who doesn't love a good ghost at Halloween, right... haha?! But yes, a very creepy short story that you can read in one sitting on a spooky October night... or in the light because you're too scared to read it at night...like me!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-4071805526488429792017-10-08T13:59:00.000+01:002017-10-08T13:59:48.072+01:00October Book Haul 2017 | TBR <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGSuHsIFr-4/Wdof27IWI8I/AAAAAAAAGls/_Ase8cVNxR4yJzfgd1Ob6Oykz9pIaJkKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_41329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGSuHsIFr-4/Wdof27IWI8I/AAAAAAAAGls/_Ase8cVNxR4yJzfgd1Ob6Oykz9pIaJkKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_41329.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's Halloween month, woo! Yes, I am celebrating Halloween for the entire month of October.. and no one can stop me! So, for the entirety of October, in anticipation of Halloween, I'm reading only books with a spooky/scary/generally bit creepy vibes! I'm super excited about this, being completely obsessed with thriller and horror books - so this definitely has to be one of my favourite TBR lists and needless to say, I can't wait to work my way through this list and get in a spooky mood ready for Halloween. If you're looking for more spooky book recommendations I'm hoping to write a post all about it sometime soon, so pop back for that! Also, feel free to recommend your own spooky books in the comments - I'd love some more recommendations!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">CARAVAL BY STEPHANIE GARBER // &nbsp;</span>So, because I'm a bad blogger and I've been putting off writing this post for too long (and because this book was actually impossible to put down!) I've actually already gone and finished Caraval so I'll just include a quick review for this one instead.. oops! Honestly, I normally try and stay away from fantasy books, particularly those that feature magic... mainly because I was unfortunate enough to be blessed with a huge lack of imagination and normally they just really aren't my cup of tea. I couldn't really avoid the hype of Caraval though and so after feeling like the last person on earth to read the book I decided to buy it and give it a go... also because the cover is bloody gorgeous so I wanted it on my shelf whether I was going to read it or not! ...and I have to say I think I've been converted because this book was EVERYTHING! I honestly loved everything about it - so much so that I basically devoured the entire thing on one 2 hour train journey! I really do think that Caraval has opened my eyes to the amazing world of fantasy again too so I cannot wait to get stuck in to some more fantasy reads! Needless to say, I want more and I cannot wait until book 2 is out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">RATTLE BY FIONA CUMMINGS //</span> I've already talked a little bit about this book back in my <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/09/august-book-haul-tbr.html#more">August Book Haul</a>&nbsp;and I've been saving it for October because it seems like the perfect sinister read for this time of the year! I'm super excited about this book too, because honestly show me anything to do with serial killers and I'm interested.. is that weird.. tell me I'm not the only one like that?!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">ROOMS BY LAUREN OLIVER // </span>I knew I needed to include a book about ghosts in this TBR.. just to complete the collection of creepy things in all these books to be honest, haha! I don't think I've actually ever read a book about ghosts which is weird, because that type of thing is definitely my cup of tea.. so I do have high hopes for this one! I've also heard some really good things about Lauren Oliver's books, particularly Panic which is also on my list of books to read so I'm excited to give this one a go!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">WEATHERING BY LUCY WOOD // </span>This book kind of features everything you could ever want to build a creepy atmosphere - it's set in a crumbling house... next to a river... and one of the characters is a ghost. So, once again I'm super excited to get to this one!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">A STRANGER IN THE HOUSE BY SHARI LAPENA // </span>I've had this one on my shelf waiting to be read for a really long time, having absolutely loved Shari Lapena's other book The Couple Next Door I can't believe I've actually held off and waited until now to read this one! But I feel like October is the perfect time to give this one a read and of course I love everything mystery and thriller so I will definitely be reading this as soon as possible!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">HER EVERY FEAR BY PETER SWANSON // </span>I feel like this book has been super hyped and it's been on my wishlist for a really long time so I finally went out and treated myself to it! I've heard really good things about Peter Swanson so I can't wait to see if he lives up to the hype! If you didn't guess this one is also a suspense/thriller so again, the perfect read for October!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I SEE YOU BY CLAIRE MACKINTOSH // </span>...Annddd another thriller, just in case my TBR wasn't filled with enough thrillers, haha! But what better time to get through all my thrillers than October, right?! Again, this one has been super hyped and I've been putting it off for so long so I can't wait to get to it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER BY MICHELLE HODKIN // </span>The Mara Dyer trilogy is something I've been meaning to get to for a really long time, I literally never read series or trilogies so I'm super excited to actually get sucked into a good trilogy! I've heard really good things about the Mara Dyer books too, so I'm looking forward to getting into the first book this month!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-72106871856776057302017-10-02T11:38:00.000+01:002017-10-02T11:38:07.196+01:00September Book Haul 2017 | Wrap Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMW9I6nuQGo/WdIW8K3oZII/AAAAAAAAGlc/XJ6WSUIKGAAbv8LV8mhAcmJr85Optq_bgCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMW9I6nuQGo/WdIW8K3oZII/AAAAAAAAGlc/XJ6WSUIKGAAbv8LV8mhAcmJr85Optq_bgCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So today, I thought I would do a little September wrap up since I managed to read a fair few books last month... probably because I'm so close to my reading target, gah! I can't actually believe it's already October though... but I'm not mad about it, this means it's finally socially acceptable for my living room to be full of pumpkins - phew, haha! It also means I get to break out all my spooky themed books which I am super excited about! I've decided for the whole month of October I'm reading only books with a spooky theme (be it something fantasy, thriller-y or flat out horror) and I think you all should definitely join me with this - I'll be publishing a TBR in few days with all the books I plan on reading, so if you need some inspiration pop back then! But yes, here's my September wrap up, I hope you enjoy my little reviews! Let me know in the comments what you've read this month, I always love some more book inspiration!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">ELEANOR AND PARK - RAINBOW ROWELL //&nbsp;</span>I loved this. It really did make me feel all the cute, heart-warming feels, Rainbow Rowell perfectly summed up what it's like to be young and in love... I've never felt so giddy reading a book. Also, please can we just talk about that ending.. I'm a sucker for a cliffhanger but that was something else.. I WANT MORE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">IT - STEPHEN KING //&nbsp;</span>Omg, did I actually just finish it..?! Needless to say, this is the longest book I have ever read and I would be lying if I said there weren't times when I was seriously considering giving up...and times when I'd work out how many pages were left and convince myself that it was do-able! I have to admit this was a slow read for me and at times the only thing that kept me going was creepy, suspenseful atmosphere that the book gives off and the fact that there were scenes that I found truly scary (which is something I've never experienced with a book before... particularly the one scene where that woman turns into a creepy ass monster really slowly - and the refrigerator. ugh.) One thing that I've seen mentioned a lot in reviews is the amazing way that King is able to get inside the heads of the children and really portray their fears - this was one of the things I really loved about It, it gave the book an extra edge and at times I really was feeling their fears as if they were my own! But yeah, if you're looking for a scary read for October - look no further!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">A MAN CALLED OVE - FREDRIK BACKMAN //&nbsp;</span>I have never ugly-cried so hard at a book.&nbsp;I loved everything about this heartwarming, charming read - I love the progression of the story as I started to see Ove as more than the bitter old man he is portrayed as in the beginning, and instead as the sweet, caring man he is underneath it all... Basically, the Grandad we all need!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">SEE HOW THEY LIE - SUE WALLMAN //&nbsp;</span>I have to say this was kind of a bit 'meh' for me... the pace was fairly slow and I feel like I picked up on the mystery before any of the characters did, so I was dying to see the story progress. I did enjoy the 'cult-ish' vibe though, since I don't read many books with this theme... I did find it quite addicting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">ANGUS, THONGS AND FULL-FRONTAL SNOGGING - LOUSIE RENNISON // </span>I<span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span>know. I'm surprised as you are that I haven't read this already - but if it makes you feel any better I've seen the film 103857294294 times and I basically know the script by heart... I'm way beyond the valley of the sad! As expected this book was a laugh from start to finish, each diary entry filled with Georgia's teenage problems took me back to when I was fourteen and the only thing that mattered were boys, friends and how I was wearing my hair to school the next day! Even though I'm probably a little bit too old now to read these books *dreams of being fourteen again* I loved every second and I can't wait to binge read the rest of the series... so glad there's still 9 books to go! It was so interesting to see how times have changed since this book was published back in 2005 too... particularly the fact that Georgia hopes and prays she isn't a lesbian in every single chapter - I feel like you would never see that in a book published nowadays! But yes, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, easy, funny read and to everyone who wants to feel fourteen again... without botox!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MESSENGER OF FEAR - MICHAEL GRANT // </span>I&nbsp;had high hopes for this book. After reading the synopsis and the back of the book which warns sensitive readers, I was expecting a darker read. The 'game' aspect also had me very excited as I was expecting some kind of Saw vibe... to be honest, I feel a bit cheated as it was not like that all. The fact that the book was also narrated by someone who had no clue what was going on just made things so frustrating and the whole thing was just a slow lead up to the twist at the end (which I had already figured a looonng time ago). It wasn't all bad though, I promise! The writing style was one of the huge reasons I kept reading and the creepier scenes were definitely stood out to me in this book. So to be honest, I don't know whether or not to continue with the series?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHERE THEY FOUND HER - KIMBERLY MCGREIGHT //&nbsp;</span>I have to admit this book did start off a little slow paced for my liking- the beginning seemed to focus on the reporting aspect of the murder and it did turn into 'Journalism:101' slightly... which wasn't something I was too interested in I have to say!&nbsp;But the mystery really did keep me going and I desperately wanted to find out the truth about what happened. I also loved the way that everything fit perfectly together in the end.&nbsp;Can we just talk about the fact that literally everyone in this book was connected in some way though?! That did make things a little bit confusing!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-37867843112595889582017-09-22T11:48:00.000+01:002017-09-22T11:48:22.553+01:00Sh*t I Want To Get Done By The End Of The Year | 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7E7jNkYCVRE/WaxVEyRO3tI/AAAAAAAAGg8/_GBw5k-NWqUYvFcdVZuxVZ7vmkTDzDmHACLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7E7jNkYCVRE/WaxVEyRO3tI/AAAAAAAAGg8/_GBw5k-NWqUYvFcdVZuxVZ7vmkTDzDmHACLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Last year I wrote a blog post all about the 'goals' I have for the rest of the year (l<a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2016/11/sht-i-want-to-get-done-by-end-of-year.html">ink here</a>) and while (again) I don't want to wish the end of the year away, I feel like it's about time I reflect on last year and set myself some goals for the rest of the year.. since as scary as it sounds we are now 3/4 of the way through the year! I talked last year about how I'm rubbish at sticking to resolutions or goals and that has most definitely not changed, this year I vowed to save money.. which definitely hasn't happened (books are just too bloody tempting, haha!) and I also told myself that I would drink more water every day which is something I still really struggle with! So yes, I'm still really not a goal person! But just like last year, there are definitely things that&nbsp;<u>need</u> to get done by the end of this year and so here I am sharing them with you guys. Let me know whats on your list of 'sh*t you want to get done by the end of the year' in the comments below - I'd love to know!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But first up, a reflection on last years goals. For starters I definitely did bake more, that's something that I found quite easy over Christmas since I love all things gingerbread and peppermint, but I do wish I documented more of my baking with blog posts so hopefully I can do more baking posts this year! My next goal was to write my dissertation and I am breathing the biggest sigh of relief as I read what my poor poor past self wrote back then - having barely written anything for my dissertation at this point I was definitely freaking out (I disguised it well, trust me!) so I am beyond glad that it's all done and dusted! My goal of figuring out my next steps with university is actually something I'm still struggling with today and I can definitely say it was the one goal on this list I kind of ignored last year... but today I'm finally working my way through this process and doing very boring things like putting together my CV and finally looking for jobs.. so I'm finally getting there! I also wanted to get on top of Christmas blog posts last year which I think I can say I succeeded in, since I put up a new Christmas themed blog post every other day for the month of December without any breaks! I'm seriously hoping to do that again this year... and no, before anyone asks I am so not going to do Blogmas.. one post every other day is more than enough for me! My last goal was to plan a giveaway which I still have yet to do... oops! Who knows though, it might be something I do by the end of this year... we shall see!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">REACH MY GOODREADS READING GOAL //</span> One goal I have for this year is most definitely to complete my reading goal on Goodreads! For anyone who lives under a rock and doesn't know Goodreads is an amazing way to set yourself a yearly reading goal of a certain number of books, you can easily update the books you have read as you work towards your goal and it clearly shows you how many books you have left and whether or not you're on track to get it done in time! I love having my reading goal, it motivates me and gets me to read more.. especially when it tells me I'm behind schedule! My goal this year is to read 40 books (which I'm pretty sure is 40 more books than I read last year... I need a slap on the wrist!) and at the moment I am 30 books in, so well on track to reach my goal by the end of the year... hopefully I won't be reading frantically on new years day lol. But yeah, if you want to keep track of my reading goal or see what I've been reading recently you can find it all here on my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/69090430-jemma">Goodreads</a>,&nbsp;we should be friends!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">GET A 'PROPER' JOB! // </span>As I mentioned before I am finally getting around to that goal I set last year of figuring out my next steps with university and at the moment I am doing all the boring adult stuff like putting together a CV and job hunting... but as much as I find it seriously boring and mundane I cannot wait to have a proper job with proper hours where I don't have to wake up at 5am some days! So yes, pretty high up on my list is to find a job before the year is up.. wish me luck !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MORE BLOG POSTS //</span> It's no secret that I've been a little bit lapse with my blog recently, I've been missing days and taking breaks and honestly it's because I've lost my creativity a little bit... In fact I've had posts written, just waiting for a photo to go with them and the main reason I haven't put them up is because I have no inspiration for photography! I'm really hoping that autumn and winter put me in a more creative mood though, as they have done in the past - since I love writing about cosy-ness and all things Christmas! So I'm really going to try my hardest to keep to my blog schedule and get posts up on time for the rest of the year.. gah!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-91812947150095592182017-09-20T11:38:00.001+01:002017-09-20T11:38:46.513+01:00Good Bedtime Habits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARbVuQwqxAY/WcJFE9bUwSI/AAAAAAAAGk8/RH1-PW8zJLczxGstMY-yS-SuSeYDFlRSACLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARbVuQwqxAY/WcJFE9bUwSI/AAAAAAAAGk8/RH1-PW8zJLczxGstMY-yS-SuSeYDFlRSACLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Getting into bed is one of my favourite parts of the day - especially after a long day, I might even go as far as to say it's better than a good bath... and that's saying something for me! Because I have to wake up at 5am some days for work, it's so important that I get a good nights sleep so I'm not walking around like a zombie the next day. This is why I love having a little bedtime routine filled with good habits, in order to make me feel relaxed and ready for a perfect nights sleep! So today I wanted to share with you some of these little habits that I think are the perfect addition to any night time routine - &nbsp;of course we all have our usual skin care routines before bed and I hopefully don't need to mention the obvious like brushing your teeth, haha! But these are the little things you should add in order to not only have a good nights sleep, but also feel better when you wake up in the morning! Let me know in the comments what habits you've added to your night time routine - I would love to know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">READ // </span>I love reading, so it's not difficult for me to schedule 30 minutes (sometimes more) reading time into my night time routine every night! The one thing I actually struggle with is putting the book down once it's time to go to sleep - I have had times where I've looked at the clock after reading and realised that it's 2am.. oops! But yes, reading before bed is such a good habit to have, it relaxes my brain and removes any stress so that I'm ready for a perfect nights sleep! At the moment I'm reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and it's the perfect book to put you in a good mood before bed! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">TURN OFF YOUR SCREENS // </span>As much as we don't like to admit it, we all know that turning off your screen as early in the evening as possible definitely helps for a better night's sleep. I have to admit this is one of the habits on the list I'm bad at keeping to, especially when my phone is sat there buzzing on my bedside table! I also sometimes tell myself that I find it easier to sleep if I relax by watching a few YouTube videos.. but who am I kidding? When I'm being good though, I'll try and leave my phone alone as soon as I've gotten into bed and set my alarms - it's so much better when I read a book anyway! If you really can't ignore the constant flashes and buzzes from your phone though, I definitely recommend putting your phone into 'do not disturb' mode or maybe downloading an app that will help you leave it alone after a certain time... I'm sure there's an app for that?!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">REFLECT ON YOUR DAY // </span>Reflecting on my day is something I've only started doing this year (except for the few years I had a diary back when I was 15-16... but we don't talk about that cringey time, haha!) and I seriously wish I had started doing it sooner! I actually have one of those 'One Line A Day' books where you write down a line (or two.. if you're a real rebel..lol) about what you've done today - once you've been doing it for over a year you can look back and see what you did a year ago today...it's like a less cringey timehop I suppose! I love using this time before I go to sleep to reflect on what I've done today and think about all the little things I've enjoyed or not enjoyed on some days!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MAKE A LIST // </span>It's no secret that lists are one of my favourite things.. is that sad..? Probably! But making a quick list before bed really does help me to de-stress, ground myself and plan out tomorrow - that way I don't have to toss and turn all night thinking about what needs to be done tomorrow.. once it's written down I don't have to worry about it anymore!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-65927887328898989412017-09-18T13:12:00.000+01:002017-09-18T13:12:09.174+01:00The A-Z Book Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Js5QAKherk/Wb-311V4GII/AAAAAAAAGkM/yYGvRz4b_PwbVrPvTpMyiFBMnKQtXU1xQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Js5QAKherk/Wb-311V4GII/AAAAAAAAGkM/yYGvRz4b_PwbVrPvTpMyiFBMnKQtXU1xQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's literally been like a year since I did a tag post (I can't figure how to go back check easily.. but I'm pretty sure my last tag was my '<a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2016/10/spooky-halloween-tag.html">spooky halloween tag</a>' back in October last year - so yeah, almost a year!) But yeah, I always have so much fun doing tag posts and since I've been seriously into reading recently I decided a bookish tag was the way to go. Needless to say, I've been pretty obsessed with booktube recently too and after coming across the lovely Maddie and Bee from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/HeartFullOfBooks">Heart Full Of Books</a>&nbsp;I've pretty much watched every single tag they've done religiously! Anyway, long story short they recently did the A-Z book tag and I loved hearing all their answers so I wanted to give it a go myself! Feel free to answer some the questions yourself in the comments below or tag me to your own A-Z book tag blog post - I'd love to see all your answers too! But yes, let's get into the questions...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>A</u></b>UTHOR YOU'VE READ THE MOST BOOKS FROM //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Now... if you go by my Goodreads read books the author I've read the most of strictly speaking is E.L. James (aka: the author of Fifty Shades of Grey) but I don't know if I want to admit that or not.. so I'll go with my second most read author Gillian Flynn, lol!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>B</u></b>EST SEQUEL EVER //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm only just realising now that I haven't read ANY sequels in my time... I tend to stick with stand alone books I suppose.. I definitely need to get round to reading a series at some point!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>C</u></b>URRENTLY READING //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">IT by Stephen King... I'm almost 800 out of 1156 pages in. Yes, I know.. It's taking &nbsp;a while!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>D</u></b>RINK OF CHOICE WHEN READING //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Usually a good old cup of coffee.. which isn't a good idea when I end up reading into the night!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>E</u></b>-READER OR PHYSICAL BOOK //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I really love having a physical copy of a book and I will be cringey and say that there really is nothing like holding a physical copy of a book! I did used to have an E-Reader at one point, but I'll always go back to physical books since I definitely prefer them.. and besides I love making my bookcase look gorgeous with my growing book collection!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>G</u></b>LAD YOU GAVE A BOOK A CHANCE //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wilde Like Me by Lousie Pentland.. it was completely out of my comfort zone at the time as I tended to stay away from the more light-hearted reads and go for more intense psychological thrillers... But I seriously enjoyed this book and it really opened my eyes to the more light-hearted genres of book which I now enjoy a lot more!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>F</u></b>ICTIONAL CHARACTER FROM A BOOK YOU WOULD'VE DATED AS A TEEN //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If we're going by my teen brain I was obviously obsessed with Twilight like everyone else.. and unfortunately (oh hindsight, haha!) I was a strong team Edward supporter.. so I'd have to say Edward Cullen.. woo.. haha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>H</u></b>IDDEN GEM //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Meet Me At Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansel. I loved this book, it was the perfect light, fluffy book to read towards the end of my holiday.. more people need to read it too!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>I</u></b>MPORTANT MOMENT IN YOUR READING LIFE //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Is is sad that I can't think of one...!?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>J</u></b>UST FINISHED //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Feel Good 101 by Emma Blackery.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>K</b></u>IND OF BOOKS YOU WON'T READ //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm really not a fan of fantasy books at all..!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>L</u></b>ONGEST BOOK YOU'VE READ //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm going to cheat a bit and say IT by Stephen King which I haven't actually finished yet, but I'm getting there.. I'm also 800 pages in and that's the most I've ever read, so I'm counting it!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>M</u></b>AJOR BOOK HANGOVER //</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As I said before I haven't actually ever gotten into a good series, so I haven't really ever experiened a major book hangover before where you get into a series and never want it to end! But to be fair most of the psychological thrillers I've read leave me wanting more and give me a slight hangover where I'm just constantly thinking about everything that happened and how all the pieces fit together. I would have to say Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough sent me into a pretty deep book hangover.. I mean that ending, come on!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>N</u></b>UMBER OF BOOK CASES YOU OWN //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I actually only have 2 book cases at the moment but I'm hoping to grow my collection.. also they've obviously sorted into rainbow order &nbsp;because why the hell not!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>O</b></u>NE BOOK YOU'VE READ MULTIPLE TIMES //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm going to be boring and say Romeo and Juliet.. I've read it multiple times for school but also in my personal time since I actually do kind of love the story!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>P</u></b>REFERRED PLACE TO READ //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The bath is definitely my favourite place to read and the place I always get the most reading done!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>Q</u></b>UOTE THAT INSPIRES YOU //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">'What day is it?', asked Winnie the Pooh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">'It's today,' squeaked Piglet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">'My favorite day,' said Pooh."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">- The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>R</u></b>EADING REGRET //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">One of my main regrets is having a huge chunk of my life where I barely read at all! I literally only just got back into reading around a year ago and I've discovered how much I love it and how much I missed out on over those years! Oh and I also definitely regret giving away and getting rid of books over the years.. I want them all back!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>S</u></b>ERIES YOU STARTED AND NEED TO FINISH //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We've already discussed how much of a slacker I am for not reading any series... so I'm just going to choose a series I want to read instead and that's the Mara Dyer series by Michelle Hodkin, I need to get my hands on those soon!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>T</u></b>HREE FAVOURITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time - Mark Haddon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Behind Closed Doors - B.A. Paris</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Behind Her Eyes - Sarah Pinborough</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>U</u></b>NAPOLOGETIC FANGIRL FOR... &nbsp;//&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Anything Jacqueline Wilson.. I loved her as a child and I still love her now! I seriously need to get up in my Mum's loft and rescue all my old Jacqueline Wilson books!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>V</u></b>ERY EXCITED FOR THIS RELEASE //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There's Someone In Your House by Stephanie Perkins since it's definitely my cup of tea... I've pre-ordered it and I'm very excited!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>W</u></b>ORST BOOKISH HABIT //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Probably collecting too many books to actually read, I have a fair few on my shelf right now that need reading... oops!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>X</u></b> MARKS THE SPOT - PICK THE 27TH BOOK ON YOUR SHELF //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares by Krystal Sutherland. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><u>Y</u></b>OUR LATEST PURCHASE //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Feel Good 101 by Emma Blackery.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b>Z</b></u>ZZZ SNATCHER BOOK (THE LAST BOOK THAT KEPT YOU AWAKE) //&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Probably Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.. I remember not being able to put it down quite a lot!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168591671898897573.post-59917440890890507492017-09-12T12:06:00.000+01:002017-09-12T12:06:13.191+01:00Things I've Been Loving Lately | #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0jt77JoZZg/Wbe2VHPnlCI/AAAAAAAAGi8/Bjt1vwXFAusImEQiUpC8Su-WcRdqHHQgwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0jt77JoZZg/Wbe2VHPnlCI/AAAAAAAAGi8/Bjt1vwXFAusImEQiUpC8Su-WcRdqHHQgwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's that time again where I share some of the things I've been obsessed with lately... I actually don't have that big of a haul to share this time (probably because I've been way to engrossed in trying to finish Stephen King's IT (yes, I'm crazy enough to try and tackle this 1156 page book!) I literally haven't had time to get into anything else! I'm still very excited to share my little list with you lot though, I always love doing these because I want everyone else to go and also become obsessed with these things too.. lol is that weird?! But yeah, stay tuned to hear all about the song I've had on repeat for hours, what my new tattoo means and my eczema - woo! Let me know in the comments what you've been obsessed with this month and your thoughts on the things I've shared - I would love to know!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">OUT LOUD - GABBIE HANNA (SONG) //</span> I dread to think how many times I've actually listened to this song since it came out last week... because it's probably a lot, lol. I'm not kidding when I say I've literally had this on repeat for hours... (despite Ethan not being the biggest fan - oops) I just LOVE it! If you don't know, Gabbie Hana is actually <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGabbieShow/videos">The Gabbie Show</a> on YouTube - I've been a huge fan of her videos since she blew up with all her storytimes 2 years ago! I'm so pleasantly surprised by her song because it's not your typical happy, meaningless bop that other YouTubers tend to bring out its genuinely such a catchy song and something that I've had a great time belting at the top of my lungs for the past week, haha! So yeah, if you haven't already given it a listen you really should - here's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNZTec6BbOU">link</a>, or you can find it on Spotify!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MY NEW TATTOO! // </span>It's been a while since I got my tattoo.. in fact it's been well over a month now (time flies!) and that just goes to show how long it's taken me to actually write this post..oops lol! But yes, I couldn't write one of these posts without mentioning it because I've been obsessed with it and I can't stop looking at it all the time, haha! So, for everyone who didn't read my getting a tattoo routine&nbsp;I got a bunch of wildflowers inspired by a poem about wildflowers written by Julie Andrews (you can find it by Google-ing it if you're interested!) In the poem Julie Andrews basically writes about how she envies wildflowers because they're so brave and strong and can grow and live in all types weather and climates - so it's a little symbol to myself to be brave and strong like a wildflower! Or if anyone asks I'll just say I think flowers are pretty to avoid the cringe, haha! But yeah, I talked all about it in my <a href="http://www.jemmas-simple-life.com/2017/08/getting-tattoo-routine.html">Getting A Tattoo Routine</a> so if you're interested you should definitely give that a read!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">LUSH DREAM CREAM //&nbsp;</span>Talking of tattoos, Lush's Dream Cream was a huge recommendation when it came to mosturising and healing tattoos so I went and bought myself a little pot and now I think I'm in love, haha! Not only did Dream Cream heal my tattoo really well, it also kind of saved me from a really bad patch of stress induced eczema! I'm not kidding when I say I tried a lot of mosturisers to try and calm down my eczema and not even E45 cream could help me - until I tried Dream Cream and it literally cleared in less than a wee - I wish I had found Dream Cream sooner to save my poor arms! So yes, if you also suffer with sensitive skin or things like eczema I couldn't recommend it sooner!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">FEEL GOOD 101 - EMMA BLACKERY // </span>I have to admit, I wasn't going to buy this book... I know! No matter how much of a huge Emma Blackery fan I am, there was no way I was going to fall into the trap of picking up another crappy YouTuber 'self help' book and it being one of those books that's 99% pictures and 'fun facts'... you know the type, I can't stand those! But as soon as I realised that this is the real deal and it's an actual biography style self help book that's getting genuine good reviews I knew I wanted to give it a go! There are so many issues in this book I can relate to, be it something I'm dealing with now, or something I dealt with when I was younger and it was so nice to have a reminder that I'm not alone and even people who seem to have a really great life have the same problems as me! So yeah, if you want a genuinely good 'self help' style book that will make you laugh and cry I couldn't recommend Feel Good 101 more! Also can I just say how much I LOVE this gold spine... it's going to look so gorgeous on my book shelf - I need more gold spined books please!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="358" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ_Ks_4YPR4/WUQAuMeymeI/AAAAAAAAFp8/2Lq1Kx-LVssSl06GToR3VSHcje-FrCxkgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2017-06-16%2Bat%2B17.00.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1
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