tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44242155691838988602024-03-18T06:12:29.076+00:00Polka Spots and Freckle DotsA plus size fashion, beauty, lifestyle and creative blog from a freckled English girl navigating life with chronic pain and chronic illnesses.Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.comBlogger1704125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-89477815721268866682024-02-06T15:51:00.002+00:002024-02-06T15:51:59.572+00:00A Court of Thorns and Roses Colouring Book Review<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpIK3kPfdNyebRKYRQVrfW4MXr4jUWNk93NeNKqFSQVl8YFPOfUWu8K2OqqtSsdd2WCrqKxFKBvD59TjCknMwU8cgAJguhPu7bhTQ9czI9G9ejkf3vwNgk7vEGzdRHhDeucc5UdE7uBkfY9GbbpldRzwUDSdlhWl3Y9mfuyJOqwKC1OPE-XhzR3HJPF_O/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpIK3kPfdNyebRKYRQVrfW4MXr4jUWNk93NeNKqFSQVl8YFPOfUWu8K2OqqtSsdd2WCrqKxFKBvD59TjCknMwU8cgAJguhPu7bhTQ9czI9G9ejkf3vwNgk7vEGzdRHhDeucc5UdE7uBkfY9GbbpldRzwUDSdlhWl3Y9mfuyJOqwKC1OPE-XhzR3HJPF_O/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%202.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Last year, I devoured the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, and adored the books so much, I've been a little obsessed ever since.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My love for this enchanting world of gorgeous fae lords and warriors, magic, friendship, and romance hasn't stopped at the series, oh no. Not content to stop at the novels, I also went and acquired the officially licensed A Court of Thorns and Roses colouring book, and spent many a good pain day painting my way through some of the pages in 2023.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I may have an ACOTAR problem.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I just couldn't resist.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And thank the Cauldron, because it's one of the best colouring books I've ever seen or owned.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you're a fan of the ACOTAR series, and love colouring, I think you're going to love this as much as I do.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLp5EaSTqHg_t1bPG-EWmmEBZ2cNOK4Ih4hRvrg2ykCMPm68MBA3tw2RVmb5HLDW8pLYD8raOjFdcBb379cTNmUTC3ffoeiIjFqWHR7M27x-ezkPwmiKWypMhSMmCwzq_qSjUxOVCj2BBaemhXXMURjTC2Z9PMUAVx9T0YeFkoKpSkHa8bcMZ4Svu44cm/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLp5EaSTqHg_t1bPG-EWmmEBZ2cNOK4Ih4hRvrg2ykCMPm68MBA3tw2RVmb5HLDW8pLYD8raOjFdcBb379cTNmUTC3ffoeiIjFqWHR7M27x-ezkPwmiKWypMhSMmCwzq_qSjUxOVCj2BBaemhXXMURjTC2Z9PMUAVx9T0YeFkoKpSkHa8bcMZ4Svu44cm/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%201.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQY121nlp2ghTJaCuu5zjNCksVlrxRZnTGQ5rSczazSsS7mkRla64aKBf77OKb-5at4urW_fb3eJYWKJgRVIbzAgL0-rgxuDkGM6-tJG7biwEU5SaErmt6JeT8UF6KBc9HOnuXsQKU9e00_5yhh9Z28virbsvC4JQhrAif6iVTombXPMGn6XHhD_oiP2y/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQY121nlp2ghTJaCuu5zjNCksVlrxRZnTGQ5rSczazSsS7mkRla64aKBf77OKb-5at4urW_fb3eJYWKJgRVIbzAgL0-rgxuDkGM6-tJG7biwEU5SaErmt6JeT8UF6KBc9HOnuXsQKU9e00_5yhh9Z28virbsvC4JQhrAif6iVTombXPMGn6XHhD_oiP2y/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%203.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, the A Court of Thorns Colouring Book takes you on an illustrated journey through the first three books in the series- A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, and A Court of Wings and Ruin.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kKmwhyphenhyphenSVh-JzXB54T_qEtYXouhDi_TCob7xfQSKPunIhuwNOj3TTQBBqi9Idful5EoTY5PJzzGVuPX8E4YjoJdlstOwULrKytnPfITENHzwO3rNbdL-wKSzPA7BupqpZwMkdT6lEdR02VK0LdPgyuR4hV9aGQ0vHUv9E_32nLUpalcCp5yjrMY10T4Qs/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20tamlin%20and%20feyre%20in%20the%20glen.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kKmwhyphenhyphenSVh-JzXB54T_qEtYXouhDi_TCob7xfQSKPunIhuwNOj3TTQBBqi9Idful5EoTY5PJzzGVuPX8E4YjoJdlstOwULrKytnPfITENHzwO3rNbdL-wKSzPA7BupqpZwMkdT6lEdR02VK0LdPgyuR4hV9aGQ0vHUv9E_32nLUpalcCp5yjrMY10T4Qs/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20tamlin%20and%20feyre%20in%20the%20glen.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />This was the first page I painted, and for my first attempt at mixing skintones, I'm kinda proud of how Feyre's colouring came out. I made such a mess of Tamlin, though, especially his hair and sleeve from overworking the paper, but I guess it's fitting since his character is also a train wreck. I also wish I'd done the butterflies differently- I started off attempting to make them into Monarch butterflies, and it went a bit wrong- but overall, I really enjoyed working on this page.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE8ok5lnT_vE0KcHRGcfdbVPKmjxnRphiUHExV6E9ga3wpWGZLARTqLFKvmYhb5fovxxRyXCteKgNDmO5bhXdOAblbH9XfPNNmKY4iXNQTDIdLVG8cg9D4Cq8u3onNFSAYj4IrRCzQ7AFp5L4uoJEmbHOEFfcCkCZri7raZFWFLzh6-BBd3EWtj8QPcIz/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20spring%20court%20manor.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE8ok5lnT_vE0KcHRGcfdbVPKmjxnRphiUHExV6E9ga3wpWGZLARTqLFKvmYhb5fovxxRyXCteKgNDmO5bhXdOAblbH9XfPNNmKY4iXNQTDIdLVG8cg9D4Cq8u3onNFSAYj4IrRCzQ7AFp5L4uoJEmbHOEFfcCkCZri7raZFWFLzh6-BBd3EWtj8QPcIz/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20spring%20court%20manor.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />I can't paint realistic trees to save my life, but this page makes me want to live in the Spring Court.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRskYDg6Dm1-J6Qj0FktKHz3lmJlSoElS49b9GKVeuRivfFtn02jSNYGgHCAtIgUJy8lgiK9Id79uXWzGBuw1gNcr-0tUAB-YMlGggALjlMFSCLTXa40a2ny-zOol7rqdSkgQf3gT2Xxng2jhZYDV9vz4VknQjcDesp86ORjLk5QLowS92eYNIhDuQe-n_/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20elain%20in%20her%20garden--.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRskYDg6Dm1-J6Qj0FktKHz3lmJlSoElS49b9GKVeuRivfFtn02jSNYGgHCAtIgUJy8lgiK9Id79uXWzGBuw1gNcr-0tUAB-YMlGggALjlMFSCLTXa40a2ny-zOol7rqdSkgQf3gT2Xxng2jhZYDV9vz4VknQjcDesp86ORjLk5QLowS92eYNIhDuQe-n_/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20elain%20in%20her%20garden--.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />I'm not much of a fan of Elain so far (I'm gonna need her story to change my mind), but this was one of my favourite pages so far. I loved playing with lots of pinks and purples- it was so relaxing. Side note: her garden in the mortal world was described as having purple and white flowers, but I added in some pink to compliment her dress. The roof of the house was said to be emerald green, so I decided to give it green window frames- but they look awful, so I wish I hadn't.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">So many of the iconic characters, settings, and scenes in the series have been brought to life in stunning detail, from Tamlin taking Feyre from her home in the mortal world, to meeting the people and wonders of the Spring Court, and Rhys and Feyre's first meeting on Calanmai ('There you are. I've been looking for you.'), to the horrors of Under the Mountain. You can colour your way through Rhys gate-crashing an important wedding and Feyre throwing a shoe at him; meeting the Inner Circle and Mor rescuing Feyre; the wonders of Starfall and the heartfelt moment at the beginning of Chapter 55; and even intense scenes like Feyre battling the Attor, and Nesta crawling out of the Cauldron at Hybern. As the illustrations move to the story of the third book, you'll be able to colour-in Lucien bowing before Feyre on Solstice, and the Bone Carver looking like a demon child that needs to be killed with fire; cool locations like the Forest House and the Night Court library; Nesta sizing up Cassian, and Azriel sweetly loaning Truth-Teller to Elain; to Amren taking on Hybern, and Rhys and Feyre sharing a quiet moment together on the rooftop in Velaris after the war. There is such a fantastic and diverse selection of scenes and characters included, and every last one is amazing.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some of my favourites include Tamlin and Feyre lounging in the glen, Alis leading Feyre to Under the Mountain, the wedding scene, Mor rescuing Feyre after her panic attack, Rhys and Feyre on Starfall, the landscapes of Velaris and the Spring and Summer Courts (so intricate!), and the romantic little scene in the cabin before things heated up. (You know the one I mean *wink*).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic76uTZCUk6VaERtaANVN3stP4LxL4Mc_oZ330puhH6oyPjRV6pL1_f3BjPae0Kc-zu_LGQ8gF9rxD9vphHCKtRqEtTKMI_FiRB3Np3FeoYE2MN4PsN_Z8-NDsK9oxB3C0TUQjYBqDNqPj0omk5SW5XLDsSc9UTNO1mwBPib9w-DA0tNIX_nKfr20tP4t/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20mor%20rescuing%20feyre.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic76uTZCUk6VaERtaANVN3stP4LxL4Mc_oZ330puhH6oyPjRV6pL1_f3BjPae0Kc-zu_LGQ8gF9rxD9vphHCKtRqEtTKMI_FiRB3Np3FeoYE2MN4PsN_Z8-NDsK9oxB3C0TUQjYBqDNqPj0omk5SW5XLDsSc9UTNO1mwBPib9w-DA0tNIX_nKfr20tP4t/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20mor%20rescuing%20feyre.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />This one was fun as I got to use my metallic Winsor & Newton watercolours for the first time. I used them on the floor tiles, staircase, statues, and curtains. The colours of the Spring Court entry aren't described, so I chose spring greens to symbolise Feyre fading into the background as she was wearing a green dress in that scene. Her hair was supposed to be golden brown, but I screwed up again and it came out a little too ginger.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMIvp7P48ErpqYWonO4Rnz_kpFHjBin5b-c9dwqzwutRrIWnNPyrclUovPOQIA2wCKj3HaEvTxsxUcUvmGwJUXhb_etk5aIvH7HQEbYmUn7n9uuOLzJ6OF8eq0pyHbbLaPYvgotezwlbbmWOrqyWoeKDAqCuWxBHng7Wh9d4G5dhQF3XUAfZM22WinyS_/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20rhys%20and%20feyre%20mates%20chapter%2055=.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMIvp7P48ErpqYWonO4Rnz_kpFHjBin5b-c9dwqzwutRrIWnNPyrclUovPOQIA2wCKj3HaEvTxsxUcUvmGwJUXhb_etk5aIvH7HQEbYmUn7n9uuOLzJ6OF8eq0pyHbbLaPYvgotezwlbbmWOrqyWoeKDAqCuWxBHng7Wh9d4G5dhQF3XUAfZM22WinyS_/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20rhys%20and%20feyre%20mates%20chapter%2055=.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />I totally messed up this page. I had a minor disagreement with the black paint, and also messed up the curtain and Rhys' skintone. It was my first time attempting to mix darker skintones, and didn't go quite right. (Apologies to anyone with brown skin- no insult intended)! And I couldn't try layering other shades on top to fix it as the paper started to disintegrate. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Altogether, there are forty-five drawings from five different illustrators to colour-in, with sixteen based on A Court of Thorns and Roses, eighteen dedicated to A Court of Mist and Fury, and eleven inspired by A Court of Wings and Ruin. You can also colour-in the introduction pages, which features an illustration of Feyre surrounded by thorns and roses.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Each illustration has been given a double-page spread, with one side featuring the illustration in thinly-lined black ink, and the other displaying a relevant quote from the books in large type, cornered with swirling patterns that look a little like butterflies. The pages are white and made from good-quality paper that is thick enough that most inks shouldn't bleed through, and spoil the quote on the back. I've been using watercolour paints to colourise the drawings, and even though the paper isn't designed for that, it can cope with a light layer or two, with some rippling to the back of the paper. The paper will disintegrate if you keep working it with a wet brush, though. But overall, I'm very impressed. The pages are perforated so that you can tear them out and use them how you wish, but unfortunately, they are printed back-to-back, which means you'll have to choose between displaying your artwork and the quote of the following illustration.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLp5EaSTqHg_t1bPG-EWmmEBZ2cNOK4Ih4hRvrg2ykCMPm68MBA3tw2RVmb5HLDW8pLYD8raOjFdcBb379cTNmUTC3ffoeiIjFqWHR7M27x-ezkPwmiKWypMhSMmCwzq_qSjUxOVCj2BBaemhXXMURjTC2Z9PMUAVx9T0YeFkoKpSkHa8bcMZ4Svu44cm/s840/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLp5EaSTqHg_t1bPG-EWmmEBZ2cNOK4Ih4hRvrg2ykCMPm68MBA3tw2RVmb5HLDW8pLYD8raOjFdcBb379cTNmUTC3ffoeiIjFqWHR7M27x-ezkPwmiKWypMhSMmCwzq_qSjUxOVCj2BBaemhXXMURjTC2Z9PMUAVx9T0YeFkoKpSkHa8bcMZ4Svu44cm/s16000/a%20court%20of%20thorns%20and%20roses%20acotar%20colouring%20book%20review%20image%201.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, it's a fantastic colouring book for any fan of the ACOTAR series. The illustrations are so beautiful that it's a must for any fan's collection- even if you don't plan to colour them in, it makes a great companion book for better visualising the characters and scenes in the books. But for those who want to use it to get creative, it's such a treat. Whether you love the Spring Court or the Night Court, are team Feysand, Nessian, or Elriel, whether you would rather throw Ianthe to the Middengard Wyrm or the Attor, and can't decide who you hate more- Amarantha or Tamlin, this book has it all. (Excluding topless Illyrian bat boys (pity) and s*x scenes, that is). There's no explicit content, so apart from a few creepy monsters, it's suitable for under-18s, too. It's so satisfying to be able to bring so many favourite characters and scenes to life with colour, and I couldn't recommend this colouring book to you more.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm loving it, and I can see it keeping me entertained for a long while yet. I also have the Throne of Glass colouring book, which is also amazing, but I have a lot more painting to do before I'm ready to review it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The A Court of Thorns and Roses colouring book retails around £13-14 in the UK, and you can find it on Blackwells <a href="https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781681195766?gC=5a105e8b&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI96f-9O-WhAMV_5ZQBh12MwUjEAQYASABEgIUAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Are you a fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses? Do you enjoy colouring-in?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-litjoy.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #f9afd5; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Litjoy Crate ACOTAR Stained Glass Book Tin Review</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/litjoy-crate-acotar-stained-glass-book.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate ACOTAR Stained Glass Book Sleeve Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-court-of-frost-and-starlight-festive.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Frost and Starlight Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Series Reviews Part One</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Series Reviews Part Two</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2015/06/adult-colouring-books-and-millie.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom Colouring Book Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2016/02/my-mystical-wonderland-adult-colouring.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Mystical Wonderland Colouring Book Review</a></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-my-magical-oasis-adult.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Magical Oasis Colouring Book Review</a></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-to-color-by-mary-tanana-adult.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas to Color Colouring Book Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2016/12/escape-to-christmas-past-adult.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Escape To Christmas Past Colouring Book Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2016/12/johannas-christmas-johanna-basford.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Johanna's Christmas by Johanna Basford Colouring Book Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2015/12/zen-colouring-winter-wonderland-adult.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zen Colouring Winter Wonderland Colouring Book Review</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-80033496179959364662024-01-28T14:12:00.001+00:002024-01-28T14:12:34.219+00:00My Goals for 2024<p style="text-align: justify;">I had planned to write this post just after the New Year, but I've been feeling pretty rough these last couple of weeks, so as usual, I'm a little behind. I've had the worst migraine this past week, but now that it's clearing, I can finally play catch-up, so, let's do this.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Today, I'm going to share my goals for the year ahead... as boring and predictable as they probably are.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Realistically, I know I'm very unlikely to be able to achieve any big, life-changing resolutions with my health being the way it is, but I still like to set myself lots of little goals to keep myself on my toes. This year has been no different, and I guess most of my goals aren't, either. They're mostly related to reading, creative hobbies, and local places I want to visit- just little things to keep myself challenged and occupied, that I might have a chance of achieving on better pain days. I'm not up to trekking around the globe or doing extreme sports, so if reading a bunch of books and having a day out at my local zoo is the best I can hope for, I'm going to take it. It's better than doing nothing, right?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, here are some of my goals for the year ahead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc-X-lBfky-yTNnTsUn62oQaHILv2AW_jeFAxmf-kHPWxwIaxzHa9bG6AeorrHMQp329nyyDwwKVIinRh6-EXBoq0A_J4WKSI8kBphUBUPCdguNKJkmuNcWQrODRq0251ueqcN-p7vbuaWolq9L-pXxli_17usNFeeocFDn8TS_ZwEQlbv99xVR6qFBhn/s840/my%20goals%20for%202024%20header.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc-X-lBfky-yTNnTsUn62oQaHILv2AW_jeFAxmf-kHPWxwIaxzHa9bG6AeorrHMQp329nyyDwwKVIinRh6-EXBoq0A_J4WKSI8kBphUBUPCdguNKJkmuNcWQrODRq0251ueqcN-p7vbuaWolq9L-pXxli_17usNFeeocFDn8TS_ZwEQlbv99xVR6qFBhn/s16000/my%20goals%20for%202024%20header.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Read At Least 40 Books</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm hoping to read as much as possible in 2024. I've kept my reading goal for the year low at 40 books to make it achievable, but I hope I can read even more. I'm already on my 4th book of the year so far, so I'm off to a decent start. If you want to keep up with what I'm reading, come say hello on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/27894632-louise-p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> and <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/louisepea" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Storygraph</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Keep Up to Date With My Reading Journal</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I started keeping a <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/08/litjoy-crate-reading-journal-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reading journal</a> last summer, and I'm loving having a place to record what I've read, and my thoughts and favourite quotes from each book. I want to continue with it this year, and try to update it after each book read while my thoughts are still fresh in my mind. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Do More Cross Stitching</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I used to cross stitch every day, but did so little last year as I was so uninspired. So, I want to try to find my sewing mojo in 2024, and do much more stitching. It's such a relaxing hobby, and with all the modern kits and patterns, it's not just for old ladies anymore.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Finish At Least One Embroidery</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also want to improve my embroidery 'skills' and finish at least one piece of hoop art this year. I began <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1293294361/its-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year?click_key=ab6d9a4b9faf4f8368bfbde76db8718e9ea808d1%3A1293294361&click_sum=913c6b59&ref=shop_home_recs_6&pro=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a> for Halloween, but never got far, so that one's on my list to finish, but I also saw <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1450147479/easter-rainbow-embroidery-pattern-guide?click_key=13a1f557d655063c8a781abda4fab9e86d77d439%3A1450147479&click_sum=b29b0a43&ref=shop_home_recs_2&pro=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this cute Easter design</a> I'm thinking of attempting.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Paint Regularly</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Last year, I really enjoyed watercolour painting as a way to relax. Well, when I say 'painting' it's more like 'colouring-in colouring books with paint' as I have little artistic skill, but the main thing is, I enjoy it and find it relaxing, so who cares? I want to do more of it when I get good pain days.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Eat Healthier and Lose Weight</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hate focusing on weight and diets as all bodies are good bodies and people shouldn't be shamed for their size, but I've been feeling really unhappy in my own skin since I gained a little weight, so I need to do something about it. I don't feel like myself anymore and I hate it. For my own mental health, I want to make an effort to eat healthier and hopefully shed some of those extra pounds, but without being able to exercise regularly or vigorously like I used to pre-chronic-pain, I doubt I'm gonna lose it easily.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2iZ-6ycd08KQF8HbaSGkYFoy-ZkzjEUr3EIYnQjwNmvr8EnE2E3KOqSwSSD1zDL3yO1pmhIrMB3PExf7EVauGXp3CAp2W2_6P_4ie5LPjKw4meEG0qY2Wk-RYc3rShwpZaXIUHwCQCDr4zQmQ5YDUcKJUoefvB4kE69kKd1zLe57_8eF_UqQ4-uAZBkn/s840/my%20goals%20for%202024%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2iZ-6ycd08KQF8HbaSGkYFoy-ZkzjEUr3EIYnQjwNmvr8EnE2E3KOqSwSSD1zDL3yO1pmhIrMB3PExf7EVauGXp3CAp2W2_6P_4ie5LPjKw4meEG0qY2Wk-RYc3rShwpZaXIUHwCQCDr4zQmQ5YDUcKJUoefvB4kE69kKd1zLe57_8eF_UqQ4-uAZBkn/s16000/my%20goals%20for%202024%202.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Get an Eye Test and New Glasses</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I think my most important goal right now is getting myself down to Specsavers for an eye test and new glasses. I've been putting it off since before Covid, and I think I'm now six years over-due. My vision keeps going blurry from eye strain (at least, I hope that's all it is), and I really need to see an optician before it gets any worse. I'm going to book myself as soon as my migraine has gone. I'm really looking forward to getting some sexy new glasses after years of wearing the same pair every day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Get My Hair Cut</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also need to prioritise a hair cut, since my hair is almost long enough to sit on again, and I currently resemble a reclusive old witch who lives in a creepy old house with her familiars, and drinks margaritas at midnight while dancing around the kitchen. (Honestly, sign me up- that sounds awesome)! It's been almost three years since my last hair cut, so it's time to get my hair cut back into a more manageable length. But first: roots.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Overhaul My Bookshelf</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of my next missions will be tackling my bookshelves. I need a bigger bookshelf, but in the meantime, I need to have a rejig, and cull some books to fit in all the beautiful copies I've bought in recent months. I don't like thinking of my poor babies stacked up on the floor. I don't want to give up any of my collection, but I think I'm going to have to as I've no place to store them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Have a Thorough Clear Out</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking of spring cleaning, I also want to have a decent tidy and clear out of other stuff, like my wardrobe, dressing table, craft supplies, and the hallway cupboard. I don't know why, but I feel the need to declutter, and let go of stuff I no longer use or need.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Take a Holiday</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wasn't able to go on holiday last year and I'm not sure if one's on the cards this year, either, but I'd love to get away to Cornwall for at least a few days this summer. Hell, I'd be happy to get away almost anywhere if it meant a change of scenery for a while.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Visit the Beach</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'd also like to spend some time at the seaside this year. It's been a year and a half since I last saw the sea, and I miss it so much. A day trip to the beach would make me so happy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e-nB_zK7lNGFvDvry-LDn6wTVvhX-8fn3uc0oeJn1uEmcIfOL6TlE7srztVtqAhREZFAboatrnCwrIOFwPRqih-ACIj7Ljtnllik-k2LMvm_HZIkQ1fgKm-15O10D6CnN3UIoshexFZk5ShPSZHHqMn9xGRvkOYlqWS06atLzQvGQGKI0reWDQ0JF1Eb/s840/my%20goals%20for%202024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e-nB_zK7lNGFvDvry-LDn6wTVvhX-8fn3uc0oeJn1uEmcIfOL6TlE7srztVtqAhREZFAboatrnCwrIOFwPRqih-ACIj7Ljtnllik-k2LMvm_HZIkQ1fgKm-15O10D6CnN3UIoshexFZk5ShPSZHHqMn9xGRvkOYlqWS06atLzQvGQGKI0reWDQ0JF1Eb/s16000/my%20goals%20for%202024.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Go to The Cotswold Wildlife Park</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I haven't visited my local zoo in over two years, so I want to fit in at least one visit this year. It's a really gorgeous, relaxing place to visit, and I think it's good to push myself to the point of collapse with my chronic pain every now and then to get some exercise and fresh air. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Go to the London Aquarium</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This probably sounds so random, but one thing I'd love to do is revisit the London aquarium. I last went about fifteen years ago and remember really enjoying myself, and I've wanted to go back for a while. As a big animal lover, I've always found sea life so fascinating, and it's one of the best aquariums I've ever visited. Maybe I'll have to pay it a visit for my birthday this July?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Visit the Confetti, Lavender, and Sunflower Fields</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've been wanting to visit local flower fields for the last few years, and still haven't managed it. We were planning to go to see the confetti fields near Worcester last summer, but I ended up with an awful chronic pain flare on the day we'd planned to go, so we missed it. I'm hoping for better luck this summer. I'd love to go see some colourful flower fields.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Go to the Bluebell Woods</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'd also like to take a walk in our local woods when the bluebells flower this spring. We went a little too late last year, and missed them, too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Do more Touristy Things in Oxford</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Oxford has always been my local city, but I haven't done nearly enough exploring of its attractions or hidden gems. I'm eager to spend some days being a tourist in my own city, and visit more of its museums, galleries, beautiful old buildings etc, and maybe have a walk or a picnic down by one of the river banks where people go punting on the Thames. It's such a beautiful city.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And those are some of my little goals for 2024.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have you set yourself any goals or resolutions for the year ahead?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2024/01/goodreads-my-year-in-books-2023.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads My Year in Books 2023</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2024/01/looking-back-on-2023.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Looking Back on 2023</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-15234298989683526602024-01-16T16:26:00.002+00:002024-01-16T16:26:15.745+00:00Goodreads My Year In Books 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_DjElhXYxUqEkSOgaU6Qhvw7F28FLCgKGBRTQ2Twccj8UQqTm31bCPLLuB8q7oWqtS7kD9wD0UlyV92SKg4zo5vf8pnhKFMZAOWvecaDrIxI7baJZxjnv4VoL__hvWrVIMUygwZHHLNL4-jboxByyqWOzJRSTPYRtK2CzUW9R5rR5Gc4dIezhC9j8FEQ/s840/Goodreads%20Year%20in%20Books%202023%20header.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_DjElhXYxUqEkSOgaU6Qhvw7F28FLCgKGBRTQ2Twccj8UQqTm31bCPLLuB8q7oWqtS7kD9wD0UlyV92SKg4zo5vf8pnhKFMZAOWvecaDrIxI7baJZxjnv4VoL__hvWrVIMUygwZHHLNL4-jboxByyqWOzJRSTPYRtK2CzUW9R5rR5Gc4dIezhC9j8FEQ/s16000/Goodreads%20Year%20in%20Books%202023%20header.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I set myself a goal of reading 40 books in 2023, and miraculously reached my goal on New Year's Eve with six hours to spare! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It wasn't my best year for reading number-wise, but hey, at least I smashed it! Even if I had to read some short novellas to make up the last few on time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As always, I kept track of my reading life on Goodreads, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and share my Goodreads Year in Books- and I've added in a few prompts of my own, too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileGwieS-gtsbxTny1gP7qhiMLSmYOByMVEssksA65DWAoxk3kK51mLq3ocuw_BxP6xqVA3mmDwgCMq624juFgiPGB-viZAptKLT5cVME625Q2Y3nMkuEZEMJB8KSYepjn3kzuT18nbUMzFx9PJSX68EQ05YQ1LSbN-AN6MxFv2HJp7bBbBidQxq7NQ5oW/s840/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%201.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileGwieS-gtsbxTny1gP7qhiMLSmYOByMVEssksA65DWAoxk3kK51mLq3ocuw_BxP6xqVA3mmDwgCMq624juFgiPGB-viZAptKLT5cVME625Q2Y3nMkuEZEMJB8KSYepjn3kzuT18nbUMzFx9PJSX68EQ05YQ1LSbN-AN6MxFv2HJp7bBbBidQxq7NQ5oW/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%201.PNG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So... I read approx. 17,699 pages across 40 books in 2023. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is less than the 46 books I read in 2022, but I actually read over 1200 pages more as many of them were longer reads over 600 pages. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">These longer books definitely impacted the number of books I was able to read, as did the amount of time I spent annotating when I could've been reading. If we counted all the books I annotated page by page, my number would be closer to 70. I definitely need to rethink how I annotate so it doesn't slow me down so much. Maybe I should just stick to using page markers and only highlight my absolute favourites?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUffzzSdWg71a6HLy8DH3ID_UOw1UBjtWCB7p7iBclUt2HnfUaPcbTMmnq5qwf6IDxy_95MohVLk7ACeM9OuWEIK75HOY58ZEXRuPzYF1PpYSS-fjYQfumTOV9X1GuoBwuNh91bsq1d4euRFgJ2rGoXWA1yqv7rBjZgb5DLTQJcezXQXcmxBBCujIbPQ_d/s840/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%202.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUffzzSdWg71a6HLy8DH3ID_UOw1UBjtWCB7p7iBclUt2HnfUaPcbTMmnq5qwf6IDxy_95MohVLk7ACeM9OuWEIK75HOY58ZEXRuPzYF1PpYSS-fjYQfumTOV9X1GuoBwuNh91bsq1d4euRFgJ2rGoXWA1yqv7rBjZgb5DLTQJcezXQXcmxBBCujIbPQ_d/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%202.PNG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Shortest book:</span></b> The Lost Sisters by Holly Black at 50 pages.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Longest Book:</span></b> Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas at 980 pages. (But I wish it had been twice as long as it was one of my favourite reads ever)!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Average Book Length:</span></b> 442 pages.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua18tqZlmmwzvaY5fOZf89MoX4t43R4cEISD9ZcrScnDw7caM3tt2-t9wFfgfnJCX3QOksNdgSryGt22XaXuDIxXgYOvzBlEUwGC-txR1uYdBMJEdFW_M0sxHfHF1noN-KINM4kWy__zdmtH5LOx6Jzh5weFEOQbrhyphenhyphen5TJMpZB9JaarPI0swS0aZhncfC/s840/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%203.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua18tqZlmmwzvaY5fOZf89MoX4t43R4cEISD9ZcrScnDw7caM3tt2-t9wFfgfnJCX3QOksNdgSryGt22XaXuDIxXgYOvzBlEUwGC-txR1uYdBMJEdFW_M0sxHfHF1noN-KINM4kWy__zdmtH5LOx6Jzh5weFEOQbrhyphenhyphen5TJMpZB9JaarPI0swS0aZhncfC/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%203.PNG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Most Shelved:</span></b> A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas with 3,949,944 shelved.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Least Shelved: </span></b>The Muppet Christmas Carol by Brooke Vitale, with a pitiful 16 people shelving it. (C'mon people)!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">My Average Rating:</span></b> 4.2 stars. I read so many great books last year, and maybe I get a bit over-enthusiastic and rate on vibes more than quality of writing.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRvfFkqPd-_07I2_n5jOSwAiL49-aXEn9Pqz0hzYZHZG1XRX8EezF3Nrs7ObMKL3igHuraYjI_En4O5iaElv96091Qf3LV0IWKT2ToBTjnNJ4SBQktL4pdFEFeBAdIC1zWFZWbFuzNT4g5_ACjvsDs8qEQkL9mCFWur4eJtXSvQNGTscHaRthkIMu2hQr/s840/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%204.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRvfFkqPd-_07I2_n5jOSwAiL49-aXEn9Pqz0hzYZHZG1XRX8EezF3Nrs7ObMKL3igHuraYjI_En4O5iaElv96091Qf3LV0IWKT2ToBTjnNJ4SBQktL4pdFEFeBAdIC1zWFZWbFuzNT4g5_ACjvsDs8qEQkL9mCFWur4eJtXSvQNGTscHaRthkIMu2hQr/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%204.PNG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Highest Rated on Goodreads:</span></b> The Muppet Christmas Carol by Brooke Vitale with 4.70 stars average. (Unsurprising- it's so cute)!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5RA0Ettn8GRscHZU7fggmMfxsmtAH_N8DC5JC8YEDDv3TArTFB88QF2Fbw58l4BFeF8vAnoUf7SOxnCzXIn0v94h1yQdDX2xttBqy3sEcR95xIAWbrHF6pwJ5eoB2QZKGIIBm00l-th27-N_gA8NMqAIle9Ln6nk9yVqp_Z-l6nYUq6sNuLBna7D4wTV/s840/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%205.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5RA0Ettn8GRscHZU7fggmMfxsmtAH_N8DC5JC8YEDDv3TArTFB88QF2Fbw58l4BFeF8vAnoUf7SOxnCzXIn0v94h1yQdDX2xttBqy3sEcR95xIAWbrHF6pwJ5eoB2QZKGIIBm00l-th27-N_gA8NMqAIle9Ln6nk9yVqp_Z-l6nYUq6sNuLBna7D4wTV/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%205.PNG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="color: #e06666;">My First Review of the Year:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black. It's a companion book of illustrated short stories from The Folk of the Air series told from Cardan's POV, giving more insight into some iconic scenes, his backstory, and even some scenes after the series had ended with Jude in the mortal world. It's wonderful and you can read my review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5128325319" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJTCToGFk6pcuUsHcDCUdllRL7QwQuQloHGdKN_5q9xWX0TnpPL86DfXUsQWlgUdqCSwT_BDzkPSoMVL6FPsK5pn2KhGrH_EeHEeVSFzU3xLnlNr9llzhN-s2DD5ICv8k_SoLVKly1FHuuAoZjeiRuCxHFLyOgTrHaNGAkQY3Djga1Ftd0YhrNRc67Gvs/s1370/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%20books%20read.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJTCToGFk6pcuUsHcDCUdllRL7QwQuQloHGdKN_5q9xWX0TnpPL86DfXUsQWlgUdqCSwT_BDzkPSoMVL6FPsK5pn2KhGrH_EeHEeVSFzU3xLnlNr9llzhN-s2DD5ICv8k_SoLVKly1FHuuAoZjeiRuCxHFLyOgTrHaNGAkQY3Djga1Ftd0YhrNRc67Gvs/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%20books%20read.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwhyVrQqRUNShjinx97WD7CjDLvxxvcfpf87YfXI6RPtsI1rqFqUAADcXm89RQv9TecxVWYfGBgt465EuQbuBYQcSERemXw9kessqfrF1AtpIeH0OEPR2DEYcWEEZYNormpozCc4GGhf5F3Di6DEB5AZ5WM-JsDrV-Pfc7JCRC7aXeECjY8poxbvwLDOa/s1140/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%20books%20read%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwhyVrQqRUNShjinx97WD7CjDLvxxvcfpf87YfXI6RPtsI1rqFqUAADcXm89RQv9TecxVWYfGBgt465EuQbuBYQcSERemXw9kessqfrF1AtpIeH0OEPR2DEYcWEEZYNormpozCc4GGhf5F3Di6DEB5AZ5WM-JsDrV-Pfc7JCRC7aXeECjY8poxbvwLDOa/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%20books%20read%202.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrm_kYjgigjSkTr1ViaCG49_8-pd1yJaOo6-8Gx6L8Us0qr0xnR1ulTytSeDZTugdDCJdd0Ju1mveE_aEF2dlymaONATqmrxu4FPvMreT9aLTRhjNaHI3HBWU_ofKaOdqZ4-ROABLCPxJTvYy24EZADNaaKoRY06N60gzjbgBXGS3btgYwxmpk4Wq0GJy/s1323/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%20books%20read%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrm_kYjgigjSkTr1ViaCG49_8-pd1yJaOo6-8Gx6L8Us0qr0xnR1ulTytSeDZTugdDCJdd0Ju1mveE_aEF2dlymaONATqmrxu4FPvMreT9aLTRhjNaHI3HBWU_ofKaOdqZ4-ROABLCPxJTvYy24EZADNaaKoRY06N60gzjbgBXGS3btgYwxmpk4Wq0GJy/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%20books%20read%203.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Books Read (roughly in order):</span></b></div></b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Throne of Glass (collector's edition) by Sarah J. Maas. 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. A Court of Thorns and Roses (collector's edition) by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">11. Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas. 3⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">12. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas. 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">13. Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">14. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">15. The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">16. The Lost Sisters by Holly Black. (Ebook novella). 3⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">17. Throne of Glass (hardback) by Sarah J Maas. (Reread). 5⭐ (Upgraded from 4⭐ on first read)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">18. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">19. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. 3.5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">20. Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs. 3.5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">21. The Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">22. A Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">23. The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout. 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">24. The School for Good and Evil (collector's edition) by Soman Chainani. 2⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">25. A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">26. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas. (Reread). 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">27. Once Upon a Broken Heart (vault edition) by Stephanie Garber. (Reread). 3⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">28. The Ballad of Never After (Owlcrate edition) by Stephanie Garber. (Reread). 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">29. A Curse for True Love (Waterstones exclusive edition) by Stephanie Garber. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">30. Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco. 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">31. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">32. The Forest Grimm (Fairyloot edition) by Kathryn Purdie. 3⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">33. Legends and Lattes by Travis Bardee. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">34. A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas. (Reread). 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">35. Upon a Frosted Star (Waterstones exclusive edition) by M. A. Kuzniar. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">36. The Nutcracker by E.T.A Hoffmann. 3⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">37. The Muppet Christmas Carol by Brooke Vitale. 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">38. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (Litjoy Crate edition) by Holly Black. (Reread). 5⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">39. It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malermann. (Ebook novella). 2⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;">40. Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo. (Reread). 4⭐</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Plus, the bonus chapters from </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Fourth Wing red Waterstones holiday edition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>The Cruel Prince collector's edition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>A Curse for True Love Barnes and Noble, Owlcrate, and Waterstones editions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Letters to Jude- bonus content PDF from The Queen of Nothing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Various ACOTAR bonus chapters.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the last chapter from Crescent City 2 as I was curious about the ACOTAR cross-over! Haha!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wO_1l3m5EHsCP6U9vJErqBI13qhUPuFWrIVmvkg59pR_BhiZJDdR0CY_nDNTCtATRc0F43YxmkrNP74H-nDR6b0bUvhr1QmaER_aDDdgzbeBuoAYVhE7a1CJnLIRzMKSJNpNUebmrij4yvOlfTH-UaMQihBuqwOWKDKmvfVPYtqJC3imfsqxgPyF74BQ/s840/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%2015.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wO_1l3m5EHsCP6U9vJErqBI13qhUPuFWrIVmvkg59pR_BhiZJDdR0CY_nDNTCtATRc0F43YxmkrNP74H-nDR6b0bUvhr1QmaER_aDDdgzbeBuoAYVhE7a1CJnLIRzMKSJNpNUebmrij4yvOlfTH-UaMQihBuqwOWKDKmvfVPYtqJC3imfsqxgPyF74BQ/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%2015.PNG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">My Last Review of the Year:</span></b></div></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco, as I'm so behind with my reviews. I loved this spicy fantasy adventure book about a demon prince of hell teaming up with a gifted artist from the mortal world to complete a game held by the fae king in order to save his court, and get back what was taken from them. It's full of vampires, monsters, vicious fae, hot demon princes, and lots of other good stuff, and you can find my review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5851283713" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQDGsCQO14xJDGFOizvshKJGML5BYWconWSy9pH3NSjBcrLpkQ6Tf_9pygAItORYGT31_-GXi0t66_Z1lI934QyZqGBuZHh2xsuwm0Ufv-I4piSl_9hIZdx4ZmIo4KUo5XExNAi3oFJP0es1SEsBzZwiJf5eUqh1eQ0CO0SMfsS07oBR_Ve1WiFD4mhjp/s840/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%2016.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQDGsCQO14xJDGFOizvshKJGML5BYWconWSy9pH3NSjBcrLpkQ6Tf_9pygAItORYGT31_-GXi0t66_Z1lI934QyZqGBuZHh2xsuwm0Ufv-I4piSl_9hIZdx4ZmIo4KUo5XExNAi3oFJP0es1SEsBzZwiJf5eUqh1eQ0CO0SMfsS07oBR_Ve1WiFD4mhjp/s16000/goodreads%20reading%20goal%202023%2016.PNG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Challenge completed at 6pm on New Year's Eve, with six hours to spare. Yay me!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Books Read:</span></b> 40</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>New Reads: 33</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Rereads: 7</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>DNF: 0</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Authors Read: </span></b>15</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Jennifer L. Armentrout.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Travis Bardee.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Leigh Bardugo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Holly Black</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Soman Chainani.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Stephanie Garber.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>E.T.A. Hoffmann.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>M. A. Kuzniar.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Sarah J. Maas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Josh Malermann.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Kerri Maniscalco.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Kathryn Purdie.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Emma Torzs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Brooke Vitale.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Rebecca Yarros.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">New Authors Discovered: </span></b>9</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Jennifer L. Armentrout.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Travis Bardee.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Soman Chainani.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>E.T.A. Hoffmann.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Sarah J. Maas.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Kerri Maniscalco.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Kathryn Purdie.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Emma Torzs.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Rebecca Yarros.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Most Read Genre:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fantasy / romantasy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><b style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Book(s) Read: </b><i>(In no particular order because I can't decide- except QOS is definitely 5th).</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Least Favourite Book(s) Read:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani. (Too YA for me).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malermann. (So dull and weird).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite New Series:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Throne of Glass</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>ACOTAR</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Blood and Ash</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Fourth Wing</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite New Stand Alone:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Upon a Frosted Star</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite New Characters:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Throne of Glass- Aelin Galathynius, Rowan Whitethorn, Lorcan Salvaterre, Elide Lochan, Yrene Towers, Fenrys Moonbeam, Dorian Havilliard.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>ACOTAR- Nesta Archeron, Cassian, Lucien Vanserra, Rhysand, The Suriel.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>From Blood and Ash- Casteel Da' Neer, Kieran Contou, Poppy Balfour, Emil Da' Lahr, Delano Amicu, Reaver.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Fourth Wing- Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, Liam Mairi, Ridoc, Sawyer, Tairn, Andarna.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Most Hated Characters:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Ianthe (ACOTAR).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Maeve and Vernon (TOG).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Dain and Jack (Fourth Wing).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Cat and Varrish (Iron Flame).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Apollo (ACFTL).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Vexley (Throne of the Fallen).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite New Bookish Couples:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Cassian and Nesta (ACOTAR).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Lorcan and Elide (TOG).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Rowan and Aelin (TOG). (And basically all the other TOG couples- they're all awesome).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Poppy and Casteel... and Kieran (Blood and Ash).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Violet and Xaden (Fourth Wing).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Editions Bought:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>The Folk of the Air Litjoy Crate Boxset.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Grishaverse collection from Owlcrate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>OUABH trilogy from Fairyloot. (Can't wait to get them)!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>ACOTAR collector's edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>TOG Bloomsbury hardbacks.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>A Curse For True Love Waterstones Exclusive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Dust Jacket:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>A Curse for True Love UK edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms Bloomsbury hardbacks.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Hidden Covers:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>A Curse For True Love UK and Barnes and Noble editions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Throne of the Fallen Waterstones exclusive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>The Stolen Heir Illumicrate edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Ninth House and Hell Bent Illumicrate editions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>The Forest Grimm Fairyloot Edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Naked Hardbacks:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>The Folk of the Air Litjoy Crate editions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>ACOTAR collector's edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Sprayed Edges:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Grishaverse Owlcrate editions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Iron Flame Waterstones exclusive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Fairyloot edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Throne of the Fallen Waterstones exclusive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>The Forest Grimm Fairyloot edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Bookish Merchandise bought:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Litjoy Crate ACOTAR book tin.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>Litjoy Crate reading journal.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>ACOTAR and Throne of Glass colouring books.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><b style="color: #e06666;">Some Favourite New Bookish Quotes: </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><i>(I have far too many new favourites to list- mostly SJM ones! Haha!).</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>One blink for <i>yes</i>. Two for <i>no</i>. Three for <i>Are you alright?</i> Four for <i>I am here, I am with you.</i> Five for <i>This is real, you are awake. -</i>Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'I love you. There is no limit to what I can give you, no time I need. Even when the world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you.'- Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'One day, I am going to marry you. I'll be generous and let you pick when, even if it's ten years from now. Or twenty. But one day, you are going to be my wife.'- Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'I have no regrets in my life, but this...' ... 'That we did not have time. That I did not have time with you, Nesta.' ... 'I will find you again in the next world- the next life. And we will have that time. I promise.'- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'He thinks he'll be remembered as the villain in the story.'... 'But I forgot to tell him,' ... 'that the villain is usually the person who locks up the maiden and throws away the key.' ... 'He was the one who let me out.'- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'You have no morals.'</p><p style="text-align: justify;">'True. But yours are as grey in tone as mine, my dear.'</p><p style="text-align: justify;">'That's hardly true.'</p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What a cunning little liar you are.'- Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'Thank you, Liam. Thank you for being my shadow. Thank you for being my friend.'- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'Yes, I am a murderer. I enjoy hurting people. I like blood. I like pain. I am a monster, but whether you remember it or not, I'm your monster, Evangeline.'- A Curse For True Love by Stephanie Garber.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>'Some say patience is a virtue.' ... 'Some deserve a punch in the face.'- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span>I suppose that's one good thing about being obedient and faithful and good. People think you will never surprise them.- The Lost Sisters by Holly Black.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3TQYkqC2aUchpOQBfxc2S3ZPnYc-CK7bGMVJFTaKbzustkhNLzl_Iox_bBVdRD4fxqwbs2lH7B7pbnfj2Rr2y69t-4aYBDSwuM602C6mu94GY6j2MFs2tYgYcuj6hMk-zmql0VHL0Bpk8TofEaCwnev1w2UYHA6_1PrQsTIQc_IdRXqPEK2l7ejpnhTQ/s840/Goodreads%20Year%20in%20Books%202023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3TQYkqC2aUchpOQBfxc2S3ZPnYc-CK7bGMVJFTaKbzustkhNLzl_Iox_bBVdRD4fxqwbs2lH7B7pbnfj2Rr2y69t-4aYBDSwuM602C6mu94GY6j2MFs2tYgYcuj6hMk-zmql0VHL0Bpk8TofEaCwnev1w2UYHA6_1PrQsTIQc_IdRXqPEK2l7ejpnhTQ/s16000/Goodreads%20Year%20in%20Books%202023.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And that's my 2023 in books.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've set myself a new reading goal of 40 books for 2024, but I hope I can do even better and beat last year's figures. I'm already on book 3 of the year, so I feel like I'm off to a strong start.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you'd like to keep up with what I'm reading and adding to my TBR list, come say hello on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/27894632-louise-p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> and <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/louisepea" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Storygraph</a>. You can also find me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/louisepea/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, where I often share what I'm reading, post mini reviews, and give you a peek at pretty new books I've been buying on my Insta Stories.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Did you meet your reading goals last year, and have you set any new ones for 2024?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/08/litjoy-crate-reading-journal-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate Reading Journal Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-litjoy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Tin Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/litjoy-crate-acotar-stained-glass-book.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Sleeve Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-one.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Reviews Part One</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Reviews Part Two</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-court-of-frost-and-starlight-festive.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Frost and Starlight Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/10/ink-blood-sister-scribe-by-emma-torzs.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ink Blood Sister Scribe Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/midnight-in-everwood-by-m-kuzniar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Midnight in Everwood Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/30-beautiful-books-to-buy-this-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">30 Beautiful Books to Buy</a></p></div></div></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-32923897060989937032024-01-11T15:07:00.000+00:002024-01-11T15:07:39.091+00:00Looking Back on 2023<p style="text-align: justify;">I was meant to have this written and posted by New Year's Eve, but I've been so drained and sleepy since Christmas, so I'm having to play catch-up. I know, I know; I'm useless. I'd say 'better late than never, right?', but I'm not sure anyone else would agree once they've suffered through my incessant whining. So... yeah... sorry about this...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXOb0ok0kbw7hdj7rXxaqgYSoqG82JtZbFiEBsG9V_fTBbQLkU6hnI3Dc6MIRCaH_Qg3wygiZWDYWNoHNHKkhQf3-Vfm9BaFwhgmxOPnOrBynuSuIfnmr1ItFbEFRcce_q5Tz6cDHMMuXs_rBsg-3LVWAGfFkCJHDWYuZm32-MpBFGmsvQE7a0OyjPF4a/s840/looking%20back%20on%202023%20header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXOb0ok0kbw7hdj7rXxaqgYSoqG82JtZbFiEBsG9V_fTBbQLkU6hnI3Dc6MIRCaH_Qg3wygiZWDYWNoHNHKkhQf3-Vfm9BaFwhgmxOPnOrBynuSuIfnmr1ItFbEFRcce_q5Tz6cDHMMuXs_rBsg-3LVWAGfFkCJHDWYuZm32-MpBFGmsvQE7a0OyjPF4a/s16000/looking%20back%20on%202023%20header.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Goodbye 2023, hello 2024!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, that's another year done and dusted, and I feel like I have very little to show for it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I didn't do anything noteworthy, I didn't meet anyone new, I didn't really go anywhere, and I didn't feel good about it. Honestly, I'm not sure 2023 is worth remembering at all.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was another rough year for me, with my health leaving me mostly housebound, and lots of bad chronic pain flares making it difficult to get out and about and live my life. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">By November, I'd only left the house for non-medical reasons six times, which was one of my worst records yet. I only managed two days out the entire year- once to see Ronan Keating and The City Lights Symphony Orchestra live in London in March (they were amazing, but I got <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/03/that-time-i-got-pick-pocketed-in-london.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pick-pocketed</a> on the way), and the other was a fun day trip to <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/09/longleat-safari-park-july-2023.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Longleat Safari Park</a> on my birthday in July. (I saw koalas, a wombat, and giant river otters for the first time, and hand-fed deer and a rainbow lorikeet, so at least that ticked some things off my bucket list). That's it. That's all I did. I'm not even kidding. How pathetic is that?! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie49LgrZtLp4xJyxxvLofYUaUgyVBt7RkmHecI014gnMPS46QU7mIp8FNrS1iugTZC8TlX-o-Xh0USCmeFebXDBefcxHtJI2yUxl78FqCtEILfFXiKvlLxGlTua9MUc5IpwF2lwsQXSXog43LYXGSH-vMOaj7Ts2NCrASDL5Qgj86SJLJlwcDV5Ke7U5sF/s840/looking%20back%20on%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie49LgrZtLp4xJyxxvLofYUaUgyVBt7RkmHecI014gnMPS46QU7mIp8FNrS1iugTZC8TlX-o-Xh0USCmeFebXDBefcxHtJI2yUxl78FqCtEILfFXiKvlLxGlTua9MUc5IpwF2lwsQXSXog43LYXGSH-vMOaj7Ts2NCrASDL5Qgj86SJLJlwcDV5Ke7U5sF/s16000/looking%20back%20on%202023.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm not going to lie, I felt pathetic, and really struggled with my life last year. Or the lack of life in my life; the lack of new experiences, adventures, excitement, and social life. I often felt isolated and alone, and it wasn't good for my mental health. I should be used to it all after twelve years of housebound life, but I do still miss my old life sometimes, and last year seemed to hit me particularly hard- thankfully, not every day, but more often than it had in a while. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And as for blogging... well, I didn't manage to do much of that, either, so, let's not go there! Haha!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But despite all that, I'm choosing to look back on 2023 as a year of surviving. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I got myself through another year without giving up, despite wanting to at times, and that's an achievement of it's own. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also tried my hardest to make the best of every day because I prefer that to moping, and found enjoyment in the little things in life since I couldn't do the big ones. We don't give the little things enough love.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I found happiness in reading and collecting beautiful books, and became particularly obsessed with the Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, Fourth Wing and Blood and Ash series. Escaping into fantasy worlds was definitely my favourite coping mechanism. I enjoyed watercolour painting, did a little cross stitching and embroidery (but not nearly enough), watched a bunch of movies, played a lot of Animal Crossing, began a reading journal, blogged a little, tried to improve my photography and flatlays, wrote some book reviews, shared memes with friends, and spent time with my family and my dog. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was definitely not an exciting year on paper, but it was the one I got, and that's okay. They don't all have to be spectacular years full of achievements, adventures, and flashy holidays. It's okay if all you did last year was survive, go to work, and / or hermit yourself away with a book day after day. There's no right way to live, and there is (hopefully) plenty of time left to do all the things we want to.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm hoping 2024 will be a better year, and that I'm able to get out and about a little more often, and do more than just existing, but I guess we shall see what the year brings. That's the thing about life; you never know what might happen or where it might take you. If you can't follow your dreams, you just have to take it day by day, and see where it leads you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What was the best (or worst) thing that happened to you in 2023?</p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-56743083875212817732023-12-25T07:00:00.001+00:002023-12-25T07:00:00.138+00:00Merry Christmas!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVDlUt-yGYFQD4e3MKOdqDWuLBN-FDm_zS1ecZ503N00qg4K37AeomrBukD-N3ULB5hokxWyacx1twsRQovu0bKdTTQN1g9L9xTOx6l_hoWaZKaOZ_vIm1jIioOEUdYib5SuSbPJdrGcnciCklhzegJxg4bTOsqGhKQtgaYDdhR5H7CRbi-91FjXUJOUk/s840/merry%20christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVDlUt-yGYFQD4e3MKOdqDWuLBN-FDm_zS1ecZ503N00qg4K37AeomrBukD-N3ULB5hokxWyacx1twsRQovu0bKdTTQN1g9L9xTOx6l_hoWaZKaOZ_vIm1jIioOEUdYib5SuSbPJdrGcnciCklhzegJxg4bTOsqGhKQtgaYDdhR5H7CRbi-91FjXUJOUk/s16000/merry%20christmas.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Merry Christmas, everyone! (Or a merry Monday, if you don't celebrate it)!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The big day is finally here, and after a busy month preparing, I can't wait to relax, unwind, and enjoy the festivities with my family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm looking forward to giving my family and my dog their presents, indulging in lots of good food, falling into a food coma while watching a few Christmas movies, and basically, taking it as easy as possible.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">How ever you're spending the day, I hope you have the best Christmas with your favourite people. Eat, drink, be merry (or grumpy, if that's your jam), and ignore any haters that try to spoil it for you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm going to log off now and enjoy myself, but I'm sure you'll find me updating my Insta stories throughout the day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-44262031766491230762023-12-24T10:11:00.000+00:002023-12-24T10:11:37.324+00:00Currently at Christmas<p>Happy Christmas Eve!</p><p>I can't believe it's already here. This month has gone so fast.</p><p>I have one last festive post I want to squeeze in before I log off for Christmas, so let's do this.</p><p>It's been over six months since I last did one of these Currently posts, so it seems like the perfect time for a catch up. And since it's December, let's make it festive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is what I've been up to lately:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_acGzc1UzDOM9yxK078o59EoXGZyTAGA6UN4D_mgosC_yyuoFJE9aG04friEemrdyBBiarWsW6BjyfevNL4ibShr4Dbs2oOqgrfY-nQSIm9Gu7gz-_mTH7Gq-FWLLz067njN0d_iO1ipHGzyxErt7jyTH0kALSUim9b_c9fY9ti_cLY1ddvBkz3WFC_L/s840/P1040749-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_acGzc1UzDOM9yxK078o59EoXGZyTAGA6UN4D_mgosC_yyuoFJE9aG04friEemrdyBBiarWsW6BjyfevNL4ibShr4Dbs2oOqgrfY-nQSIm9Gu7gz-_mTH7Gq-FWLLz067njN0d_iO1ipHGzyxErt7jyTH0kALSUim9b_c9fY9ti_cLY1ddvBkz3WFC_L/s16000/P1040749-.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jdoxk8hUXq7X429yfsOLLBA1klkBW5SUc8-dOt1jeDQczKwavz1DPo7gZmfp1Po-ukUePRf9IURZfNfc5zPTgTr7t2DTGxU262q_FL1OWIjBThIVXwtv0EbUB4vXRW9-vY3-nG7P4UMyWcpS6AWme06SPP21ZXCvTNfnEtcloH_-8-F50KCssgNFT8pp/s840/P1040694-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jdoxk8hUXq7X429yfsOLLBA1klkBW5SUc8-dOt1jeDQczKwavz1DPo7gZmfp1Po-ukUePRf9IURZfNfc5zPTgTr7t2DTGxU262q_FL1OWIjBThIVXwtv0EbUB4vXRW9-vY3-nG7P4UMyWcpS6AWme06SPP21ZXCvTNfnEtcloH_-8-F50KCssgNFT8pp/s16000/P1040694-.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Reading</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to read lots of festive books this month, but so far I've only found the time for a reread of A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas, and three quarters of Upon a Frosted Star by M.A. Kuzniar. It's Swan Lake meets The Great Gatsby, and the writing is so beautiful, and giving off Caraval and The Night Circus vibes. I'm loving it so far- it's so gorgeous, sad, and romantic. (And I'm not one for romance books at all). I'm still hoping to fit in The Nutcracker this Christmas, but also wanted to read The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories, and reread Little Women, Midnight in Everwood, and A Christmas Carol before the month was through. I never find quite as much time to read in December, and often end up dozing off when I do as Christmas wears me out, so I guess most of them will have to keep for another year.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Besides seasonal books, I have read lots of great evergreen books over the last couple of months, too. I flew through the entire Blood and Ash series, adored A Curse for True Love, got completely lost in Iron Flame, and fell in love with Legends and Lattes when I read it earlier in the month. Would recommend them all. I've read a few others as well, but these were my favourites from recent months.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs8LwLRXvwiBDfmDc_DWOsqOdmD4XQDHHs7EAd16SW5TLvq_9lwn4PYHv52pHxhV4hyTf-G_wC5hVn36TyE1PVZr2Q4f3MuzQYk_65D-iQiYWUBmZ4QwQy1DOwdV5azcIQNqs-D190k8ElChJQ7UcBRpT1d-K_fZvK9y3pqRbM4AGpMzsjvxxCaN2gGjB/s840/IMG_5347=====.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs8LwLRXvwiBDfmDc_DWOsqOdmD4XQDHHs7EAd16SW5TLvq_9lwn4PYHv52pHxhV4hyTf-G_wC5hVn36TyE1PVZr2Q4f3MuzQYk_65D-iQiYWUBmZ4QwQy1DOwdV5azcIQNqs-D190k8ElChJQ7UcBRpT1d-K_fZvK9y3pqRbM4AGpMzsjvxxCaN2gGjB/s16000/IMG_5347=====.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Watching</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Over the last couple of weeks, I've broken out the Christmas movies and TV shows, and am trying to work my way through my favourites. So far I've watched Santa Claus the Movie, The Muppets Christmas Carol, The Santa Clause, While You Were Sleeping, Home Alone 1 & 2, Little Women (1994), Meet Me in St. Louis, Miracle on 34th Street, The Snowman, Love Actually, The Holiday, the Little Women BBC mini series, The Gavin and Stacey Christmas specials, and The Vicar of Dibley's 'Merry Christmas' episode (the one where Geraldine dives head first into the chocolate fountain and then gets drunk before Christmas mass). I've also had Christmas cooking shows on in the background, and have been watching some non-festive stuff, too, including Neighbours, Faraway Downs, and a Lost rewatch. (I'm currently on season five). No doubt I'll be watching lots of festive TV with the family over the next few days, too.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Listening</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've been listening to all the usual Christmas songs while getting ready for Christmas, and of course, Ronan Keating's Winter Songs album has also been played a lot lately. (Old habits die hard). It wouldn't be Christmas without it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsp91CbMeB8QhKYsvyq0SILUt5rFVB4MFcmANuoiEVffNfb0wpYjNp1u54Yl4gVKY42PXYkyHsJ8iBiSJF_RFqka_VNDK0r6U_L83GelnneoMZac4C8vTOlBVA1jvXguHJ2SnG8C65G-OG1CztpdinF0rp3EEqLkbkqSbsdxseaGirGOun7dV64H5uinW/s840/IMG_5588=.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsp91CbMeB8QhKYsvyq0SILUt5rFVB4MFcmANuoiEVffNfb0wpYjNp1u54Yl4gVKY42PXYkyHsJ8iBiSJF_RFqka_VNDK0r6U_L83GelnneoMZac4C8vTOlBVA1jvXguHJ2SnG8C65G-OG1CztpdinF0rp3EEqLkbkqSbsdxseaGirGOun7dV64H5uinW/s16000/IMG_5588=.JPEG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Stitching</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've just gone back to cross stitching the little Satsuma Street retro baubles I began a year or two ago. I'm only on the third one, and still have another four to go. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDDEZzpxB7pf7IbjWw47qLgZQBDIl60lH0rPOMouFkECY3r47j8I8vKsEJZNdQ1sHnI4VoMy4f85yIwUOcE1QuJerrN327GarlMaAuCKhvirm8hinri70AyqGzgkxJZ3OqO34EdbGUDzRKj2mSnY2jxfL4w05UpbPEAvIWzFVpnJ_aB1ZqmecBjan3PJZ/s1280/GCDEqR9bsAAoNJa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDDEZzpxB7pf7IbjWw47qLgZQBDIl60lH0rPOMouFkECY3r47j8I8vKsEJZNdQ1sHnI4VoMy4f85yIwUOcE1QuJerrN327GarlMaAuCKhvirm8hinri70AyqGzgkxJZ3OqO34EdbGUDzRKj2mSnY2jxfL4w05UpbPEAvIWzFVpnJ_aB1ZqmecBjan3PJZ/s16000/GCDEqR9bsAAoNJa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0mBC8Xven30cwcybpJ_Yysznx4yAl7Bwe6NmTP182pIVoIJ7l6vgCfGwep3JdC7dtqACNaIoCYn8Foc49e31-2QpGRMZOJOGGbxC-gxUeAmwpTVvFcA_5qvY-dPM9GmIrpEIE1SC3np34nHqIb4mvv_r13YwC0-5FLRz4OIpeiADb4W7am1u3qeEE5X_/s1280/GCDEqR2akAA8agS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0mBC8Xven30cwcybpJ_Yysznx4yAl7Bwe6NmTP182pIVoIJ7l6vgCfGwep3JdC7dtqACNaIoCYn8Foc49e31-2QpGRMZOJOGGbxC-gxUeAmwpTVvFcA_5qvY-dPM9GmIrpEIE1SC3np34nHqIb4mvv_r13YwC0-5FLRz4OIpeiADb4W7am1u3qeEE5X_/s16000/GCDEqR2akAA8agS.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Playing</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It'll come as no surprise that I've been enjoying the seasonal content in Animal Crossing when I've found a spare second to play. I love the festive additions to the game so much. I've been busy building pink Christmas rooms in my main character's house, have added Christmas wreaths to all the doors of my villagers' houses, started putting out festive furniture on my island, and have been dressing my characters in the cutest Christmas outfits. It's such a cute game to play at Christmas time if you like cosy sim games. I've been playing it for almost four years, and I still love it!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Painting</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's been a few weeks since I last picked up a paint brush, but I recently started colourising the awesome Throne of Glass colouring book. I wanted to try some festive painting this year, but all the present wrapping has aggravated the spinal pain in my neck, so I've not been able to bend over a colouring book to try. *Sad face.*</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS3Cnr9rF17fUQHZSThPWs4oypF2SCB_VajxFHy8930AS-YJunzStK6pF8m6zt5MBLx13Hp_fjxIarVK4G9EHx1r7oN2v1LD3usisqAvm9UpzUzPHjpsoAGXrqENk3_rdL8CoF1zHs-uWlpoIpQKU7JoT2tMOuaab6o-3V3cWo3kbNGTycIjKHjCOnhcs/s840/P1030838-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS3Cnr9rF17fUQHZSThPWs4oypF2SCB_VajxFHy8930AS-YJunzStK6pF8m6zt5MBLx13Hp_fjxIarVK4G9EHx1r7oN2v1LD3usisqAvm9UpzUzPHjpsoAGXrqENk3_rdL8CoF1zHs-uWlpoIpQKU7JoT2tMOuaab6o-3V3cWo3kbNGTycIjKHjCOnhcs/s16000/P1030838-.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I finally wrote my Christmas cards a couple of weeks ago while watching The Santa Clause. I went with these colourful cards by Tache from TK Maxx. The designs are so fun.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvUuDs0ZzanZz5OqwJWz5maLGT3Tb0MpndH8LsURJJI4aaZqnBUdqTwsTcRqlqu5WdhIhmv0o-ssilbuDQrPR4FcuBysdiyDtfA3IoVzb85fNhb0HAT32KyYc7Kx4CLvLjlpKlW78cIeaXxrvLXy6SrNOiD0LsFYiOiB_YjhTvdXlr0wt0D0uoc0bzArK/s840/P1040446--.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvUuDs0ZzanZz5OqwJWz5maLGT3Tb0MpndH8LsURJJI4aaZqnBUdqTwsTcRqlqu5WdhIhmv0o-ssilbuDQrPR4FcuBysdiyDtfA3IoVzb85fNhb0HAT32KyYc7Kx4CLvLjlpKlW78cIeaXxrvLXy6SrNOiD0LsFYiOiB_YjhTvdXlr0wt0D0uoc0bzArK/s16000/P1040446--.JPG" /></a></b></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wrapping</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also managed to get all of my Christmas presents wrapped by mid-month (including the dog's). I actually started wrapping them in November, and did them in small batches to try to make it easier on my back. If you have chronic pain, staggering your wrapping definitely helps! I spent a couple of hours last Sunday adding red and white twine and candy canes to them, and now they're done I feel much more organised. This year's wrapping paper is covered in gingerbread men using cups of cocoa like hot tubs, and I got it from Zazzle when it was half off. It's not cheap, but I couldn't resist.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQsx9WRGVpvbSaTqXOd7-NwGVVyn0Sh-vTcgMj7yP8j6lF4-GPtKo2nmQ-sWFCUKHSs2MYvA43O72-oECSSL2RFGNK8qKA1h6judA6lPZwc-KKYYOyXPAIiVnK7-y_7K-aRW-3JP__0mhd9cha0CXpkK5-vftyKN_LOD8qHNPpR7z9LJnEJ7Qr_OCn5zo/s840/P1040456=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQsx9WRGVpvbSaTqXOd7-NwGVVyn0Sh-vTcgMj7yP8j6lF4-GPtKo2nmQ-sWFCUKHSs2MYvA43O72-oECSSL2RFGNK8qKA1h6judA6lPZwc-KKYYOyXPAIiVnK7-y_7K-aRW-3JP__0mhd9cha0CXpkK5-vftyKN_LOD8qHNPpR7z9LJnEJ7Qr_OCn5zo/s16000/P1040456=.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Decorating</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I decorated my bedroom for Christmas about ten days into the month, and it feels so festive and cosy with all the fairy lights and retro decorations up. I have a small real tree on what is normally my dressing table, loads of retro deer ornaments, and lots of other decorations dotted about. We also finally managed to put the decorations up in the living room on Wednesday, so the house is looking so festive now.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Loving</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Seeing all the houses and town centres decorated for Christmas. We went for a drive to spot Christmas lights the other night, and there are so many good ones this year. I love how Christmas lights brighten up the long winter nights.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Liking</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">How my bedroom currently smells strongly of pine from the Christmas tree. It smells so good!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Enjoying</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Getting ready for Christmas. I always enjoy all the fun little activities we do in the lead up to Christmas to prepare for it- wrapping presents, hanging decorations, shopping for treats etc- even if my body protests a lot these days.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Needing</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">To dress the mantle with fir branches and pine cones. (I've been waiting for the greenery from the garden to dry, so I'll have to do a last minute job today).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And some rest and a decent night's sleep because I've not been sleeping, and I'm shattered.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wanting</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">To find the <a href="https://www.truffleshuffle.co.uk/product/37080/loungefly-disney-lady-and-the-tramp-daisy-portrait-mini-backpack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loungefly Lady and the Tramp mini backpack</a>, the <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/deluxe-hunger-games-collection/suzanne-collins/9780702333026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunger Games deluxe box set</a>, and the <a href="https://www.illumicrate.com/shop/illumicrate-exclusive-olivie-blake-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Illumicrate Olivie Blake book set</a> under the tree this Christmas. Please Santa; I've been very good this year. *Cough cough.*</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wishing</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I could get out and about more, and had someone to do all the fun festive things with. Christmas isn't so fun when there's no one to enjoy it all with.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Eating </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Far too many Reese's peanut butter Christmas trees and Cadbury praline chocolate Puds. And a couple of Christmas Doughnut Time doughnuts. Why are Christmas treats so much tastier than regular treats?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QK093o9ea_mnPIokE_oma-kIcyKzlIm6Z-CTdfmwQ6KXkvTwCAONHK9QSy7nuD09psnkD_KVTFWvzvQQC4QiJsJ4R1pUBTGxu_1ue3kAXGw73aqhEy_qvXEW-YGdSjQx7pIUEeHcVRQMAvwnRkAdd571wp4wruvMYo8jY300dELbtKsm8TmcxcOCNeBy/s840/IMG_4222-.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QK093o9ea_mnPIokE_oma-kIcyKzlIm6Z-CTdfmwQ6KXkvTwCAONHK9QSy7nuD09psnkD_KVTFWvzvQQC4QiJsJ4R1pUBTGxu_1ue3kAXGw73aqhEy_qvXEW-YGdSjQx7pIUEeHcVRQMAvwnRkAdd571wp4wruvMYo8jY300dELbtKsm8TmcxcOCNeBy/s16000/IMG_4222-.JPEG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Drinking</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've had a couple of Costa hot chocolates delivered lately, which has been lovely as I hadn't had one in years. Their signature hot chocolate is my favourite, but last time, I tried the Terry's Chocolate Orange one and it was sooo good. Would recommend.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Looking</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">forward to a lovely Christmas with my family. We're having a family Christmas buffet this afternoon, and a quiet Christmas Day at home, but I can't wait to enjoy lots of good food, Christmas movies, and maybe even a board game or two together over the next couple of days. And most of all, I'm just looking forward to having a spare second to relax!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And that's my life lately in a nut shell.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hope you have a fantastic Christmas how ever you're celebrating, or a lovely week / other religious holiday if you're not. Eat, drink, and be merry, and have an extra slice of cake for me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, guys!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What are your plans for Christmas?</p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-90735121934198950062023-12-22T13:41:00.001+00:002023-12-24T10:12:46.684+00:00The Christmas Songs Book Tag 2023<p style="text-align: justify;">I've seen The Christmas Songs Book Tag doing the rounds on a couple of blogs this Christmas, so I'm here to give it a go, too.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are ten bookish questions based on Christmas songs, and if you want to know who my favourite bookish couples are, what books I love to read over the holidays, and which books I'm looking forward to, keep reading!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpBbS40lHc2QRhq3BslHlCIS61SlYplkOpRDQGdrG4AsbxPI3DHB2nE-HoQa87tWLsU4YEfCiCt4r66dexEc8w-9DKQHvqkt4HAWgGo5MQquAsTR82vYu6LDT-ZSfprtOz03mNPZTtJXTjgbTM8ElL1szas_f8COBlCURb9USvC53JZwIQZWmcB-gxwBw/s840/the%20christmas%20songs%20book%20tag%202023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpBbS40lHc2QRhq3BslHlCIS61SlYplkOpRDQGdrG4AsbxPI3DHB2nE-HoQa87tWLsU4YEfCiCt4r66dexEc8w-9DKQHvqkt4HAWgGo5MQquAsTR82vYu6LDT-ZSfprtOz03mNPZTtJXTjgbTM8ElL1szas_f8COBlCURb9USvC53JZwIQZWmcB-gxwBw/s16000/the%20christmas%20songs%20book%20tag%202023.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">1. All I Want For Christmas Is You: Favourite Bookish Couple.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have so many favourite bookish couples and don't think I can pick just one. I love Cassian and Nesta from ACOTAR; Lorcan and Elide, and Rowan and Aelin from Throne of Glass (and all the other TOG couples- there are so many good ones); Jacks and Evangeline from Once Upon a Broken Heart; Violet and Xaden from Fourth Wing; Casteel and Poppy (and Kieran) from the Blood and Ash books; Jude and Cardan from The Folk of the Air; Nikolai and Zoya from King of Scars; the Crows couples; and... okay, I'll stop now; I could easily keep listing all day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCNQOEOiOsT1RNcW1f2Kn0wi6JNCjPhMK85J7GPrJcJrfAnVY__YvK9V8f5I1rqJygyPaAldDjORHkYQ7kzZiNKnFti56OgmyFj0ZTH-gC3pPj5xvZ2heJQ45zKp1t0MUV5DuLiNXyk9FUWP49-SZ9rd7J_U4BAHC664orDMNq3ngtLxPJfJ9zn6veAE_/s4230/IMG_2980==.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3173" data-original-width="4230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCNQOEOiOsT1RNcW1f2Kn0wi6JNCjPhMK85J7GPrJcJrfAnVY__YvK9V8f5I1rqJygyPaAldDjORHkYQ7kzZiNKnFti56OgmyFj0ZTH-gC3pPj5xvZ2heJQ45zKp1t0MUV5DuLiNXyk9FUWP49-SZ9rd7J_U4BAHC664orDMNq3ngtLxPJfJ9zn6veAE_/s16000/IMG_2980==.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">2. I'll Be Home For Christmas: Name a Book Where a Character is Away From Home (School, Vacation etc).</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar. It's a retelling of The Nutcracker, about a young woman who escapes through a portal in a grandfather clock on Christmas Eve, and finds herself in a magical snow-draped world filled with gingerbread houses, moose-drawn sleighs, and miniature reindeer. Things quickly turn less magical when she's taken prisoner by the cruel king, and is forced to dance day after day until he tires of her. She has to find a way to escape his abuse, but things get complicated when she grows closer to the captain of the guard who is risking his life to keep her safe. It's a magical festive read, so I'd highly recommend it for over the holidays. You can find my review of it <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/midnight-in-everwood-by-m-kuzniar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Name Your Favourite Little Book (Children's story, short story, novella etc).</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I really love How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black from The Folk of the Air Series. It's an illustrated book full of short stories telling several poignant scenes from The Cruel Prince from Cardan's POV, as well as some from his childhood, and a couple after The Queen of Nothing, too. It's such a fun collection of stories, and I love getting the insight into why Cardan did some of the things he did during the series, like forcing Jude and Taryn into the pond, cornering Jude after the warrior trials, and drunkenly riding a horse through the school. It's cute seeing him exploring the mortal world with Jude, too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also love The Assassin's Blade novellas from the Throne of Glass series- especially The Assassin and the Healer, which tells the story of how Celaena and Yrene first met, and The Assassin and the Empire, which painfully counts down to Sam's tragic death, and Celaena being betrayed and sentenced to slavery in the salt mines. I wrote a review of it <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town: What Book(s) Do You Hope Santa Brings You This Year?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have so many books on my wish list, but I would be especially thrilled to find the <a href="https://www.illumicrate.com/shop/illumicrate-exclusive-olivie-blake-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Illumicrate Olivie Blake duo</a> of Masters of Death and One For My Enemy under my tree, because they look stunning. I'm also dying to get my hands on the gorgeous new <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/deluxe-hunger-games-collection/suzanne-collins/9780702333026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunger Games deluxe box set</a> which seems to be sold out everywhere, the <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/fall-of-ruin-and-wrath-exclusive-owlcrate-edition?variant=42675435045039" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Owlcrate edition of Fall of Ruin and Wrath</a>, and the <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/jennifer%20l%20armentrout" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes and Nobles exclusives of Jennifer L Armentrout's Fire in the Flesh series</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: Which Book Turned Your Nose Red (Made You Cry)?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I sobbed my heart out during the aftermath of Sam's death in The Assassin's Blade (one of the saddest deaths ever), and through most of Kingdom of Ash- especially the torture and death scenes. I also bawled my eyes out at the end of The Ballad of Never After, and when a beloved character died in Fourth Wing (I'm never getting over it).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51IiYNOz1NOB5nZeJ66rXiG7HK6Miykf6CkwwqkRrC9ALDAql3XbNIchUBGfRVd5egj9d54s4CC1fF8b5Thdt2pG0cqbpfevd-Ph8duKzvFF9mYaQ7U-FgJ87ITQlbSEXcIrZte1l_n4hTDpFF-ZqFwn8xZsZKkrZqGXTdba7U_GiUgsTJAR5-VlBF4Ey/s840/IMG_5020====.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51IiYNOz1NOB5nZeJ66rXiG7HK6Miykf6CkwwqkRrC9ALDAql3XbNIchUBGfRVd5egj9d54s4CC1fF8b5Thdt2pG0cqbpfevd-Ph8duKzvFF9mYaQ7U-FgJ87ITQlbSEXcIrZte1l_n4hTDpFF-ZqFwn8xZsZKkrZqGXTdba7U_GiUgsTJAR5-VlBF4Ey/s16000/IMG_5020====.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">6. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Your Favourite Book / Kind of Book to Read During the Holidays.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I love to read festive-themed books during the holidays to get me in the mood for Christmas. I often return to Christmas classics like A Christmas Carol and Little Women, but I've discovered some great fantasy books in the last year that I think will be reread during future Christmases from now on, like Midnight in Everwood and Upon a Frosted Star by M. A. Kuzniar, and A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">7. We Three Kings: Your Favourite trilogy.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm finding it hard to choose between The Folk of the Air, Shadow and Bone, Once Upon a Broken Heart, and The Hunger Games.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">8. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: A Character You'd Love to be Snowed in With.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wouldn't say 'no' to being snowed in with Cassian from ACOTAR. Although, it would also be a lot of fun to be snowed in with Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn from A Court of Silver Flames- especially in The House of Wind, so we could have a fun grown up sleepover in a library with miniature pegasuses and play dress up in bathtubs full of bubbles but no water. Their sleepover scene was so whimsical, and I loved it!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">9. Last Christmas: A Book That Seriously Let You Down.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The only book I can really think of from recent years is Femlandia by Christina Dalcher. I usually love her books and was looking forward to it for ages, but it was no where near as good as the others. It was about a sinister women-only feminist commune and the extreme ways they went about ensuring they only had female babies, and it was pretty disturbing. And dull. And the man-hating was too much to be enjoyable, even as a piece of fiction. Would not recommend it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">10. White Christmas: An Upcoming Release You're Dreaming About.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm really looking forward to the sequel to The Stolen Heir, The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black, which comes out in March. And also Crescent City three, House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas, which is set to be released next month. I haven't even read the first two books yet (I'm planning to after Christmas), but I can't wait for the ACOTAR cross over! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And that's The Christmas Songs Book Tag!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you're reading this and want to take part in the tag on your own blog, consider yourself tagged. Be sure to leave me a link to your post in the comments so I can read your answers!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What's your favourite book to read over the holidays?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-christmas-day-tag.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Christmas Day Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-ultimate-christmas-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">The Ultimate Christmas Tag</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-festive-christmas-book-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Festive Christmas Book Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-winter-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Winter Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-jingle-all-way-christmas-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Jingle All The Way Christmas Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-christmas-book-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Christmas Book Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-christmas-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">A Christmas Tag</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-55746785140619071752023-12-19T12:49:00.003+00:002023-12-19T12:51:24.756+00:00Erstwilder Christmas Brooches I've Worn This Christmas<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the last couple of weeks, I've been enjoying adding a little festive cheer to my outfits- and sometimes just my PJs- by accessorising with a different Christmas brooch almost every day. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I've been able to document them, I've been sharing my brooch of the days over on my Insta Stories, and I thought it would be fun to document some of them here, too. There have been a couple of days when I haven't worn one and some days when I've reworn a favourite, and sometimes I forgot to take a photo, so there isn't one for every day of December- just the ones I've remembered to do. Also, please excuse the photo quality- they were taken on my phone.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, here are nine of the Erstwilder Christmas brooches I've worn so far this month.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn-BzGmpSydjcf1QoMhrxfV6vjLCdXriB7Vtl9DOqMGMrJsBxD4h34ypqUBjBpibUZKpwmumL0czy6cMuOn_3THe_PaReVDV58B8Ujmzs1nEfDUXSpGMAfw4RnhnD5perP380XseV50GlysTNySHjkR7P94usi53r7aaS7EZbFNfKpDS3eHWdztPISFmI/s1120/IMG_5219=-.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn-BzGmpSydjcf1QoMhrxfV6vjLCdXriB7Vtl9DOqMGMrJsBxD4h34ypqUBjBpibUZKpwmumL0czy6cMuOn_3THe_PaReVDV58B8Ujmzs1nEfDUXSpGMAfw4RnhnD5perP380XseV50GlysTNySHjkR7P94usi53r7aaS7EZbFNfKpDS3eHWdztPISFmI/s16000/IMG_5219=-.JPEG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First up, we have a pretty pastel cuckoo clock brooch called Past Midnight. It was from the All Wrapped Up Collection 2019, and a recolouring from another Christmas collection a couple of years earlier. It's one of my favourite brooches ever, and gives off strong fairytale vibes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXaR3ru4YauhNjS7ErLAVspu7MpyTRpIA-AARHF-X3Ami6tYutTAwd2tSkTLXwlQe3xb0icLTcOm4iMexdolKuJ6MbdMevqqGFKQSQYGIrdt8jTlOBiE3YE_elmmMagopCRvQcw4CGsvMq_DPxAIYeuMKStQE2rLdjnMCzw7tin9-ciH69wAJTCPSfBI0/s1120/erstwilder%20seasons%20greetings%20brooch=.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXaR3ru4YauhNjS7ErLAVspu7MpyTRpIA-AARHF-X3Ami6tYutTAwd2tSkTLXwlQe3xb0icLTcOm4iMexdolKuJ6MbdMevqqGFKQSQYGIrdt8jTlOBiE3YE_elmmMagopCRvQcw4CGsvMq_DPxAIYeuMKStQE2rLdjnMCzw7tin9-ciH69wAJTCPSfBI0/s16000/erstwilder%20seasons%20greetings%20brooch=.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Season's Greetings snowglobe brooch is another old favourite from the All Wrapped Up collection, and another pretty pastel recolouring I love to rewear at this time of year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq9XAh2EqYvzad7j4TqVm3dBB5UJm5-8rz_puRvJ7ihxBgCxYe6ZAueASsc91GwxSzi_SlaVbhx7hVF1Ezv54m1u_YOCzgLFyu5S4RUHtznxkgRnZjtbvmJZ6iwITdm9xZ-0ZFQsyQjEz9ut_cDPMfnOang6OkNwpeibZ7jP2Hq9dPlD__6K7AQxk3jnP/s1120/erstwilder%20marys%20bells%20brooch-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq9XAh2EqYvzad7j4TqVm3dBB5UJm5-8rz_puRvJ7ihxBgCxYe6ZAueASsc91GwxSzi_SlaVbhx7hVF1Ezv54m1u_YOCzgLFyu5S4RUHtznxkgRnZjtbvmJZ6iwITdm9xZ-0ZFQsyQjEz9ut_cDPMfnOang6OkNwpeibZ7jP2Hq9dPlD__6K7AQxk3jnP/s16000/erstwilder%20marys%20bells%20brooch-.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Next up we have Mary's Bells, a pair of opalescent bells with a glittery aquamarine bow, from the Kitschy Christmas collection of 2017. This was actually one of the very first Erstwilder brooches I ever bought, and it's still going strong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxqozwOKCxrzh1IJd8nuBnziR0bAGn3uHzT4TLBymCBinB4ZWfZi1ZEtIP8wqQktcRqlgjTO9o4fgmnQ-O_FXKw0rbO81plyHbskwG2BhAu5TafUzyUyXz-Zo8hwO8K4Wdr_HbERc5pc4qOhDbffRC9bFa8YUyvu0WK1076VgnMMpijWb3DlO7AKg4a1b/s1120/erstwilder%20mama%20bear%20brooch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxqozwOKCxrzh1IJd8nuBnziR0bAGn3uHzT4TLBymCBinB4ZWfZi1ZEtIP8wqQktcRqlgjTO9o4fgmnQ-O_FXKw0rbO81plyHbskwG2BhAu5TafUzyUyXz-Zo8hwO8K4Wdr_HbERc5pc4qOhDbffRC9bFa8YUyvu0WK1076VgnMMpijWb3DlO7AKg4a1b/s16000/erstwilder%20mama%20bear%20brooch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mama Bear is technically not a Christmas brooch, but I think this pair of polar bears is perfect for this time of year, so I always wear it over the holidays. It's made from a mother-of-pearl like ripple resin that shimmers in shades of rose, pistachio, and forget-me-not blue, and it's so beautiful. It was from a Fan Favourites collection a couple of years ago, and a recolouring of a pair of grizzlies from the 2020 Woodlands range.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpelbgDvcZEcN8RJMS5L7QLabBRvWVHdWimqAut6cenmCXlvjT8jpaURZrf0ysg_y-hOU3-LoFw7woi2Hf7WqJZeIexHy524V2obcLRTHdgzSB6-Gk0QgyuRsjv-VitWDBKxnCjnLx9E1umdU6eHw_VKkELwHttelbLsYm25IdOqe8o6PrcWzm1W31x-o/s1120/erstwilder%20santa%20clause%20brooch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpelbgDvcZEcN8RJMS5L7QLabBRvWVHdWimqAut6cenmCXlvjT8jpaURZrf0ysg_y-hOU3-LoFw7woi2Hf7WqJZeIexHy524V2obcLRTHdgzSB6-Gk0QgyuRsjv-VitWDBKxnCjnLx9E1umdU6eHw_VKkELwHttelbLsYm25IdOqe8o6PrcWzm1W31x-o/s16000/erstwilder%20santa%20clause%20brooch.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It wouldn't be Christmas without Santa, and he's already been showing his face- and his snazzy trousers- early this year. This one is Santa Clause from the Erstwilder x Pete Cromer Christmas collection from 2020, and I love the gorgeous red ripple resin he's made from.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Kw_c_IvpXmOwczy1mvQfYKtrdbpupDeKMSeuyfjUYPz7xMqq3aoIn4C2QTKOShxjyqox7n6T2N0zclQYusYndHn2t3a0YX1CvI7jK-dYUZec0EH8i8h77YJCS7pfa6ETMzT9GxCRHiYOSTOECQIgrrYdSOaT4h0gkeBZYFd8lohor4-D_qgotfajllj/s1120/erstwilder%20to%20be%20jolly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Kw_c_IvpXmOwczy1mvQfYKtrdbpupDeKMSeuyfjUYPz7xMqq3aoIn4C2QTKOShxjyqox7n6T2N0zclQYusYndHn2t3a0YX1CvI7jK-dYUZec0EH8i8h77YJCS7pfa6ETMzT9GxCRHiYOSTOECQIgrrYdSOaT4h0gkeBZYFd8lohor4-D_qgotfajllj/s16000/erstwilder%20to%20be%20jolly.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wore To Be Jolly, a Kitschy green and white Christmas tree, while I was decorating my own Christmas tree. I love how fun and sparkly it is. It was part of the Kitschy Christmas collection of 2017, and another of the very first Erstwilder brooches I bought. My Mum liked this one so much, I had to go back and buy one for her, too, to stop her from stealing mine.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwzuuMZufs492_shBVr7fsPoaN5FDya-f08u5Au8wLWKCWfloMrOrFxyqiOGmp34GdsvrKLoS51SrHcMPBLYPu2yTPUfd2oeD2VgQ3FfGYhAie_K_WYGVFSZt-RWeRE61JWOxS0mJqNpEnnxjY6YOpIQ8ypZO7MjywlbuyexkFk1H7JHUhVjbYdojl2mo/s1120/erstwilder%20snuggy%20snowman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwzuuMZufs492_shBVr7fsPoaN5FDya-f08u5Au8wLWKCWfloMrOrFxyqiOGmp34GdsvrKLoS51SrHcMPBLYPu2yTPUfd2oeD2VgQ3FfGYhAie_K_WYGVFSZt-RWeRE61JWOxS0mJqNpEnnxjY6YOpIQ8ypZO7MjywlbuyexkFk1H7JHUhVjbYdojl2mo/s16000/erstwilder%20snuggy%20snowman.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a soft spot for the Pete Cromer collections (his designs are always amazing!), so Snuggy Snowman has already had a couple of outings this Christmas. He is the glitteriest, shimmeriest snowman ever, and looks amazing when the light hits all that glitter. I got him from the Pete Cromer Christmas collection of 2020 because extra joy was necessary that Christmas.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a47JzgxpG6EiH-sDyUYhySQHIE9s5a6bvsISVoAcCMAIfIiBhR3mI5H_h1X4SIalhRarEYWnun96xMGnNgsymAkX2wN3um2zyZdwaH6BjUQYrQZNxWRH-Wh56_2GAtA7ENNlbDS9hVk16iduAS_fTY5C9BjhQtZQvjAxClynW28uCw3Mq6BX-3sBOrHs/s1120/erstwilder%20kiss%20me%20kindly%20brooch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a47JzgxpG6EiH-sDyUYhySQHIE9s5a6bvsISVoAcCMAIfIiBhR3mI5H_h1X4SIalhRarEYWnun96xMGnNgsymAkX2wN3um2zyZdwaH6BjUQYrQZNxWRH-Wh56_2GAtA7ENNlbDS9hVk16iduAS_fTY5C9BjhQtZQvjAxClynW28uCw3Mq6BX-3sBOrHs/s16000/erstwilder%20kiss%20me%20kindly%20brooch.jpg" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wore Kiss Me Kindly this past weekend, just pinned to my pyjamas while wrapping presents and watching Christmas movies. It's a classic sprig of holly tied with a big sparkly bow, and was yet another piece from the Kitschy Christmas collection of yester year.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOwLDx4tjpAFydnYBef1GUH6oXk2zwF-jylsFgKCi89eW1xwOn72DT7TeDk7mPF4qkrdTXo6HpKjNX8sfz-BEDzdZ6UbsWsA5UgXL7wO_apjdFa4Vf4FyCI_lGfVfhlhJ5olYlg-GdPhD_AlK5_rO3pBeEpgAnT6x2EpD43AR8ZM_cSP0oN8Ff_Gx4eu-/s1120/erstwilder%20stay%20frosty%20snowman%20brooch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOwLDx4tjpAFydnYBef1GUH6oXk2zwF-jylsFgKCi89eW1xwOn72DT7TeDk7mPF4qkrdTXo6HpKjNX8sfz-BEDzdZ6UbsWsA5UgXL7wO_apjdFa4Vf4FyCI_lGfVfhlhJ5olYlg-GdPhD_AlK5_rO3pBeEpgAnT6x2EpD43AR8ZM_cSP0oN8Ff_Gx4eu-/s16000/erstwilder%20stay%20frosty%20snowman%20brooch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And finally, we have Stay Frosty, Snowman from last year's Modern Holiday range. I love how this dainty little snowman gives off retro vibes while the unusual Christmas colours of navy, fuchsia, aquamarine, and salmon give it a modern twist. They're not Christmas colours I usually go for, but t's such a cute brooch.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is only half of my Erstwilder Christmas brooch collection, and I still have more to wear before the holidays are through.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you want to see which brooches I'm wearing daily, you can follow along on my Insta Stories here. I'll do my best to round up the next batch on the blog later in the month, too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do you enjoy accessorising with Christmas-themed jewellery during the festive season?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/erstwilder-christmas-essentials.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erstwilder Christmas Essentials Earrings 2023</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/my-erstwilder-christmas-brooch.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">My Erstwilder Christmas Brooch Collection</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/erstwilder-modern-holiday-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder Modern Holiday Brooches and Earrings</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/erstwilder-australian-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder An Australian Christmas Brooches and Earrings</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/erstwilder-x-pete-cromer-2020-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder x Pete Cromer 2.0 Christmas Brooches</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2019/12/erstwilder-all-wrapped-up-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder All Wrapped Up Christmas Brooches</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/11/erstwilder-festive-splendour-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder Festive Splendour Christmas Brooches</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/12/erstwilder-kitschy-christmas-brooches.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder Kitschy Christmas Brooches</a></p></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-91505222682986497222023-12-17T07:00:00.001+00:002023-12-17T07:00:00.134+00:00Sunday Favourites Christmas Special #408<p> <span style="text-align: justify;">If you're looking for a little last minute Christmas inspiration, you've come to the right place.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've got another festive Sunday Favourites post for you today, and it's crammed full of colourful festive recipes, crafts, wrapping ideas, decor, and more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg50TkbK9ylg3kSHuXO9NWJMKkh92P1s6ruwvsPMqahk-viPBZWL20aVq343uXJIAd7BBPoU5x3drwYysO6ZZVytyvUPkgsnPkolBj6YBG1lCLFNJnFpD3uCxnHEAb6dih142VZgTRogYnb5iTu8mst8rgh1BD7plulIi9idFcukkmKjtVZ9YcjnrPlYI/s1024/original_christmas-stamps-gift-wrap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg50TkbK9ylg3kSHuXO9NWJMKkh92P1s6ruwvsPMqahk-viPBZWL20aVq343uXJIAd7BBPoU5x3drwYysO6ZZVytyvUPkgsnPkolBj6YBG1lCLFNJnFpD3uCxnHEAb6dih142VZgTRogYnb5iTu8mst8rgh1BD7plulIi9idFcukkmKjtVZ9YcjnrPlYI/s16000/original_christmas-stamps-gift-wrap.jpg" width="840" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love this <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ickaprint/product/christmas-stamps-gift-wrap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas Stamps Gift Wrap</a> by Ickaprint on Not on the High Street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFyfZu3mNEafNEFLCNgOSMS3ZPr7aZTz5_6oi9zN_1-dfdq5tUVidvnQY22p7kN5WuBmT2VdXYUPhX50sdg_hI_lMhl4bdpJptOFxsLl1_pZhl2gi_s2S_5x_K43tXwr2DRSVM9jz0pi8ik2k_KjyBW3KDBcvXd0OiTJLVN2pBzU1WNJOOVe7bAfkd2KK/s840/original_christmas-woodland-animals-wrapping-paper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFyfZu3mNEafNEFLCNgOSMS3ZPr7aZTz5_6oi9zN_1-dfdq5tUVidvnQY22p7kN5WuBmT2VdXYUPhX50sdg_hI_lMhl4bdpJptOFxsLl1_pZhl2gi_s2S_5x_K43tXwr2DRSVM9jz0pi8ik2k_KjyBW3KDBcvXd0OiTJLVN2pBzU1WNJOOVe7bAfkd2KK/s16000/original_christmas-woodland-animals-wrapping-paper.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />This <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lornasyson/product/christmas-woodland-animals-wrapping-paper" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas Woodland Animal gift wrap</a> from Lorna Syson is so lovely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPU-QfA9cMGsO9pLzjU247gyU9QxvJwT5I-yH5na152CN0o6crlzitcvLnIyUxfGXwMQKoV1hTL6hhRAiP4XtJWfeh16sCtCJTGaIqSS9m94NRh6HBYZyST3KQHPwG7tWqfNvbjZsG-mAgUBdDux1EaLwVjnxzV6e3C74o-Vl8jIMOqwqynnjWU0kN63JP/s672/33a476_8d9ce47ce91c4176a239c4b59c0aaa7d~mv2%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPU-QfA9cMGsO9pLzjU247gyU9QxvJwT5I-yH5na152CN0o6crlzitcvLnIyUxfGXwMQKoV1hTL6hhRAiP4XtJWfeh16sCtCJTGaIqSS9m94NRh6HBYZyST3KQHPwG7tWqfNvbjZsG-mAgUBdDux1EaLwVjnxzV6e3C74o-Vl8jIMOqwqynnjWU0kN63JP/s16000/33a476_8d9ce47ce91c4176a239c4b59c0aaa7d~mv2%20(1).jpg" width="840" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm loving the retro design of Laliblue's <a href="https://www.ohmymarie.co.uk/product-page/christmas-house-brooch-by-laliblue" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas House Brooch</a>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7uTxggH8YFKU5uzySLuEPNanpwqEO_5Hs-iWNLwxYrCN8sDGtdU7IoBpNlEvslCSW6wXFTu-4VEpHmpkPa7_2CoeTeCAkBjFiwkVWTIj2LCzPO5E2t0spCdOm_fHLI5CKBAaa15d8wnn_JjlxLdNanmWKXgKlBHKhNBKjHpFKqn4hB3Tp-1MhkaB-_WK/s672/33a476_9fce3bd9400642679353d7871b18ab6c~mv2%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7uTxggH8YFKU5uzySLuEPNanpwqEO_5Hs-iWNLwxYrCN8sDGtdU7IoBpNlEvslCSW6wXFTu-4VEpHmpkPa7_2CoeTeCAkBjFiwkVWTIj2LCzPO5E2t0spCdOm_fHLI5CKBAaa15d8wnn_JjlxLdNanmWKXgKlBHKhNBKjHpFKqn4hB3Tp-1MhkaB-_WK/s16000/33a476_9fce3bd9400642679353d7871b18ab6c~mv2%20(1).jpg" width="840" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">And their <a href="https://www.ohmymarie.co.uk/product-page/penguin-christmas-brooch-by-laliblue" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">penguin Christmas brooch</a> is pretty damn cute, too.</p></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsX6F9BnLQJMS8tz3fIHAMwS7zlJK0KWLUZu_IZYKyikf60w3KcjQAjKDUxDdnxSCFF1aRWeggYl2zeb472Gq8felqyHvHv2wsEz97zKQJZ_CYiv-B6GGbMmFd3EENF4N9LASYGqaY6toJ0w4wgLymnfc1T2PUwLOVekQmSAKLttR1cFSxrnaWueKRwBD/s1024/original_christmas-reindeer-patchwork-gift-wrap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsX6F9BnLQJMS8tz3fIHAMwS7zlJK0KWLUZu_IZYKyikf60w3KcjQAjKDUxDdnxSCFF1aRWeggYl2zeb472Gq8felqyHvHv2wsEz97zKQJZ_CYiv-B6GGbMmFd3EENF4N9LASYGqaY6toJ0w4wgLymnfc1T2PUwLOVekQmSAKLttR1cFSxrnaWueKRwBD/s16000/original_christmas-reindeer-patchwork-gift-wrap.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Don't worry if you can't name all of Santa's reindeer; you'll certainly know them by heart once you've wrapped everything in this amazing <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ickaprint/product/christmas-reindeer-patchwork-gift-wrap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas reindeer patchwork gift wrap</a> from Ickaprint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXnq8v-2UlfFUu3jSV1HP1QKN8kEMzdu3sTbufJQjFg_e2x-XQ_1E9EWbP9iG_YxcOAj-vHMhbARbYdIvWzmKObUwbAZgjnN1cbE6K7rOqv6L-Q369dgI2XwTh9XknBUEsPklZlfioJJkGMctc8lTdo2E5vaPvv0RWGULICTWHsH-1XI_sZGc2req8WlG/s945/Lars-Paper-Ornaments-2-of-31%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXnq8v-2UlfFUu3jSV1HP1QKN8kEMzdu3sTbufJQjFg_e2x-XQ_1E9EWbP9iG_YxcOAj-vHMhbARbYdIvWzmKObUwbAZgjnN1cbE6K7rOqv6L-Q369dgI2XwTh9XknBUEsPklZlfioJJkGMctc8lTdo2E5vaPvv0RWGULICTWHsH-1XI_sZGc2req8WlG/s16000/Lars-Paper-Ornaments-2-of-31%20(1).jpg" width="840" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The House That Lars Built shows you how to make traditional <a href="https://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2022/12/danish-christmas-hearts.html/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Danish Christmas Hearts</a> out of paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNJjVoX3XiEzKuXE2bNWSY3tiWbcruMrR-46VhyphenhyphenZ056GC6GbgSWhEaKEZfdwprn4LSX3_p2IXfuZra3A1QmlFvC0oaKfzZeZJKn6Tvk0qLytYvxqBmNIUllG35HZhsYgeqxx0wixT8dKT-VagYcqTSyrXWmlpkwcAGtj_LrqyF21jtJ0gyRYrl_B2VmrF/s945/Scandinavian-Paper-Angel-44-of-45%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNJjVoX3XiEzKuXE2bNWSY3tiWbcruMrR-46VhyphenhyphenZ056GC6GbgSWhEaKEZfdwprn4LSX3_p2IXfuZra3A1QmlFvC0oaKfzZeZJKn6Tvk0qLytYvxqBmNIUllG35HZhsYgeqxx0wixT8dKT-VagYcqTSyrXWmlpkwcAGtj_LrqyF21jtJ0gyRYrl_B2VmrF/s16000/Scandinavian-Paper-Angel-44-of-45%20(1).jpg" width="840" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And they also have a sweet DIY for <a href="https://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2022/12/diy-christmas-angel.html/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scandinavian Christmas angels</a> you can turn into decorations or present toppers.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHljTVctaRsYE-nI1XI4-qAZh23W7bK593Q5G2yuD-4PTSyZBAkdtDNqSD6MF2GoX1qBJ_13Xo1qcXKwFhYkmZ5_EY7Yghl8ANZXK7DHrLm0pLDhZRyrJQaX6JP0stFDSJ09GVEgTBITFaRTh9GaieayNedR59kqMg8kJIBwdP_MFTntI6zVpWaM0ivbFQ/s1260/homegoods-pink-christmas-decor-pink-christmas-tree-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHljTVctaRsYE-nI1XI4-qAZh23W7bK593Q5G2yuD-4PTSyZBAkdtDNqSD6MF2GoX1qBJ_13Xo1qcXKwFhYkmZ5_EY7Yghl8ANZXK7DHrLm0pLDhZRyrJQaX6JP0stFDSJ09GVEgTBITFaRTh9GaieayNedR59kqMg8kJIBwdP_MFTntI6zVpWaM0ivbFQ/s16000/homegoods-pink-christmas-decor-pink-christmas-tree-9.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I love Keiko Lynn's <a href="https://keikolynn.com/2022/12/pink-christmas-decor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pink Christmas decor</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lzScXbXQB92ptUUl-RLUstf1Bvu_8sEl1zH1QyLkceWus9y8bfFiRD09ikrqqFLNDUxRqmHoF6a4BYbYYSo4ymQ6-SebOPDAPZFrUhqyhCLuyCBdFGO5HD9n4b39G19jPxSGe6pDfIeXFBqqw4L2F3ajxcO7Wi8t0yBG9RddG7I4IYaUqxTVg8FVpV1M/s840/1a2e74210217c3b2fc9588bd5778baa3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lzScXbXQB92ptUUl-RLUstf1Bvu_8sEl1zH1QyLkceWus9y8bfFiRD09ikrqqFLNDUxRqmHoF6a4BYbYYSo4ymQ6-SebOPDAPZFrUhqyhCLuyCBdFGO5HD9n4b39G19jPxSGe6pDfIeXFBqqw4L2F3ajxcO7Wi8t0yBG9RddG7I4IYaUqxTVg8FVpV1M/s16000/1a2e74210217c3b2fc9588bd5778baa3.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This <a href="https://www.themakearcade.co.uk/products/snowperson-large-embroidery-kit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Snowperson embroidery kit</a> from The Make Arcade looks adorable, and easy enough for beginners, too.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHacct1aylO3vSg5ry97AfbjowX32DvmMv1PHqh4RUiYQr6tYj6YQWVBt6fXsgc6Bsm7y2fQSnQxJ0mSLHffFIIspl68D4tLJM5-luVx0Zvg22Huev-qRPK-3VunEe9eitwIDhVOKnZWHJldeGfSWNpYB-77e7BZlch6-Ak1gvLaFiJXDr6_GAm3e9LaG/s840/il_794xN.4423917119_j3yi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHacct1aylO3vSg5ry97AfbjowX32DvmMv1PHqh4RUiYQr6tYj6YQWVBt6fXsgc6Bsm7y2fQSnQxJ0mSLHffFIIspl68D4tLJM5-luVx0Zvg22Huev-qRPK-3VunEe9eitwIDhVOKnZWHJldeGfSWNpYB-77e7BZlch6-Ak1gvLaFiJXDr6_GAm3e9LaG/s16000/il_794xN.4423917119_j3yi.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'd love to make this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1354056191/retro-christmas-snow-globe-embroidery?click_key=3194fc8100dd13e7c4a7c342b4de6eec7fb0ea63%3A1354056191&click_sum=5befdfd9&ref=shop_home_recs_5&pro=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Retro Christmas Snow Globe embroidery</a> from BeCo Productions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxiRzYemOAkgaOoc09HtFpOelPPloiezMs04NOUgxjloPKhO8-os4Za5biy3scMR4Uwt0X9Ul-Pg1bvoPq8Rmp6JbjLOEojng3e72Poxb1fYuV0zoH1T0GP1Ru9H4faRm2316Cc9uJrP_eRIE7rPoonatHajA5nlwtPYeui_fy3Jfz8yhdwvmC-YUZCbS/s1260/melted-snowman-cookies-best-easy-christmas-cookie-1-5-1024x1536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxiRzYemOAkgaOoc09HtFpOelPPloiezMs04NOUgxjloPKhO8-os4Za5biy3scMR4Uwt0X9Ul-Pg1bvoPq8Rmp6JbjLOEojng3e72Poxb1fYuV0zoH1T0GP1Ru9H4faRm2316Cc9uJrP_eRIE7rPoonatHajA5nlwtPYeui_fy3Jfz8yhdwvmC-YUZCbS/s16000/melted-snowman-cookies-best-easy-christmas-cookie-1-5-1024x1536.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">How cute are these <a href="https://abeautifulmess.com/melted-snowman-cookies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Melted Snowman Cookies </a>from A Beautiful Mess?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqQvlqBajHvzylxtH98Avxfa8Y9SEhYLK67Oxo3R2ravjSvAwtR5e2glqsH_jLdBRHqs3rJN1KgM7QgJNbOV8jttRiU6CTgSJe9xhEjUdjqO8_P0j9Nrli4A0Oe8A5ZMI2nX2vjfwe-nzur3Aushu1of1E6MylISfFE8g2eK0vgmbbPyLt0uOWZOMkt1-/s1050/268883324_1086548508851502_3867889399641938156_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqQvlqBajHvzylxtH98Avxfa8Y9SEhYLK67Oxo3R2ravjSvAwtR5e2glqsH_jLdBRHqs3rJN1KgM7QgJNbOV8jttRiU6CTgSJe9xhEjUdjqO8_P0j9Nrli4A0Oe8A5ZMI2nX2vjfwe-nzur3Aushu1of1E6MylISfFE8g2eK0vgmbbPyLt0uOWZOMkt1-/s16000/268883324_1086548508851502_3867889399641938156_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5HJvEY_1hKnnIJMo0VY7ZjSocV6dpOJkx_wyNuHRK2D12yPwp26VBPzAHFmzhco7xYFOSNvKKY2pLKjc6wfgqTsEmYtdfbZdXPE1kITMhxiug2vgIBaxjw7TgJKbf5SzORHmOUb5yO3fJYM3InbrXQLMJ4M9D7lhyphenhyphenaUKQOujoM89rEAfIhYpB0itNRrJ/s1050/405222354_313012841573437_6881801759183468224_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5HJvEY_1hKnnIJMo0VY7ZjSocV6dpOJkx_wyNuHRK2D12yPwp26VBPzAHFmzhco7xYFOSNvKKY2pLKjc6wfgqTsEmYtdfbZdXPE1kITMhxiug2vgIBaxjw7TgJKbf5SzORHmOUb5yO3fJYM3InbrXQLMJ4M9D7lhyphenhyphenaUKQOujoM89rEAfIhYpB0itNRrJ/s16000/405222354_313012841573437_6881801759183468224_n.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The Pink Hutch's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepinkhutch/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pastel pink Christmas decor</a> is to die for. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT76Ap83ia0ig0A6o1SOoZTubnnIH8rPS7mwgEvzE5D5871u2DyzmtpbXlVE2W5gM0UKAmZb7HOJNZUFN_6-PCYPgcJpOdsUFyQ1WbI9pg_ekB8aP3nE8HRHSsok1xxhnd7TBUkrcc_nM_NLPeQq8CU1v_YQ9RfbdIwfoO4D7fPF7MoCYvwwKU9aqcZaGY/s1258/Best-Places-to-Shop-for-Pink-Christmas-Decor-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT76Ap83ia0ig0A6o1SOoZTubnnIH8rPS7mwgEvzE5D5871u2DyzmtpbXlVE2W5gM0UKAmZb7HOJNZUFN_6-PCYPgcJpOdsUFyQ1WbI9pg_ekB8aP3nE8HRHSsok1xxhnd7TBUkrcc_nM_NLPeQq8CU1v_YQ9RfbdIwfoO4D7fPF7MoCYvwwKU9aqcZaGY/s16000/Best-Places-to-Shop-for-Pink-Christmas-Decor-17.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I'm in love with With Wonder and Whimsy's sugary sweet <a href="https://withwonderandwhimsy.com/2022/12/13/best-places-to-shop-for-pink-christmas-decor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pastel Christmas decorations</a>.</p><div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VdMqPToIkJWOriLpDbHHnCrHiGnlEJU4v8iD1vRpnf5XjbRW2feAaNlNif-Ufeugt_Pi9CH-dzZR5pzj75Jk-TQwx3UHDTgzvzAug2U6GhEAwtaRUkOY4xhHXzTLhwLuZlXIxu7sfKR6CjxoX_iAJXemeWwC90D292lU8-9hU1ukHl87flG17EUPAEpI/s1260/Christmas-Hot-Chocolate-Board-06-800x1200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VdMqPToIkJWOriLpDbHHnCrHiGnlEJU4v8iD1vRpnf5XjbRW2feAaNlNif-Ufeugt_Pi9CH-dzZR5pzj75Jk-TQwx3UHDTgzvzAug2U6GhEAwtaRUkOY4xhHXzTLhwLuZlXIxu7sfKR6CjxoX_iAJXemeWwC90D292lU8-9hU1ukHl87flG17EUPAEpI/s16000/Christmas-Hot-Chocolate-Board-06-800x1200.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I love Studio DIY's idea for a <a href="https://studiodiy.com/christmas-hot-chocolate-board/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hot chocolate board</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUQrgdL6BQLx7G_70Qgvry3hcRSXdOfMf3648YXnd_mDBj12j6LXkO6eeIlUYRBK0E0RvYgf6vWzR-lMlM6ifU1xu8pZRAqtpTPYgYssULoFL8hxlvqlqeg_ojiKYABNC14o__jCR8QswbGF-apKS9h0IrmWDFy_U16jjdqfT372BrjKY7qCfxXs-2fgk/s1050/hot-chocolate-bar-819x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUQrgdL6BQLx7G_70Qgvry3hcRSXdOfMf3648YXnd_mDBj12j6LXkO6eeIlUYRBK0E0RvYgf6vWzR-lMlM6ifU1xu8pZRAqtpTPYgYssULoFL8hxlvqlqeg_ojiKYABNC14o__jCR8QswbGF-apKS9h0IrmWDFy_U16jjdqfT372BrjKY7qCfxXs-2fgk/s16000/hot-chocolate-bar-819x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">A Beautiful Mess' <a href="https://abeautifulmess.com/hot-chocolate-bar-ideas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hot chocolate bar </a>also looks wonderful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefI_nPlIf6yU7bHiPLP-Kw3mX3ILoaNd4g1cHosHgizHTGrkd_LK2GDlplhGUz5KVhCB7EVcep4kkhjZBq1UVs_em42ukcMaMdHNGfPKk61zTbafzmPZR-EeCZ3VSNaMfcUbqx5_hmtvvJso-TT7r2Cg6Q8QA4iJhGSYzZXL5FPbLa-QS-ODCZn2mS3uH/s840/53962205bd744e79534e5123585b7892.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefI_nPlIf6yU7bHiPLP-Kw3mX3ILoaNd4g1cHosHgizHTGrkd_LK2GDlplhGUz5KVhCB7EVcep4kkhjZBq1UVs_em42ukcMaMdHNGfPKk61zTbafzmPZR-EeCZ3VSNaMfcUbqx5_hmtvvJso-TT7r2Cg6Q8QA4iJhGSYzZXL5FPbLa-QS-ODCZn2mS3uH/s16000/53962205bd744e79534e5123585b7892.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">This <a href="https://www.zazzle.co.uk/funny_snowman_snow_cone_winter_holiday_or_birthday_wrapping_paper-256150778126796368" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Snowman Snowcone Christmas wrapping paper</a> by Sam Ann Designs Kids & Parties from Zazzle isn't cheap, but it does have the cutest design.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaw2gfUjAwyRiTarr9PHpN8pqcn75y6qSae3u3ZgWhUr1prtqguY78Z2X-ixMoYOaAY5_QgOIw4nLE3LLTAB-pu1NOPZqYUy9G38pm2mvk18mNa38bjjMSRgfm-FPzWFtAMFvB7dOnq9Is8O8wtcdBhlK2c__RfB8m9nVJMrJgtkULTo6rr5wyyWrG2GA/s840/Christmas_Paper_Wreath_DIY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdLH18IPREVehBNe-x3uAD_vKSU3y0AO2BvOx1aAUof7yEYY09nZLVOb8VCo7u_J3ATrx3I-6MJ-Vhd6HJZvM5epm6Gts2cLJNV4UQJq_NhKBpI8m6W2SWrQLF5kGC9J6UWooclM4nMtXwyCgzFjfvBhglbJP_VnQsj0PBO6qq7ehXI6AMO2HuCRJLSQd/s840/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Funko-Image-Kermit-Tiny-Tim-Rizzo-Gonzo-Charles-Dickens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdLH18IPREVehBNe-x3uAD_vKSU3y0AO2BvOx1aAUof7yEYY09nZLVOb8VCo7u_J3ATrx3I-6MJ-Vhd6HJZvM5epm6Gts2cLJNV4UQJq_NhKBpI8m6W2SWrQLF5kGC9J6UWooclM4nMtXwyCgzFjfvBhglbJP_VnQsj0PBO6qq7ehXI6AMO2HuCRJLSQd/s16000/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Funko-Image-Kermit-Tiny-Tim-Rizzo-Gonzo-Charles-Dickens.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EVUNnpiW8suAueMs73CDaGs0NNki4PzOs2TEHkfaPeg-DuOeUmKXXK9EkCZSFFg9fLFeXUUciJGZMECohmTkcXVEDwqKPqucwn8vaPKSPqg7L-fTac5UK1cL2sDJdMoEqdinfOMBHd6FcJSsIme0AslzdPUlvdrFsAQA3ractHF6dOtyuGtgV5JETPV2/s840/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Funko-Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EVUNnpiW8suAueMs73CDaGs0NNki4PzOs2TEHkfaPeg-DuOeUmKXXK9EkCZSFFg9fLFeXUUciJGZMECohmTkcXVEDwqKPqucwn8vaPKSPqg7L-fTac5UK1cL2sDJdMoEqdinfOMBHd6FcJSsIme0AslzdPUlvdrFsAQA3ractHF6dOtyuGtgV5JETPV2/s16000/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Funko-Image.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh14Jhyphenhyphen8mmHdXXoAObHfr3Skl99BZNADjL53iynketF0EXrYyNSQbPTj3VtvsHLBlx60bwkXsx7NwqIFRGQkdml5hFsh1TCBiy8U4NposiBAXaDRIO5BmvfAxhGsBzU_vDkeKvta0b3oBf_rNTgzvGU36r_xiuPLTvZg9tYDXeUSllX7dYOl3_EFiNfr_/s840/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Funko-Image-Scrooge-Statler-and-Waldorf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh14Jhyphenhyphen8mmHdXXoAObHfr3Skl99BZNADjL53iynketF0EXrYyNSQbPTj3VtvsHLBlx60bwkXsx7NwqIFRGQkdml5hFsh1TCBiy8U4NposiBAXaDRIO5BmvfAxhGsBzU_vDkeKvta0b3oBf_rNTgzvGU36r_xiuPLTvZg9tYDXeUSllX7dYOl3_EFiNfr_/s16000/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Funko-Image-Scrooge-Statler-and-Waldorf.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you seen the new Muppets Christmas Carol Funko Pops? They're amazing!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll be back next Sunday with another round of Christmas Sunday Favourites, but if you want more inspiration in the meantime, you can find all of my previous Christmas Sunday Favourites posts <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Favourites%20Christmas%20Specials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for reading!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you all ready for Christmas yet?</span></div></div></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-22668992821835443962023-12-16T12:13:00.000+00:002023-12-16T12:13:12.549+00:00Christmas Haul<p style="text-align: justify;">I've bought a few little festive bits and pieces lately, so I thought it would be fun to show you what I've picked up. Amazingly, I haven't bought a single new Christmas decoration yet this year, but there are lots of random little things to show you like Christmas cards, wrapping paper, books, and yummy sweet treats.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzBRbsVtYgEX3XDk784S3oIyLwzpoRaLDUvPnBvoHVY6w1YLaclcE6CYF1GfNovV6vMRMEL58Dlw1T0DzhoynOaVW_u1xm4-Z2RM9KjhyphenhyphenX8gQbL0U7xKdOSV2T_9t79c4pytBdvmXtSSBggBOsx6ktI04EchslkUtQiYkZFFfstAxqfWj9Lt_mUHCEn2Y/s840/P1030838-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzBRbsVtYgEX3XDk784S3oIyLwzpoRaLDUvPnBvoHVY6w1YLaclcE6CYF1GfNovV6vMRMEL58Dlw1T0DzhoynOaVW_u1xm4-Z2RM9KjhyphenhyphenX8gQbL0U7xKdOSV2T_9t79c4pytBdvmXtSSBggBOsx6ktI04EchslkUtQiYkZFFfstAxqfWj9Lt_mUHCEn2Y/s16000/P1030838-.JPG" /></a></p><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got this year's Christmas cards from T. K. Maxx. I wanted something fun and colourful, and I couldn't resist these bold designs by a brand called Tache. I especially love the fox and the ice skate. They're, sadly, no longer available from T. K. Maxx online, but there are still some other designs from the same brand <a href="https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/christmas/christmas/christmas-cards-gift-bags+wrapping/christmas-cards/c/04070301?st=&sort=publishedDate-desc&facets=stockLevelStatus:inStock&page=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and you can get them full price via Tache's website here (<a href="https://www.tache.co.uk/collections/christmas/products/christmas-festive-fox-10pk-box" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fox</a> / <a href="https://www.tache.co.uk/collections/christmas/products/christmas-iceskate-pink-10pk-box" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ice skate</a> / <a href="https://www.tache.co.uk/collections/christmas/products/christmas-nutcracker-10pk-box-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nutcracker</a>).</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VdfTrkjtkrsZvggUaBZtK9di_w61Y9CpeYECn_xnIOLpwGNcJM980RbkAIYl8fQv3dTxKu1K6aY2rGb_BrkAJekHivShXTF8OboP8gdQUf4F-zQC_E1-t0dU114WDSc8HobFPNKbp4JCRKlR3Zb8elsBADldvNRQ1xL0K7Scqjm5ibs_xGsmHgxMw2KV/s840/P1030403--.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VdfTrkjtkrsZvggUaBZtK9di_w61Y9CpeYECn_xnIOLpwGNcJM980RbkAIYl8fQv3dTxKu1K6aY2rGb_BrkAJekHivShXTF8OboP8gdQUf4F-zQC_E1-t0dU114WDSc8HobFPNKbp4JCRKlR3Zb8elsBADldvNRQ1xL0K7Scqjm5ibs_xGsmHgxMw2KV/s16000/P1030403--.JPG" /></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the matte <a href="https://www.zazzle.co.uk/hot_tub_gingerbread_cute_pink_hot_cocoa_pattern_wrapping_paper-256233226168319792" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gingerbread hot tub wrapping paper</a> I chose this Christmas. I found it on Zazzle and thought the print was really cute. It wasn't cheap, but I got it when it had 50% off, so at least it was 50% less crazy. It's really good quality paper, and I'm looking forward to giving my family their presents, as they look so pretty in this paper.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbYHnqi6koPumZl7L-x2h70lfJ9tqsAXdWCQruD4zPCmj5AjMHlWH_-GtH8WbNR_Zk35IW_nsC6DOtgp-IntoS1LalSWRAqg84qmJpx_ckAv9WN6eea8vONBAJKQ7VsuvY5VoJcvJH5kqu2xrj51nV5iBh3qiWVgprMkPqwc8H8USCGfG_giOOMw0DpRb/s840/P1030765--.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbYHnqi6koPumZl7L-x2h70lfJ9tqsAXdWCQruD4zPCmj5AjMHlWH_-GtH8WbNR_Zk35IW_nsC6DOtgp-IntoS1LalSWRAqg84qmJpx_ckAv9WN6eea8vONBAJKQ7VsuvY5VoJcvJH5kqu2xrj51nV5iBh3qiWVgprMkPqwc8H8USCGfG_giOOMw0DpRb/s16000/P1030765--.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I couldn't find any tags to match the paper, so I just bought some random <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CFVCSXPV?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">present labels </a>from Amazon I thought were kinda cute. I always stick them on the bottom of gifts, anyway, so it doesn't really matter that they don't match. </div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALJ9-r6o_i2oBQzqTXELnbwXhrz9FiIqUxQivb-aUpM4GwERbVgQEsVDQOB8GpXqRIfB3StzpVevn1uYbOIsUhO4W0r2D_K7TAN_EvaV5TZD-l3cFZeNfkSLG7c3q_jW5NWapuw2PyzJvfK_VDdTKfz-AOxuV48O3gm5u428f0g1oq-Gxz7M26SDFCSgj/s840/erstwilder%20may%20gibbs%20christmas%20essentials%20earrings.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALJ9-r6o_i2oBQzqTXELnbwXhrz9FiIqUxQivb-aUpM4GwERbVgQEsVDQOB8GpXqRIfB3StzpVevn1uYbOIsUhO4W0r2D_K7TAN_EvaV5TZD-l3cFZeNfkSLG7c3q_jW5NWapuw2PyzJvfK_VDdTKfz-AOxuV48O3gm5u428f0g1oq-Gxz7M26SDFCSgj/s16000/erstwilder%20may%20gibbs%20christmas%20essentials%20earrings.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also stocked up on fun Christmas earrings from Erstwilder, which I recently blogged about <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/erstwilder-christmas-essentials.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. I think the red bows are my favourites.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2eLrev1At5o9JsepvCDuqqRftFL09SCOsNpYIQja_rLKVq97bAotHU9SMJfiMI-Ig4qKxa7bjZRhlIvWSiXMolG4Flm7OAn7yO7q6U4rPkeNQUi3Q1PjwgHF6i_W1PojltsYfs37Ls_Z8Qshf9Ip9_WIOmNMl8cQsWd8CTz2mPm-bu7FfPTGANquZ3co/s1120/P1030435--.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2eLrev1At5o9JsepvCDuqqRftFL09SCOsNpYIQja_rLKVq97bAotHU9SMJfiMI-Ig4qKxa7bjZRhlIvWSiXMolG4Flm7OAn7yO7q6U4rPkeNQUi3Q1PjwgHF6i_W1PojltsYfs37Ls_Z8Qshf9Ip9_WIOmNMl8cQsWd8CTz2mPm-bu7FfPTGANquZ3co/s16000/P1030435--.JPG" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometime after last Christmas and before Cath Kidston closed their website, I snagged this 12 Days of Christmas present sack in their sale. I have one in a different design, and they come in handy for lugging all the presents downstairs on Christmas morning. (I keep the presents I buy for my family under my bedroom tree until the 25th, since we can't put presents under a tree on the floor with Rosie around. She'd open every last one).</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-bXvginWH-cYbP7KCo7tprYPIHpgm9VU5-XkVahzw-GzMAuhKHQmrQ9M-x8Qlk7F735myoMapVXPGDbSR42eEZFqDwePpd7drzyo2TdSat8el7avj6DlZQzeglH2LNtidHS6w3bv_MFpU-5tTDFo2vlZBgjexrAEItdxUJRtRC-BFZyf0npTGxgthWtu/s840/P1030791=-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-bXvginWH-cYbP7KCo7tprYPIHpgm9VU5-XkVahzw-GzMAuhKHQmrQ9M-x8Qlk7F735myoMapVXPGDbSR42eEZFqDwePpd7drzyo2TdSat8el7avj6DlZQzeglH2LNtidHS6w3bv_MFpU-5tTDFo2vlZBgjexrAEItdxUJRtRC-BFZyf0npTGxgthWtu/s16000/P1030791=-.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Keeping with tradition, I'm counting down the days 'til Christmas with a cheap and cheerful Cadbury Advent calendar. I often had one for childhood Christmases, so they make me feel nostalgic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK-NbALW2RC6lG8HVGlSQU2dml0Eqfbtgta-UCvc9H6y74CvnjWv9ZzmPLOKOXVt7nFSDXbXJIP9upRa-Q-o3n0A8VVTSCVD3DIfI9n1rNWXl3kwpKUKtIYBy9mq0HsSvpDs0fP4ZbFxgllNd5K3hudk1UNeR26muByb9-Zi-RBnCiPgVgz7n19XJj5ZT/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%202=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK-NbALW2RC6lG8HVGlSQU2dml0Eqfbtgta-UCvc9H6y74CvnjWv9ZzmPLOKOXVt7nFSDXbXJIP9upRa-Q-o3n0A8VVTSCVD3DIfI9n1rNWXl3kwpKUKtIYBy9mq0HsSvpDs0fP4ZbFxgllNd5K3hudk1UNeR26muByb9-Zi-RBnCiPgVgz7n19XJj5ZT/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%202=.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm also counting the days with the <a href="https://www.luxplus.co.uk/product/essie-advent-calendar23-24-pcs?gsmp=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi7it3O6RgwMVTsTtCh1c2QhMEAQYAiABEgLliPD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essie Bejeweled Wonderland nail polish calendar</a>, and it's such a treat. It has so many pretty shades this year, and I can't wait to try them all out. I reviewed the calendar in full <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/essie-bejeweled-wonderland-nail-polish.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, if you want to find out more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtbCK65xt8-m8uQigolcaGf0th_DPJyBBREohQNQAUjkk-24h9ZLphaW5R16mDXTerRIDpeMN1HHZFxxWiRiMjPsai6BhVi_2PshMHl4_O55ADoIiyeyxkpeqjjuocetzRjVsEjhQzYdoOuCyoYocYnF_B2_2900723rHKCNRaSKpHyAcHUPO6ujJ0sGS/s840/P1040369==.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtbCK65xt8-m8uQigolcaGf0th_DPJyBBREohQNQAUjkk-24h9ZLphaW5R16mDXTerRIDpeMN1HHZFxxWiRiMjPsai6BhVi_2PshMHl4_O55ADoIiyeyxkpeqjjuocetzRjVsEjhQzYdoOuCyoYocYnF_B2_2900723rHKCNRaSKpHyAcHUPO6ujJ0sGS/s16000/P1040369==.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've always wanted to read <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nutcracker-Arcturus-Ornate-Classics/dp/1398817252/ref=asc_df_1398817252/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606643265277&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1242455569843510721&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045589&hvtargid=pla-1729586571107&psc=1&mcid=7f376669270835e0bb8a72fb3908d878&th=1&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nutcracker</a>- more so since I read the Midnight in Everwood retelling last year- so I treated myself to this lovely little illustrated red hardback by Arcturus Books last week. It has silver edges, and silver foiling on the cover, and it's gorgeous. I can't wait to read it this Christmas. I'll try to squeeze in a proper review before Christmas, if my pain will allow it.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tlWbQyMW2DGw_YVKEMTm4UkAN84-TdIVhBxvbKmBNpl2EhXxQIno6L2mjZDbSXT_MqujKh26xs_KuUzM2J95c1wCK42nTO-GqzGgS8A07OVG1NODgSuA2G6nFgAGJTP-0Xqih038_wUyjBS4f0e6N_aSNGfpo8c4SmW5ZNyaU0l11LsJ53GoaGgippYW/s840/P1040380=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tlWbQyMW2DGw_YVKEMTm4UkAN84-TdIVhBxvbKmBNpl2EhXxQIno6L2mjZDbSXT_MqujKh26xs_KuUzM2J95c1wCK42nTO-GqzGgS8A07OVG1NODgSuA2G6nFgAGJTP-0Xqih038_wUyjBS4f0e6N_aSNGfpo8c4SmW5ZNyaU0l11LsJ53GoaGgippYW/s16000/P1040380=.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also recently got a Waterstones exclusive signed copy of <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/upon-a-frosted-star/m-a-kuzniar/9780008643348" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upon a Frosted Star by M.A. Kuzniar</a>, which I preordered earlier in the year. I really loved her last book, so when I heard this one described as Swan Lake meets The Great Gatsby, and saw how pretty this edition was, I couldn't check out fast enough. And look how beautiful it is! It has teal blocked sprayed edges on the top and bottom, and stunning patterned edges on the side in green, gold, and white, with gold foiling, which match the end papers inside. There isn't a hidden cover, but I think the dust jacket art more than makes up for it. Plus it's signed by the author. I've just started reading it and I'm loving it already. The writing is beautiful, and the whimsical parties are giving off The Night Circus, and Caraval vibes. I'll be sure to review it once I'm done.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeUX99iRWLKWy5YpPGCZ8_5y5k2PGG-hybnXVZEg2jxWDqLOKRtWp9cZxmBZy_JnHVXYkxAkmIEtU3LM2ySwB74I8nCAFJ3T0bx3i8NBnYQonst4WFPq6GR3XPq8vbb296KcIn8tk6RiEMLOBl7KNE3Vo0Grpnvj2ztsZgzWpwoutNvUY63G1D83lRhLq/s840/P1040593-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeUX99iRWLKWy5YpPGCZ8_5y5k2PGG-hybnXVZEg2jxWDqLOKRtWp9cZxmBZy_JnHVXYkxAkmIEtU3LM2ySwB74I8nCAFJ3T0bx3i8NBnYQonst4WFPq6GR3XPq8vbb296KcIn8tk6RiEMLOBl7KNE3Vo0Grpnvj2ztsZgzWpwoutNvUY63G1D83lRhLq/s16000/P1040593-.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I visited the food hall of a local garden centre back in November, and picked up a couple of hot chocolate stirrers for my little sister and I to enjoy on Christmas Eve. The milk chocolate one has the cutest little snowman marshmallows. I'm looking forward to trying one. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34L6gef_Oe577aku2-K5tAm9YkXZ4hIE1LxA-gihMXuIyv4wrn2mtfYkQdfpwGKmoBeyn1txX1z35GSlWiXK2I7F2oEBR7_XEB0a6g0W68o7tBWhyuT0-UOp8ez5_jNjGb3Gu7uFoKNVbk8rBdoMq_LylVdPiJCnaoW5pVwHbPbUkhC9csiH0XjnpMeUR/s840/P1040575-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34L6gef_Oe577aku2-K5tAm9YkXZ4hIE1LxA-gihMXuIyv4wrn2mtfYkQdfpwGKmoBeyn1txX1z35GSlWiXK2I7F2oEBR7_XEB0a6g0W68o7tBWhyuT0-UOp8ez5_jNjGb3Gu7uFoKNVbk8rBdoMq_LylVdPiJCnaoW5pVwHbPbUkhC9csiH0XjnpMeUR/s16000/P1040575-.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I also recently went to M&S to buy some Christmas presents for my Nana, and got some treats for the holidays, too. Amongst other things, I couldn't resist getting some white chocolate Snowy Pretzels to try, and some Mini Shortbread Trees, as we've all enjoyed them in the past. I'm looking forward to having one or two this Christmas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And those are some of the random little things I've amassed this Christmas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What festive things have you been buying?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>You Might Also Like</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/30-beautiful-books-to-buy-this-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">30 Beautiful Books to Buy This Christmas</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-court-of-frost-and-starlight-festive.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Frost and Starlight Festive Book Review</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/midnight-in-everwood-by-m-kuzniar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Midnight in Everwood Christmas Book Review</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/erstwilder-christmas-essentials.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/erstwilder-christmas-essentials.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erstwilder Christmas Essentials Earrings</a></div></div></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-73993423385325268092023-12-14T17:28:00.002+00:002023-12-14T17:28:47.214+00:0030 Beautiful Books To Buy This Christmas<p style="text-align: justify;">I love to collect beautiful books, and I own some amazing editions that I think would make wonderful gifts for your loved ones- or yourself- this Christmas. Trust me: pretty books are the best gifts, and you'll earn major brownie points with any bookworm you gift one to.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I thought it might be helpful to do a round-up post of some of my favourite editions to give you some last-minute present inspiration for the holidays, and show you where to get them, so that's what I'm here to do. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've rounded up thirty of my favourite special edition books and boxsets that are still available to purchase, and the best part is, almost all of them are affordable. These are all books I own and / or have given as gifts myself, so I highly recommend them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let's take a look!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZyB4eODNqI6XNNL3FnfBtaO-AqxexeahRY6iKus4waSpr4-b3TFKFaManZfh4hbAF5qvPm8969GSN-0pBzo4E4Q5-OeSt6FXtShiJ8Q0jp1MtGqe5_tlP1hqAvdKg6nqeeGh2D0np4uDPr9N-1FbkEDRcDoJ0R_Xtu0CYrc8J2EyILzqEGByxzHnueiu/s1500/beautiful%20books%20that%20make%20great%20christmas%20presents.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZyB4eODNqI6XNNL3FnfBtaO-AqxexeahRY6iKus4waSpr4-b3TFKFaManZfh4hbAF5qvPm8969GSN-0pBzo4E4Q5-OeSt6FXtShiJ8Q0jp1MtGqe5_tlP1hqAvdKg6nqeeGh2D0np4uDPr9N-1FbkEDRcDoJ0R_Xtu0CYrc8J2EyILzqEGByxzHnueiu/s16000/beautiful%20books%20that%20make%20great%20christmas%20presents.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Court-Thorns-Roses-Collectors/dp/1547604174" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bardugo-Collectors-Shadow-Crooked-Kingdom/dp/9124370940" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Scars-Leigh-Bardugo/dp/1510104453" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Language-Thorns-Midnight-Tales-Dangerous/dp/1510104410" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4</a> // <a href="https://www.illumicrate.com/shop/illumicrate-exclusive-demon-in-the-wood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5 </a>// <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rule-Wolves-King-Scars-Book/dp/1510104488" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">6</a> // <a href="https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781250264978/Caraval-Collectors-Edition-1-Garber-1250264979/plp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Once-Upon-Broken-Heart-Hodderscape/dp/1399730517" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">8</a> // <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/shatter-me/tahereh-mafi/9780008660239" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">9</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curse-True-Love-thrilling-bestselling/dp/1529399289" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10</a> // <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/into-the-grishaverse-shadow-and-bone-trilogy-book-goodies-exclusive-owlcrate-edition?variant=42716873982127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">11</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Throne-Glass-Collectors-Sarah-Maas/dp/1547601329" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Throne-Glass-Box-Set-Sarah/dp/1639731768" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">13</a> // <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/throne-of-the-fallen/kerri-maniscalco/9781399722704" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">14</a> // <a href="https://www.books2door.com/products/the-jane-austen-collection-6-books-box-set-ages-14-16-hardback-jane-austen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">15</a> // <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-cruel-prince/holly-black/9781471415937" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">16</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Puffin-Bloom-Collection-Various/dp/0147518741" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">17</a> // <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/violet-made-of-thorns-exclusive-owlcrate-edition?variant=42140181037231" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">18</a> // <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/upon-a-frosted-star/m-a-kuzniar/9780008643348" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">19</a> // <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/ink-blood-sister-scribe/emma-toerzs/2928377174064" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">20</a> // <a href="https://www.books2door.com/products/the-bronte-collection-6-book-set-ages-14-16-cloth-bound-hardback-anne-bronte-emily-bronte-charlotte-bronte?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5p_9jaaPgwMVzfftCh1zbgzOEAQYAiABEgIjs_D_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">21</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Run-Away-Together-Famous/dp/1444941100" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">22</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Carol-Puffin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/024141119X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">23</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Garden-Puffin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0241411165/ref=asc_df_0241411165/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=375379953301&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9145373001405561892&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045589&hvtargid=pla-814931517039&psc=1&mcid=4be998dc3fdf307aa4cb60c4d66c7888&th=1&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79766932994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=375379953301&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9145373001405561892&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045589&hvtargid=pla-814931517039" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">24</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wizard-Oz-Puffin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0241411203" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">25</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/H-G-Wells-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1607104962" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">26</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Past-Winter-Kiran-Millwood-Hargrave/dp/1911077937" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">27</a> // <a href="https://www.axelbooks.com/products/the-anne-of-green-gables-collection-l-m-montgomery-6-books-set-hardcover-box" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">28</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Day-Triffids-Penguin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0241284678" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">29</a> //<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Wonderland-Through-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0141192461" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">30</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Court-Thorns-Roses-Collectors/dp/1547604174" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Thorns and Roses Collector's Edition</a>. One of my favourite special editions and book series ever. It has different gold foil designs on the front and back of both the book and slipcase, metallic end papers, and rose designs on the pages, too.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bardugo-Collectors-Shadow-Crooked-Kingdom/dp/9124370940" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leigh Bardugo Collector's Editions Book Set</a> are three of my all time favourites. The foiled covers are to die for, they have block-coloured sprayed edges, and the stories are amazing, too. It includes the first book in the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and both books from the awesome Six of Crows duology, which is set in a different part of the same world. If you prefer to collect one at a time, the good news is, you can also buy these books individually.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. If you liked Nikolai in The Shadow and Bone series, you'll love reading his own story in <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Scars-Leigh-Bardugo/dp/1510104453" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">King of Scars</a>. I think I preferred it to the original trilogy. Book one in this duology has a black hidden cover with gold foil of the Lantsov double-eagle crest, and it's a beauty.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Language-Thorns-Midnight-Tales-Dangerous/dp/1510104410" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic</a> is a book of Grimms'-style fairytales set in the world of the Grishaverse. It has a pretty navy blue naked cover with gold foiling, and has amazing illustrations inside.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The <a href="https://www.illumicrate.com/shop/illumicrate-exclusive-demon-in-the-wood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Illumicrate Exclusive edition of Demon in the Wood</a> is a beautiful graphic novel telling the origin story of Shadow and Bone's villain, The Darkling. This book has a gorgeous forest green hidden cover with silver foiling, sprayed edges, and special endpapers, and it's beautifully illustrated throughout.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. Book two in the King of Scars duology, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rule-Wolves-King-Scars-Book/dp/1510104488" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rule of Wolves</a>, boasts a burgundy hidden cover with silver foil on both the cover and spine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The <a href="https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781250264978/Caraval-Collectors-Edition-1-Garber-1250264979/plp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Caraval Collector's Edition</a> is a bright red clothbound with a Caraval admittance ticket design, in a navy blue slipcase with silver foil. It also has a bonus chapter from Julian's POV.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Once-Upon-Broken-Heart-Hodderscape/dp/1399730517" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Once Upon a Broken Heart</a> books have been so popular that Hodder and Stroughton rereleased the hardback this autumn with a new hidden cover for everyone who missed out on the first print run. This new vault edition has a blue hidden cover with gold foiling of Evangeline's broken heart tattoos, and it's perfect. These won't be rereleased again, so get in there fast. Just make sure the listing says 'vault edition', or you may find yourself with a plain cover.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/shatter-me/tahereh-mafi/9780008660239" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waterstones Shatter Me Collector's Edition</a>. This new collector's edition of the first book in the popular Shatter Me series is a small clothbound with a botanical gold foil design on the cover, navy sprayed edges with origami bird stencilling, and cheerful yellow end papers with an origami bird design. This is available from other booksellers without the sprayed edges, but I'm not sure if the end papers are a Waterstones exclusive.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curse-True-Love-thrilling-bestselling/dp/1529399289" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Curse For True Love UK edition</a>. The finale to the Once Upon a Broken Heart series has the prettiest Beauty and the Beast inspired dust jacket, and the first print run features purple hidden covers with four different gold foil designs to collect. You'll need to be fast, as once they're gone, they're gone; the next printing will only have plain covers. The US <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-curse-for-true-love-stephanie-garber/1142831119" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Exclusive edition</a> also has a gorgeous burgundy hidden cover.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. If you really want to treat someone this Christmas, the <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/into-the-grishaverse-shadow-and-bone-trilogy-book-goodies-exclusive-owlcrate-edition?variant=42716873982127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Owlcrate Into the Grishaverse: Shadow and Bone trilogy books and goodies box</a> would make the most amazing gift. This book box contains stunning special editions of Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising with sprayed edges, hidden covers, and more, plus eight bookish goodies based on the series. It hasn't started shipping yet, so it probably won't make it in time for Christmas, but it looks incredible. I can't wait to get mine. Shipping to the UK is ridiculous for this box, though, so it might be cheaper to use a delivery service instead of having it shipped directly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Throne-Glass-Collectors-Sarah-Maas/dp/1547601329" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Collector's Edition</a>. Book one of an epic eight book series. It has a stunning gold foil cover and slipcase, metallic end papers, and sword and Wyrdmark designs printed on the pages.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Not special editions exactly, but the new <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Throne-Glass-Box-Set-Sarah/dp/1639731768" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bloomsbury Throne of Glass hardcover boxset</a> has all eight books with colourful covers, and the most amazing art on the dust jackets. You can also buy each book separately, and get them in paperback, too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. If you enjoy spicy fantasy adventure with demon princes, fae, and vampires, <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/throne-of-the-fallen/kerri-maniscalco/9781399722704" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waterstones' Exclusive edition of Throne of the Fallen</a> may be for you. It has a very light grey cover with a metallic purple foil design of House Envy's two-headed wolf crest, purple end-papers, and purple sprayed-edges with key stencilling.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. <a href="https://www.books2door.com/products/the-jane-austen-collection-6-books-box-set-ages-14-16-hardback-jane-austen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Jane Austen Collection by Arcturus Books</a> is the perfect gift for any Austen fan. It's a gorgeous little box set featuring her six most popular books- Emma, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility- in pretty pastel clothbounds with lovely patterned covers.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. The Cruel Prince is one of my favourite fantasy book series ever, and the new <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-cruel-prince/holly-black/9781471415937" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cruel Prince Collector's edition</a> is a stunner. This gothic edition has a textured black cover and matching slipcase with nature designs woven with items from the books like Jude's sword, and Cardan's crown. Inside, it has beautiful greyscale illustrated end papers, black sprayed edges, and some brilliant deleted scenes at the back.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. The <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Puffin-Bloom-Collection-Various/dp/0147518741" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Puffin in Bloom collection</a> is a four-book-set with four of everyone's favourite children's classics- Little Women, Heidi, A Little Princess, and Anne of Green Gables, each with the most beautiful hardback covers designed by the Rifle Paper Co. You can also buy each title separately, which is how I'm collecting them. I have them all, except for Heidi, who I must adopt at some point.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">18. <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/violet-made-of-thorns-exclusive-owlcrate-edition?variant=42140181037231" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Owlcrate's edition of Violet Made of Thorns</a> has so many incredible qualities, it's hard to know where to start. It has a bright purple hidden cover with stunning silver foil designs on the front and back, the most amazing silver-foiled celestial endpapers, a reversible dust jacket with character art, and more. I've not read it yet, but it's a favourite in terms of aesthetics.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">19. The <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/upon-a-frosted-star/m-a-kuzniar/9780008643348" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waterstones Exclusive Signed Edition of Upon a Frosted Star</a> has botanical green and white patterned sprayed edges with gold foiling, and matching end papers inside. It's also signed by the author. I've just started reading this one, and it's said to be Swan Lake meets The Great Gatsby.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">20. Another signed Waterstones Exclusive I love is <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/ink-blood-sister-scribe/emma-toerzs/2928377174064" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ink Blood Sister Scribe</a>; fantasy, thriller, mystery, and academia rolled into one. This book has tangerine-coloured sprayed edges with stencilling of bees and leaves, and marbled-burgundy endpapers. I reviewed it <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/search?q=ink+blood+sister+scribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>21. Any fan of the Bronte sisters will love <a href="https://www.books2door.com/products/the-bronte-collection-6-book-set-ages-14-16-cloth-bound-hardback-anne-bronte-emily-bronte-charlotte-bronte?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5p_9jaaPgwMVzfftCh1zbgzOEAQYAiABEgIjs_D_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Bronte Collection</a> from Arcturus books. This boxset includes six colourful little clothbounds with floral covers written by the three Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, including Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and more.</p><p>22. The Famous Five series is a classic, and Hodder Children's Books released the first three books as retro hardbacks. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Run-Away-Together-Famous/dp/1444941100" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Five Run Away Together</a> is a beautiful little brick-red hardcover adorned with a spitfire print with rose-gold foiling, and it's illustrated, too. I reviewed all three books <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-famous-five-clothbound-hardcovers.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>23. If you want something festive, I'd recommend the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Carol-Puffin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/024141119X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Puffin Clothbound Classics version of A Christmas Carol</a>. It's a lovely little illustrated red clothbound with gold foiling on the cover, sprayed edges, and sky blue end papers with a snowflake and candlestick print. I reviewed it <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/puffin-classics-christmas-carol.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>24. The Puffins Clothbound Classic of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Garden-Puffin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0241411165/ref=asc_df_0241411165/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=375379953301&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9145373001405561892&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045589&hvtargid=pla-814931517039&psc=1&mcid=4be998dc3fdf307aa4cb60c4d66c7888&th=1&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79766932994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=375379953301&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9145373001405561892&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045589&hvtargid=pla-814931517039" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret Garden</a> is another of my favourite covers. This magical classic has a denim-blue clothbound cover decorated with gold-foiling of bees and roses, which frames imagery of a girl standing among the roses.</p><p>25. And the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wizard-Oz-Puffin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0241411203" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Puffin Clothbound Classics' edition of The Wizard of Oz</a> is also stunning. It's an emerald green clothbound with a gold foil yellow-brick-road design, and it's even illustrated inside.</p><p>26. Barnes and Noble do gorgeous leather-bound editions, like this <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/H-G-Wells-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1607104962" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">H.G. Wells Keepsake Collection</a>, that is filled with six of his most popular novels. The bright cobalt-blue cover depicts a UFO and clock faces laid out like a solar system on a starry night sky, appearing to represent War of the Worlds and The Time Machine, and it also has metallic gold edges. B&N unfortunately don't deliver to the UK anymore, but you can get some titles from Amazon, or use a delivery service to act as a middle man.</p><p>27. The hardcover of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Past-Winter-Kiran-Millwood-Hargrave/dp/1911077937" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Way Past Winter</a> has a pretty sage-green cover, with a wintry, Nordic-style design, and some gold-foiling. It's a lovely, wintry YA fantasy, too.</p><p>28. The <a href="https://www.axelbooks.com/products/the-anne-of-green-gables-collection-l-m-montgomery-6-books-set-hardcover-box" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables boxset</a> from Arcturus Books is one of the loveliest book sets I've ever seen. It includes all six of the 'Anne' books with delicate pastel-coloured, clothbound covers that each have a different floral design.</p><p>29. The Penguin Clothbound Classics are probably the most recognisable of all the beautiful books out there. They cover so many classics these days, but this copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Day-Triffids-Penguin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0241284678" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Day of the Triffids </a>is one of my favourites. It has a lime green clothbound cover with a yellow circular print that might be of plant cells or chloroplasts or something similar. Answers on a postcard...</p><p>30. And the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Wonderland-Through-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0141192461" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Penguin Clothbound Classics edition of Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass </a>is a must if you're a Wonderland fan. I've had this book for years, and I'm still in love with the pink and white, flamingo-print clothbound cover. </p><p>There are so many more pretty books I can think of, so if you'd like me to make another post like this, do let me know.</p><p>You can also check out book subscription sites like Fairyloot, Illumicrate, Litjoy Crate, Owlcrate, The Bookish Box and Shop, and The Broken Binding, which do a mixture of book subscription boxes, and one-off book purchases, along with bookish goodies. Waterstones are also great for exclusive editions- just search 'exclusive hardbacks/paperbacks' and a big list will come up. I'd advise preordering their exclusives as they usually sell out online before release day. Barnes and Noble do gorgeous special editions and leather bounds, too, but as they don't deliver to the UK, try Indigo in Canada, who do. They stock many of the same exclusive editions, just not the B&N leatherbounds. (Sad face).</p><p>I hope this helps you find some beautiful books this Christmas. Just don't blame me if this starts you on the path to a beautiful book addiction!</p><p>Do you have a favourite special edition book?</p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-38623501365246787182023-12-12T14:25:00.000+00:002023-12-12T14:25:29.614+00:00Erstwilder Christmas Essentials Earrings 2023<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2ZkkRNgKRFw2NyMG898q6L_V2MYJlgvQ-JKkh8dg9y884p8WQWrMOESA_m4qDhbZ_QZNmHdu60xuG6ldlQ9CwWJAET0I3mG2LfWMjtwyl9se-bhL-gMsWGRG4ArqLovo1xzzJmjG9Z_bs7Xf8jy6Q6216oEEuuHCaSepR-tYpStqgaE0s4ZbNTQt2TpM/s840/erstwilder%20red%20bauble%20drop%20earrings.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2ZkkRNgKRFw2NyMG898q6L_V2MYJlgvQ-JKkh8dg9y884p8WQWrMOESA_m4qDhbZ_QZNmHdu60xuG6ldlQ9CwWJAET0I3mG2LfWMjtwyl9se-bhL-gMsWGRG4ArqLovo1xzzJmjG9Z_bs7Xf8jy6Q6216oEEuuHCaSepR-tYpStqgaE0s4ZbNTQt2TpM/s16000/erstwilder%20red%20bauble%20drop%20earrings.JPEG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I started collecting Erstwilder jewellery in 2017, and since then, I've bought at least one Christmas brooch from them each year. Except this one.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, for me, this year's Christmas collection is based on a popular Australian children's book series by <a href="https://www.erstwilder.com/collections/may-gibbs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">May Gibbs</a> that I had never heard of before Erstwilder. I've never seen books like Gumnut Babies or The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie here in England- did anyone here grow up reading them?- so the designs just don't mean anything to me. I was a little disappointed because I look forward to their Christmas collections every year, but I was also relieved not to have the temptation for once.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, my bank balance didn't come away completely unscathed- I stocked up on festive earrings from the complimenting Essentials collection to mix and match with my existing Christmas brooches instead! Oops.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I picked up four pairs of drop earrings and one pair of studs, and even received the free gift with purchase brooch! I was so surprised as I really didn't spend that much, but who am I to question free jewellery?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is what I bought:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1sZMfhq5d6S_g7nOa-Shc-RzczouFLQqLGcZz_5F5eMFt7wayenqPzwJGgA0pJlGi1c6Xb5M5ByayY9wxzHBU-KnK1y0qQC-5Ywy8JGDWPnYCAfZ2cOPTgLzUeTql3_H_oQ39rhTcn-leNsDtdg52nZaTqaLzkRZ3Ge0_fmwl1xw7zwyi476Emle03FL/s840/IMG_5175=.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1sZMfhq5d6S_g7nOa-Shc-RzczouFLQqLGcZz_5F5eMFt7wayenqPzwJGgA0pJlGi1c6Xb5M5ByayY9wxzHBU-KnK1y0qQC-5Ywy8JGDWPnYCAfZ2cOPTgLzUeTql3_H_oQ39rhTcn-leNsDtdg52nZaTqaLzkRZ3Ge0_fmwl1xw7zwyi476Emle03FL/s16000/IMG_5175=.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2ZkkRNgKRFw2NyMG898q6L_V2MYJlgvQ-JKkh8dg9y884p8WQWrMOESA_m4qDhbZ_QZNmHdu60xuG6ldlQ9CwWJAET0I3mG2LfWMjtwyl9se-bhL-gMsWGRG4ArqLovo1xzzJmjG9Z_bs7Xf8jy6Q6216oEEuuHCaSepR-tYpStqgaE0s4ZbNTQt2TpM/s840/erstwilder%20red%20bauble%20drop%20earrings.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2ZkkRNgKRFw2NyMG898q6L_V2MYJlgvQ-JKkh8dg9y884p8WQWrMOESA_m4qDhbZ_QZNmHdu60xuG6ldlQ9CwWJAET0I3mG2LfWMjtwyl9se-bhL-gMsWGRG4ArqLovo1xzzJmjG9Z_bs7Xf8jy6Q6216oEEuuHCaSepR-tYpStqgaE0s4ZbNTQt2TpM/s16000/erstwilder%20red%20bauble%20drop%20earrings.JPEG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Firstly, I got the baubles glitter drop earrings in <a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/erstwilder/products/baubles-glitter-drop-earrings-green" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">green</a><i> and </i><a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/erstwilder/products/baubles-glitter-drop-earrings-red" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">red</a> because I couldn't decide which I liked best, and at just £6.50 a pair, I couldn't find a reason not to. In my defence, they're differently shaped, and I have plenty of Christmas brooches they'll both go with. The green pair is made from a festive green, multi-coloured glitter resin with gold, red, green, and blue flecks, and the red are crimson-coloured with metallic scarlet glitter. They're so sparkly and festive without looking too tacky, and I think they'd be perfect for wearing to Christmas parties or for decorating the Christmas tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHrDkzIS7K6XwOUI_fBFijp_uxeqGzVIN-XK62zQq1CQ88ua8dtJvqsuBveEmtMCozS4vOKG38bCFiOxjiiqtrMut-utSEw_7rbBbW12SBgG4l_OCLV8u0x3-rYWlr1ya8yOAp99vXAIZDQdzOegYbKhLHGbs_Gz2VFgIS2Ivefw48AZmeSRl-h3FFHbx/s840/erstwilder%20green%20christmas%20tree%20drop%20earrings.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHrDkzIS7K6XwOUI_fBFijp_uxeqGzVIN-XK62zQq1CQ88ua8dtJvqsuBveEmtMCozS4vOKG38bCFiOxjiiqtrMut-utSEw_7rbBbW12SBgG4l_OCLV8u0x3-rYWlr1ya8yOAp99vXAIZDQdzOegYbKhLHGbs_Gz2VFgIS2Ivefw48AZmeSRl-h3FFHbx/s16000/erstwilder%20green%20christmas%20tree%20drop%20earrings.JPEG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking of Christmas trees, it wouldn't be Christmas without them, so buying the <a href="https://wednesdayjones.co.uk/collections/erstwilder-x-essentials/products/green-tree-ripple-stud-earrings" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ripple resin Christmas tree drop earrings</a> was a no-brainer. They're simple three-tier Christmas trees cut from the prettiest green ripple resin which catches beautifully in the light and gives a lime green shimmer. The only grumble is that the green resin is only on the front of the earrings and not on both sides- the backs are finished in plain white- which is a shame, since it'll show if they get twisted. I assume it's to bring out the colours of the resin more and not about keeping costs down, as the bauble earrings are double-sided.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhoWtvO4l2L4djcVsTQkeVrZxkBDzhU4sncsNQmalsF5rk6bCHy2IXCyTXL8Fcq1znGvS6hByntTSMgJLCZ6rOkzYnbttIjcOW5nldC2yu80jx7GxyTqw9axyqwcbAeB5ftr0rofo-QBQKYFLSprUNNVy1MbwioVfSw1O4wUED9UVolwr-cy_uabiBNYE/s1536/erstwilder%20red%20bow%20studs.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhoWtvO4l2L4djcVsTQkeVrZxkBDzhU4sncsNQmalsF5rk6bCHy2IXCyTXL8Fcq1znGvS6hByntTSMgJLCZ6rOkzYnbttIjcOW5nldC2yu80jx7GxyTqw9axyqwcbAeB5ftr0rofo-QBQKYFLSprUNNVy1MbwioVfSw1O4wUED9UVolwr-cy_uabiBNYE/s16000/erstwilder%20red%20bow%20studs.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL21btlih7gGjAh8YyvttVhyphenhyphentocNLoiaJ89CZcYh-KGYyVcVgkORr7roVYXpFKu7NQaWofwTJNDT9XThOS0rhBpnJSjsgkO298sG1Wjq5QztS3kjiQyWxy03XmwRbzcnQVHvLqfn0Cwot7TF23fp6hgtDzbZbTYa937F0lV0OfSQZITAtAQyfnbgBly7gt/s840/erstwilder%20red%20bow%20drop%20earrings=.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL21btlih7gGjAh8YyvttVhyphenhyphentocNLoiaJ89CZcYh-KGYyVcVgkORr7roVYXpFKu7NQaWofwTJNDT9XThOS0rhBpnJSjsgkO298sG1Wjq5QztS3kjiQyWxy03XmwRbzcnQVHvLqfn0Cwot7TF23fp6hgtDzbZbTYa937F0lV0OfSQZITAtAQyfnbgBly7gt/s16000/erstwilder%20red%20bow%20drop%20earrings=.JPEG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I also picked up the red bow ripple resin <a href="https://rockamilly.com/products/bow-ripple-stud-earrings-red" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">studs</a> and drop earrings because they were too cute to resist. They're both made from a gorgeous crimson-red ripple resin with a metallic scarlet sheen, and like the trees, they're layered on a plain white acrylic. The drop earrings are about twice the size of the studs, but both are big enough to make a statement out of any Christmas outfit- or any outfit, really. They'd be great for wearing all year round. Both styles also come in a red gingham finish. You can find the drop earrings <a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/erstwilder/products/bow-gingham-drop-earrings-red" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and the studs <a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/erstwilder/products/bow-gingham-stud-earrings-red" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here </a>in the UK.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG8YG68MoObCNI_7q9Dg4C5fI22AA_Ies9FleKjF99ORLgpjcnEVJSznWJF1MUQWN692eLJ7sX2ZkH_2SxBNZyyAs3W2lXE6bXBb6_K5AWcEAma6K66SOQbGC2tGPoKGJI7ZxLdwUZRF7vSzMT3QOBDaQ1-uXkzyAC4sNvwLuyy7kPb5KsvwPCsFTCPer/s3050/erstwilder%20may%20gibbs%20blue%20petal%20baby%20brooch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2288" data-original-width="3050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG8YG68MoObCNI_7q9Dg4C5fI22AA_Ies9FleKjF99ORLgpjcnEVJSznWJF1MUQWN692eLJ7sX2ZkH_2SxBNZyyAs3W2lXE6bXBb6_K5AWcEAma6K66SOQbGC2tGPoKGJI7ZxLdwUZRF7vSzMT3QOBDaQ1-uXkzyAC4sNvwLuyy7kPb5KsvwPCsFTCPer/s16000/erstwilder%20may%20gibbs%20blue%20petal%20baby%20brooch.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And this is the free gift-with-purchase brooch, which is a little fairy with a pearlescent blue flower petal bonnet and hazel eyes sitting on a shimmery forest green leaf called Blue Petal Baby. It's really cute, but since I'm not familiar with the stories, I wasn't sure I'd ever wear it, so I sold it on to someone who would.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Erstwilder usually have a limited number of free gift-with-purchase brooches with each launch which you might be lucky enough to get when you buy two or most pieces from a main collection in the UK or when you spend $100 on their website. But you have to get in fast on launch day as they always go fast. This is the first time I've ever received one with an order of Essentials, though, and I don't think it's the norm, so I wouldn't expect to get one when buying a bunch of them.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some of the earrings have already sold out, but there are other festive designs still available from <a href="https://www.erstwilder.com/collections/erstwilder-essentials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erstwilder</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/erstwilder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lottie and Lu</a>, and <a href="https://rockamilly.com/collections/may-gibbs-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rockamilly</a> in the UK. Snap them up while you can.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do you enjoy wearing Christmas earrings or do you draw the line at Christmas jumpers?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/my-erstwilder-christmas-brooch.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Erstwilder Christmas Brooch Collection</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/erstwilder-modern-holiday-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Erstwilder Modern Holiday Brooches and Earrings</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/erstwilder-australian-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder An Australian Christmas Brooches and Earrings</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/erstwilder-x-pete-cromer-2020-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder x Pete Cromer 2.0 Christmas Brooches</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2019/12/erstwilder-all-wrapped-up-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder All Wrapped Up Christmas Brooches</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/11/erstwilder-festive-splendour-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder Festive Splendour Christmas Brooches</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/12/erstwilder-kitschy-christmas-brooches.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder Kitschy Christmas Brooches</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-39266671856331928282023-12-10T07:00:00.001+00:002023-12-10T07:00:00.151+00:00Sunday Favourites Christmas Special #407<p style="text-align: justify;">It's been almost a year since I last blogged a Sunday Favourites post, and since it's Christmas, I thought it would be fun to put a new one together for a little festive inspiration.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This week's post is packed full of Christmas recipes, crafts, and more, in (mostly) classic red and green Christmas colours. I hope you enjoy it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KdBq5cyEu-bgG4HSCQzgZU5xLksQy8ZoCYsZDstMEUe7LwkBlnhePfaLlmllZwTCwmCK7ZdMv-WZSBEX1homBk_Bp6m1puceQCq73GEw17OoWhAFmpB24OCCyigz8WNaHPsgK8VFJdT9sKdX_svpwseMgrQ7tYSbv5G-Ox5uD48Qucn3T4wbxOl2oMAc/s840/original_pack-of-24-christmas-cards-gold-foiled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KdBq5cyEu-bgG4HSCQzgZU5xLksQy8ZoCYsZDstMEUe7LwkBlnhePfaLlmllZwTCwmCK7ZdMv-WZSBEX1homBk_Bp6m1puceQCq73GEw17OoWhAFmpB24OCCyigz8WNaHPsgK8VFJdT9sKdX_svpwseMgrQ7tYSbv5G-Ox5uD48Qucn3T4wbxOl2oMAc/s16000/original_pack-of-24-christmas-cards-gold-foiled.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I love <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ickaprint/product/pack-of-24-christmas-cards-gold-foiled" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these Christmas cards</a> from Ickaprint on Not on the High Street.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz8h5G8jtxFkoJBIFNwT6WbWRA1vhFKsAZNBvE_D3iiYXS2DyvQP0rvTNKRqpI9_ZwFBSGo1j4NFxMd1VOah3u_I0MNA_Ezh8zuwu7fPyVQ_XjFvcnmCZnZxrGjAbWfFgJYwAIuWi29OAV8JBZ_e-UmTozETtl6HosIWVybHDBFEfHnSiKw9HXunxlPcR/s1493/candy-swirl-glasses-1-768x1365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz8h5G8jtxFkoJBIFNwT6WbWRA1vhFKsAZNBvE_D3iiYXS2DyvQP0rvTNKRqpI9_ZwFBSGo1j4NFxMd1VOah3u_I0MNA_Ezh8zuwu7fPyVQ_XjFvcnmCZnZxrGjAbWfFgJYwAIuWi29OAV8JBZ_e-UmTozETtl6HosIWVybHDBFEfHnSiKw9HXunxlPcR/s16000/candy-swirl-glasses-1-768x1365.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">A Kailo Chic Life shows a quick and easy way to make <a href="https://akailochiclife.com/2022/12/peppermint-swirl-drinking-glasses.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">peppermint swirl drinking glasses </a>using a cutting machine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCOFBfHYCQt-FXHltfhyQDiWY8kCnUj0m1KdH7ACC6suzdr5FWGvjlUixWZBecsgZI6d1qAaGWToag6ZGSJO92MXV2_016id0l1wDH0Kja9rpUMol6APJTD9L5h0XrJRp_KqJ6W38AkvK6Ze-cq5QeGx2ou2Wvq9dhHFF0UOwl3iko7tTWKql2sFf4KXA/s1110/Gingerbread-Latte-Cake-Recipe-3-1000x1321.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCOFBfHYCQt-FXHltfhyQDiWY8kCnUj0m1KdH7ACC6suzdr5FWGvjlUixWZBecsgZI6d1qAaGWToag6ZGSJO92MXV2_016id0l1wDH0Kja9rpUMol6APJTD9L5h0XrJRp_KqJ6W38AkvK6Ze-cq5QeGx2ou2Wvq9dhHFF0UOwl3iko7tTWKql2sFf4KXA/s16000/Gingerbread-Latte-Cake-Recipe-3-1000x1321.jpeg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">How cute is this <a href="https://sugarandsparrow.com/gingerbread-latte-cake-recipe/#google_vignette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gingerbread latte cake</a> from Sugar and Sparrow?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjoeVwAbqFGaLsfxVS3NcUotnw5EcPbWHr8iYjCJnkh1czsp-5lqLpNjG-4-bv97-b2qyWTZmMdVlIqNhs9efr0CryLGovlbbCVv3_FhWGZjEkAUUo9XRfitfOvTxPH9Ml0n4Dno0UjEMNA_2mi3eM-jqkvTHGNMD7iKHPbezrTm2jZMAE8IEm6_7CxEU/s1200/21330_prod%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjoeVwAbqFGaLsfxVS3NcUotnw5EcPbWHr8iYjCJnkh1czsp-5lqLpNjG-4-bv97-b2qyWTZmMdVlIqNhs9efr0CryLGovlbbCVv3_FhWGZjEkAUUo9XRfitfOvTxPH9Ml0n4Dno0UjEMNA_2mi3eM-jqkvTHGNMD7iKHPbezrTm2jZMAE8IEm6_7CxEU/s16000/21330_prod%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0H1PyaFo2YJ08_-Ek83cY6UEiLhciFZ0J76kXsCNdMJ2AGi7hj3NbnyLzV8VpykDEsqCD0YYqo-etozz4BGIbgPxebXL4oRwFZ1cSNZGd1o_YNA2FW17ZqkrHpjWR02jhBvRSuI-xTgAikeAxQiEcYs6IMJIf0_QmfK6c0abKJ7zkdeG2w9a1iqKiG05/s1200/21330_alt5%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0H1PyaFo2YJ08_-Ek83cY6UEiLhciFZ0J76kXsCNdMJ2AGi7hj3NbnyLzV8VpykDEsqCD0YYqo-etozz4BGIbgPxebXL4oRwFZ1cSNZGd1o_YNA2FW17ZqkrHpjWR02jhBvRSuI-xTgAikeAxQiEcYs6IMJIf0_QmfK6c0abKJ7zkdeG2w9a1iqKiG05/s16000/21330_alt5%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you seen the <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/lego-ideas-home-alone-21330" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home Alone house Lego set</a>? Isn't it amazing? I just wish it wasn't so expensive so I could get one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4i2II4pypz4wij9VZi7I5ygozFAX7AtKk5jjOrMmwRpX-K5VtoUq4TPjTvo9WR7IUrP9gNQvbZImCN9IiGA2m4kQgDHevRoh5FKwgiLswqr9qs-g6layKZCb83kxfc2yiGWrFWfOWVlSVYbX7EVRyzZNBjqtF9j65OSeNDaGIfnjuw3BQ6Nm01N0tiAK/s689/33a476_d738c7dedead4a20a5ebfd4b76f5dc4e~mv2%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4i2II4pypz4wij9VZi7I5ygozFAX7AtKk5jjOrMmwRpX-K5VtoUq4TPjTvo9WR7IUrP9gNQvbZImCN9IiGA2m4kQgDHevRoh5FKwgiLswqr9qs-g6layKZCb83kxfc2yiGWrFWfOWVlSVYbX7EVRyzZNBjqtF9j65OSeNDaGIfnjuw3BQ6Nm01N0tiAK/s16000/33a476_d738c7dedead4a20a5ebfd4b76f5dc4e~mv2%20(1).jpg" width="840" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Not quite ready to give up Halloween? That's okay- you can combine it with Christmas with this <a href="https://www.ohmymarie.co.uk/product-page/spooky-frosty-spookmas-brooch-by-johanna-parker-x-lipstick-and-chrome-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spooky Frosty Spookmas brooch</a> by Johanna Parker x Lipstick & Chrome!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXeM11DiPzRXgn5zOh3Lri9uDw2y0wRDWJ2l6_8PC2nguy-1g6SvrJ4QoGjjciKHx6nO8DbGZadeX3edOYoTUHrW-s5O0ZajVIoXa79vl3AzRLLfX4aABgkLwdDRIfNyNc3MvPCt0Stio9pJfNif8kTWAcx5IFobk35_Bg9ZFuO4zMj6r3Cfm8LBt14dA/s1260/4e3d1c2e8bfcb8c5364aa68048524f92.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXeM11DiPzRXgn5zOh3Lri9uDw2y0wRDWJ2l6_8PC2nguy-1g6SvrJ4QoGjjciKHx6nO8DbGZadeX3edOYoTUHrW-s5O0ZajVIoXa79vl3AzRLLfX4aABgkLwdDRIfNyNc3MvPCt0Stio9pJfNif8kTWAcx5IFobk35_Bg9ZFuO4zMj6r3Cfm8LBt14dA/s16000/4e3d1c2e8bfcb8c5364aa68048524f92.jpg" width="840" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">A Beautiful Mess' <a href="https://abeautifulmess.com/grinch-cookies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grinch cookies</a> look like the perfect Christmas cookies to make if you want to bake something cute and festive, but don't want to deal with fiddly icing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKBRiR11xYBE0uqcRbOCrbIBqZAf6teFT8rebWn9CbQfunfGcylfL2iBiVyUmgp0Nht-ktAGcXBoS6gCdeKd-Z3M3SvVwZ0ADELIjZAnRxQaYgOAPoUud0UDnIhxMIMQgML0_EtZVsE32PZME-WPKgILNhA2i_xuhRynqcsAk7IY3yhNZ90s241ZacPxU/s840/il_794xN.4387213886_9hpt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKBRiR11xYBE0uqcRbOCrbIBqZAf6teFT8rebWn9CbQfunfGcylfL2iBiVyUmgp0Nht-ktAGcXBoS6gCdeKd-Z3M3SvVwZ0ADELIjZAnRxQaYgOAPoUud0UDnIhxMIMQgML0_EtZVsE32PZME-WPKgILNhA2i_xuhRynqcsAk7IY3yhNZ90s241ZacPxU/s16000/il_794xN.4387213886_9hpt.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5b8aomQkSHGaZMmm8JlXILW2uWYW9_3Exggn-Vk-Om9R1r_1G2xkmGOh_-sjYkciTlXKZYM4NyGAHdlSsEvVDHyndXdPVZPvoKwbug6cNoLCoPt4dJlcaHywj1lNZMGdsMQ3r6Y10OaaulgvWUPrFSvzI4xfg9qYDKVzBDDYqHoNqJP63NDSBV5c4GFl/s840/il_794xN.4465714423_6psm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5b8aomQkSHGaZMmm8JlXILW2uWYW9_3Exggn-Vk-Om9R1r_1G2xkmGOh_-sjYkciTlXKZYM4NyGAHdlSsEvVDHyndXdPVZPvoKwbug6cNoLCoPt4dJlcaHywj1lNZMGdsMQ3r6Y10OaaulgvWUPrFSvzI4xfg9qYDKVzBDDYqHoNqJP63NDSBV5c4GFl/s16000/il_794xN.4465714423_6psm.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdJrFSJnfxJFW9fV15YOj8HUqW9EmrRfxvEttFx2_6HpbmUtZmAxQzHS1btzAKmUEOn_aHrwmXbACZfhNrP9cnuPdbAmlKBQTg2Gu1xzlgdmIVM_coLKvsO_5ck0eWn_odJXOJZhhK3iJjTKE02rmqkiaGn7Rn1S83HChtf4-GYrzig0E12Y7hKMSU8Fk/s840/il_794xN.4380177365_3txq.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdJrFSJnfxJFW9fV15YOj8HUqW9EmrRfxvEttFx2_6HpbmUtZmAxQzHS1btzAKmUEOn_aHrwmXbACZfhNrP9cnuPdbAmlKBQTg2Gu1xzlgdmIVM_coLKvsO_5ck0eWn_odJXOJZhhK3iJjTKE02rmqkiaGn7Rn1S83HChtf4-GYrzig0E12Y7hKMSU8Fk/s16000/il_794xN.4380177365_3txq.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">BeCo Productions has the prettiest, modern <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BeCoProductions?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1342761152" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas embroidery patterns</a>. I'm so tempted by the It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year design, but I want to finish my Christmas cross stitches before I start a new project.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE5mid45Q1hGnZmqjA6Lu9ONJHtUYoNYEhjTVv9miNSpoc95W4YWqplbjp8uu0FVLVmxpymsb2Pf-E38swp4lRSMkTgHuA3Rpi_eCnSzG49xh9v5FRFnxbkKqgJs97BeO0bqqUDrQQSeMkGcS4IjkEiDmxh1ybyB1ua2-WIU8Vlw-ZrFD9j2yS29iKpRX/s1260/easy-christmas-cake-pops-reindeer-snowman-tree-1-6-1024x1536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE5mid45Q1hGnZmqjA6Lu9ONJHtUYoNYEhjTVv9miNSpoc95W4YWqplbjp8uu0FVLVmxpymsb2Pf-E38swp4lRSMkTgHuA3Rpi_eCnSzG49xh9v5FRFnxbkKqgJs97BeO0bqqUDrQQSeMkGcS4IjkEiDmxh1ybyB1ua2-WIU8Vlw-ZrFD9j2yS29iKpRX/s16000/easy-christmas-cake-pops-reindeer-snowman-tree-1-6-1024x1536.jpg" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">I've never made or tried cake pops before, but these <a href="https://abeautifulmess.com/christmas-cake-pops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas cake pops</a> from A Beautiful Mess are so cute.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F_LKJFDKIIsQ0TVY3VJMc1agX7snMPAck_LffNcJli3BHmyGFUx2BFhrFFplLaW7Vg1zZf8H7zqTiBVhHiSxxxAXgBxE6VVAF16Fp0ZaFfTkenAX03qUQpwgXah_FfhkNfnfJQDfHiKS6OwmlKqbkgB11R6yypFX-dJxoE4jZb0RrWqSi_j8lkTHaVRR/s840/126265951_717119819234978_8268389066649115486_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F_LKJFDKIIsQ0TVY3VJMc1agX7snMPAck_LffNcJli3BHmyGFUx2BFhrFFplLaW7Vg1zZf8H7zqTiBVhHiSxxxAXgBxE6VVAF16Fp0ZaFfTkenAX03qUQpwgXah_FfhkNfnfJQDfHiKS6OwmlKqbkgB11R6yypFX-dJxoE4jZb0RrWqSi_j8lkTHaVRR/s16000/126265951_717119819234978_8268389066649115486_n.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CH8xHLegEWE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=77071ced-a6a7-4b00-ab28-836bf7470bac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas charcuterie board</a> by The Charcuterie Mama looks amazing. I really want to put one together this Christmas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscumOACkMsoeNObIuD7tMDBZjYtVVDOm828O0MMosu7y-ztmhfM1CWRge1vP8HN6zS2K8O3Cd4NIrwiok-VrXMd6XIGwjmsKAdeigwmRsHwUY2VF5sQzm8LCIGrXIIa8aQM5-VqFLGr2x2fphft-DKQ6u4-ACzmkiL3NIw1SDPv_Rp2pv565s56yF5aSZ/s1260/Reindeer-Macarons-2-768x1152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscumOACkMsoeNObIuD7tMDBZjYtVVDOm828O0MMosu7y-ztmhfM1CWRge1vP8HN6zS2K8O3Cd4NIrwiok-VrXMd6XIGwjmsKAdeigwmRsHwUY2VF5sQzm8LCIGrXIIa8aQM5-VqFLGr2x2fphft-DKQ6u4-ACzmkiL3NIw1SDPv_Rp2pv565s56yF5aSZ/s16000/Reindeer-Macarons-2-768x1152.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This <a href="https://www.piesandtacos.com/reindeer-macarons/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reindeer macarons recipe</a> from Pies & Tacos looks delicious <i>and</i> adorable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip9wBBPT-mGfLOETO3Yjq_5BXIRdwXpMe2qxw54m9FZ44XFae297-BbAJJ_J771u6oSu4xacfnewttHbx89zni2GbJoPGLJ3aenxgAU1kYi4N4l15_k2OCmAZNfWSBKioWHjKYPWJaQWgSCYfrt5SL88jmCobzrGtNyokiSEskloAoaCuwWFbbPZXQF_6/s840/db931bf7fdc88a3d4b529932927b4c86.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip9wBBPT-mGfLOETO3Yjq_5BXIRdwXpMe2qxw54m9FZ44XFae297-BbAJJ_J771u6oSu4xacfnewttHbx89zni2GbJoPGLJ3aenxgAU1kYi4N4l15_k2OCmAZNfWSBKioWHjKYPWJaQWgSCYfrt5SL88jmCobzrGtNyokiSEskloAoaCuwWFbbPZXQF_6/s16000/db931bf7fdc88a3d4b529932927b4c86.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you want to try some easy Christmas crafting, this <a href="https://www.themakearcade.co.uk/products/cosy-christmas-felt-decoration-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cosy Christmas felt decoration kit</a> from The Make Arcade looks like the perfect way to stitch away an afternoon or two.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZD116JuLZfJ0Tz1eOwVXv7YkH4ZsWTJH5gurHn9OmF5UKy_ce0gex7lN8OQAprGMV6AeZK-XBeZxzeOBkCgNYfNiFuiQIOotjKX1tC_eev8A7pyOgkYyQgOk9NBwQaIOorahto-VDy7CmhaNJ0t5yYWaw8U9Jt8ZuQB2xazJiLCQ9EvX8199UxLvrjYI/s1260/110A3105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZD116JuLZfJ0Tz1eOwVXv7YkH4ZsWTJH5gurHn9OmF5UKy_ce0gex7lN8OQAprGMV6AeZK-XBeZxzeOBkCgNYfNiFuiQIOotjKX1tC_eev8A7pyOgkYyQgOk9NBwQaIOorahto-VDy7CmhaNJ0t5yYWaw8U9Jt8ZuQB2xazJiLCQ9EvX8199UxLvrjYI/s16000/110A3105.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I'd love to try this <a href="https://www.smartschoolhouse.com/holidays/meringue-wreath-cookies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">meringue wreath cookies recipe</a> from The Smart School House.</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUitjrZhntU3ArtFJLPJ5QCSoUC8OqZ4Txgsq5N1YqYqG8ffeVOjG5eT23zXvPzhSbHLjAHl_F_ul4XWeDMjezcpEHwugOCNqBL9YeJkiBAVTsl5Nw2fRnvGsUj6RMfL66NCs_lBucqTnnfl317gSu2LFvLEt0MTZ7Al7AKjQ9l3zG41j_cbnQ54wAFNg8/s1141/Gingerbread-oreo-cookie-balls-1131x1536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUitjrZhntU3ArtFJLPJ5QCSoUC8OqZ4Txgsq5N1YqYqG8ffeVOjG5eT23zXvPzhSbHLjAHl_F_ul4XWeDMjezcpEHwugOCNqBL9YeJkiBAVTsl5Nw2fRnvGsUj6RMfL66NCs_lBucqTnnfl317gSu2LFvLEt0MTZ7Al7AKjQ9l3zG41j_cbnQ54wAFNg8/s16000/Gingerbread-oreo-cookie-balls-1131x1536.jpg" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">A Pumpkin and a Princess has a great recipe for <a href="https://apumpkinandaprincess.com/gingerbread-oreo-balls/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gingerbread Oreo Balls</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_vNseBjMiOg0EpXl0b4Il_G81YbC_kHpWOWw0S2ugAYfVvMZG0aelQupJWUfbwLk2gaZ-mDeEPL-vggbiO-eBomunK1EuviFePV-WHANRGNulY6vP2qiilTjBbDHQd37ASSK6eWngBf6ExmRyzhT0XjG2b_RUgnlcizgq1OjeWRoe0TP5lGrvNMyjm1I/s1191/Christmas-lights-oreo-ball-truffles-768x1089.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_vNseBjMiOg0EpXl0b4Il_G81YbC_kHpWOWw0S2ugAYfVvMZG0aelQupJWUfbwLk2gaZ-mDeEPL-vggbiO-eBomunK1EuviFePV-WHANRGNulY6vP2qiilTjBbDHQd37ASSK6eWngBf6ExmRyzhT0XjG2b_RUgnlcizgq1OjeWRoe0TP5lGrvNMyjm1I/s16000/Christmas-lights-oreo-ball-truffles-768x1089.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">And their <a href="https://apumpkinandaprincess.com/christmas-lights-oreo-balls/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas Lights Oreo Balls</a> look so fun and festive, too.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7SQpVCxqGHrFeymn9ICGSxaj7mVZ1BDYr2gtaWCflad9SRx57mmoqXKsKnQKH52SCSjiW3UwH_juZVLdm-s0FS6tz0nCdnm3navyvdB8-aqZJAiB2XN5Rg8buG07dE0VQjkOoLYZ-tcVjt3gMFmwETBo4755xPrcx8-bASrm1FpnLlprDfk751rTVzBq/s1088/Christmas-Dessert-Board-Beauty-1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7SQpVCxqGHrFeymn9ICGSxaj7mVZ1BDYr2gtaWCflad9SRx57mmoqXKsKnQKH52SCSjiW3UwH_juZVLdm-s0FS6tz0nCdnm3navyvdB8-aqZJAiB2XN5Rg8buG07dE0VQjkOoLYZ-tcVjt3gMFmwETBo4755xPrcx8-bASrm1FpnLlprDfk751rTVzBq/s16000/Christmas-Dessert-Board-Beauty-1.webp" width="840" /></a><br /><p style="text-align: center;">And I'd love to recreate this scrumptious <a href="https://www.sprinklebakes.com/2022/12/christmas-dessert-board.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas dessert board</a> from Sprinkle Bakes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'll be back next Sunday with another round of Christmas Sunday Favourites, but if you want more inspiration in the meantime, you can find all my previous Christmas Sunday Favourites posts <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Favourites%20Christmas%20Specials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for reading!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have you got any fun festive activities planned this weekend?</p></div></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-1487510447325851162023-12-08T14:03:00.001+00:002023-12-08T14:03:35.189+00:00A Court of Frost and Starlight Festive Book Review<p style="text-align: justify;">I love to read books with festive storylines at Christmas time to help get me in the mood, and I discovered a new one this year from one of my new favourite book series that will probably end up being reread every Christmas from now on:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's a fun, festive novella from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, that sees the characters of the Night Court celebrating their winter Solstice, and it's ideal for anyone who enjoys NA fantasy romance, with hot fae characters, and plenty of angst and humour.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm here with a little review of the book to tell you why you need to read it this Christmas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvGKPt7dVPCJUEPsJrD49wev01ibJ9ImkWoin2O4bz-Y-aneLgGvww5D8bJL6wtYM1kxp63EowxnFo6gpdnO6kgt3Y547jc32i34wvwztKrA23OnH1dknJqbT1KmCokrywmldMStPRUIAUwr7vah3Zh_lw25JnyTrssJ9H5hvhpiPO74Rh3kzCvvj9PHJ/s840/a%20court%20of%20frost%20and%20starlight%20review=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvGKPt7dVPCJUEPsJrD49wev01ibJ9ImkWoin2O4bz-Y-aneLgGvww5D8bJL6wtYM1kxp63EowxnFo6gpdnO6kgt3Y547jc32i34wvwztKrA23OnH1dknJqbT1KmCokrywmldMStPRUIAUwr7vah3Zh_lw25JnyTrssJ9H5hvhpiPO74Rh3kzCvvj9PHJ/s16000/a%20court%20of%20frost%20and%20starlight%20review=.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Title:</span></b> A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOTAR book 4)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Author:</span></b> Sarah J. Maas</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Genre:</span></b> NA Fantasy romance / Romantasy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Plot:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A Court of Frost and Starlight is a festive fantasy novella that bridges the gap between the end of the war in a A Court of Wings and Ruin, and the events of A Court of Silver Flames the following summer. The Winter Solstice- ACOTAR's version of Christmas- is approaching, and as they prepare to celebrate the festivities together, the Inner Circle- a found family of sickingly good-looking fae friends who lead the mysterious Night Court- are working to heal from the war, rebuild the city of Velaris, and find peace with the other courts and humans beyond. Or so they say. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When they're not shopping for Solstice presents, having snowball fights, or weird s*x, they spend a shocking amount of time wandering around the frozen city streets of Velaris, having dinner together, making a mess of the decorations, and drinking in front of the fire. Basically enjoying all the best parts of the holidays the way any of us might.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Feyre, who, apparently, barely has time to sleep or spend time with her High Lord mate, Rhys, somehow manages to find an awful lot of time to paint, teach art, and treat Nesta and Lucien like dirt. (But we mustn't speak ill of our High Lady). Rhys is horny but too busy checking in on a deeply depressed Tamlin to get any; Mor is restless and in need of adventure; Amren has taken up jigsaw puzzles- yes, AMREN!; Cassian is fighting misogyny in the war camps and pining after Nesta; and Nesta is drinking herself into oblivion and pushing everyone away. And Azriel and Elain... I don't know, but they're there, too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And... well, that's about it. That's the plot. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Um... yeah. It doesn't really have one, besides a group of friends enjoying the festive season together, and trying to find their feet again after a gruelling war.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm a huge fan of the ACOTAR series, but even I'll admit that the writing is a little cringe-worthy, and reads like a twelve-year-old's attempt at fan fiction. It's as if the author employed someone inexperienced to ghost write her characters enjoying Christmas together with the plot of a low-budget TV Christmas movie, except the characters are fae and half the males have bat wings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It doesn't compare to any of the other books in the series in storyline or quality AT ALL, but I still enjoyed it for the small bit of character development, new POVs from Cassian, Nesta and Mor, comedic value, and getting to learn more about some of my favourite book characters. If you're a fan of the series, it should fill a bat-boy-shaped hole in your life between books, and it's ideal for some light-hearted relief, but if you go in expecting a masterpiece, you will be disappointed; it's festive fluff, and little more. But hey, sometimes festive fluff is exactly what you need- especially at Christmas time when the stress levels are high, and you don't have much time to relax and unwind with a good book. And if that's the case, and you're looking for an easy, simple, but enjoyable story that can be read in a day, I would recommend ACOFAS. It's a fun, quick, effortless read with plenty of cute, funny, and heartwarming seasonal scenes to help get you in the mood for Christmas, as well as some deeper, heartbreaking moments to punch you in the heart, as certain characters struggle with their mental health due to trauma and loss. But please proceed with caution if topics like war, grief, depression, s*xual abuse, physical abuse and s*x are triggering.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A few highlights of the book for me were getting to read from Cassian and Nesta's POVs for the first time, and their heated scenes together as Nesta battled with her trauma and grief. She straight-up broke my heart pushing the few people that cared about her away while she spiralled further and further, and it annoyed me how nobody seemed to realise why she was acting the way she was when they'd all been through trauma themselves. Nesta's such a misunderstood character, but I love her, and wanted someone to help her so badly. The scene where she rejects Cassian's Solstice present hurt my heart, and I was rooting for them to end up together. It was also interesting to finally read a flash-back of the aftermath of Mor's assault, when Eris found her on the ground of the Autumn Court, and I was surprised by how the scenes between Rhys and a deeply depressed Tamlin changed my feelings towards Tamlin yet again. There's also plenty of romantic moments between everyone's favourite power-couple, Feysand, and some sweet moments laced with sexual tension for Azriel and Elain. Lucien also pops his head in, but of course, he's still being completely ignored. He deserves better.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The seasonal scenes were also really fun to read, from the three five-hundred-year-old winged man children having their annual snowball fight together, to Azriel redoing the decorations Cassian and Feyre made a mess of hanging, and getting flustered when Rhys busts him downing wine in exasperation. Mor's legendary bad gift giving was also pretty funny, and the story of where Rhys got all of Feyre's outfits made me cry.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In conclusion, A Court of Frost and Starlight is not the best written book in the world, doesn't have much of a plot, and doesn't match the quality of the rest of the ACOTAR series, but it's a fun read if you're an ACOTAR or fantasy fan who enjoys a bit of festive fluff. I don't think you need to read the first three books to enjoy it, but it would definitely help you understand the characters- and the fact the males have bat wings- better. The book has it's good sides and bad sides and down right cringe worthy sides, but it's worth enduing for the good bits. Just go in with low expectations, pretend it's a fan fic, and you'll be less disappointed by the drop in quality since ACOWAR. Don't worry- it more than picks up again in A Court of Silver Flames.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b> Three and a half stars out of five from me, but hey, it's Solstice, so let's round it up to four.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">You can find a more in-depth review of the book from me on my Goodreads <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5334315826" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to start my reread.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have you read A Court of Frost and Starlight yet?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>You Might Also Like</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-litjoy.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Litjoy Crate ACOTAR Stained Glass Book Tin Review</span></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/litjoy-crate-acotar-stained-glass-book.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate ACOTAR Stained Glass Book Sleeve Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Throne of Glass Series Reviews Part One</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Series Reviews Part Two</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/12/midnight-in-everwood-by-m-kuzniar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Midnight in Everwood by M A Kuzniar Christmas Book Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-merry-christmas-other-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott Review</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-german-christmas-festive-tales-from.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">A German Christmas: Festive Tales From Berlin to Bavaria Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/puffin-classics-christmas-carol.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Puffin Classics A Christmas Carol Book Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-literary-christmas-anthology-book.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">A Literary Christmas: An Anthology Book Review </a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/noel-streatfeilds-christmas-stories.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories Book Review </a> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-to-color-by-mary-tanana-adult.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Christmas to Color by Mary Tanana: Adult Christmas Colouring Book Review </a></span></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-21004642959763411892023-12-07T14:02:00.000+00:002023-12-07T14:02:30.961+00:00My Christmas List 2023<p style="text-align: justify;">My family keep pestering me for Christmas present ideas, so I thought it was about time I put together a little wish list to give them a few ideas. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I figured it might also give you guys some Christmas present inspiration for your own friends and family (or yourself!), so I'm sharing it with you, too.</p><p>Here's this year's Christmas list. Remember to check it twice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSIKzbtULRf2_E1Oz8ll8v0lTlm6kwXnhHywgKH-NJaBLJADtDcB1K-CfWc7rXZnG6NGS24NbaBHXBU3Mq9KnqlSbGD374ugmnhZJTruBccuPPTFQUseyReWN0QZEpY9FkM10DgWwD3g4eHCYkfnv0BD0GJvvkx5H-aLzzoYw5U7ujde0vJJWuntm9LNi/s1500/christmas%20wish%20list%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSIKzbtULRf2_E1Oz8ll8v0lTlm6kwXnhHywgKH-NJaBLJADtDcB1K-CfWc7rXZnG6NGS24NbaBHXBU3Mq9KnqlSbGD374ugmnhZJTruBccuPPTFQUseyReWN0QZEpY9FkM10DgWwD3g4eHCYkfnv0BD0GJvvkx5H-aLzzoYw5U7ujde0vJJWuntm9LNi/s16000/christmas%20wish%20list%202023.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/fall-of-ruin-and-wrath-exclusive-owlcrate-edition?variant=42675435045039" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1 </a>//<a href="https://ladyvlondon.com/products/lyra-mini-dress-herbology-witch?variant=47163080474932" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 2</a> // <a href="https://joanieclothing.com/lucinda-cable-knit-embroidered-cardigan-teal.html?epik=dj0yJnU9aEJrdEtFRmJJRGQ1OXgwbExkNlJTSm9iQWRHUk9BSWEmcD0wJm49OElGcDlFNUJGZHRtbjBQRlRVRjJRQSZ0PUFBQUFBR1Z4dnRV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3</a> // <a href="https://joanieclothing.com/lucinda-cable-knit-embroidered-cardigan-mustard.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4</a> // <a href="https://www.geekcore.co.uk/products/loungefly-x-disney-robin-hood-floral-mini-backpack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5</a> // <a href="https://wednesdayjones.co.uk/products/owen-the-otter-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">6</a> // <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/deluxe-hunger-games-collection/suzanne-collins/9780702333026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7</a> // <a href="https://www.toofaced.co.uk/product/25118/120845/christmas/merry-merry-makeup-face-eye-palette-gift-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">8 </a>// <a href="https://wednesdayjones.co.uk/products/darcy-the-dachshund-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">9</a> // <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/gifts/bath-and-body-gifts/pears-share-essential-gift%C2%A0%C2%A0/p/p173028?epik=dj0yJnU9ckxidjNJeVhkdXEycTdfTU1sVlBYWHg0U2xhQTU5Z2smcD0wJm49WHJvX2NzRVBnMEtkUloyc0RXN1Z2USZ0PUFBQUFBR1Z4dmtN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10</a> // <a href="https://www.truffleshuffle.co.uk/product/37080/loungefly-disney-lady-and-the-tramp-daisy-portrait-mini-backpack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">11</a> // <a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/miss-bianca-bernard-and-evinrude-disney100-soft-toy-set-the-rescuers-412304236632.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">12</a> // <a href="https://www.illumicrate.com/shop/illumicrate-exclusive-olivie-blake-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">13</a> // <a href="https://litjoycrate.com/collections/holly-black/products/the-cruel-prince-stationery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">14</a> // <a href="https://thebrokenbindingsub.com/products/nettle-and-bone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">15 </a>// <a href="https://wednesdayjones.co.uk/products/rhonda-the-red-panda-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">16</a> // <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-light-in-the-flame-jennifer-l-armentrout/1141400358;jsessionid=9633A8C71B7E4BF10A3024B798954882.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9781957568201" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">17 </a>// <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-fire-in-the-flesh-jennifer-l-armentrout/1143051402%3Bjsessionid=9633A8C71B7E4BF10A3024B798954882.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9781957568614" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">18</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winning-Labyrinth-Monopoly-explore-Staircase/dp/B0C7GCM375" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">19</a> // <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/forest-reading-planner?variant=42222919909551" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">20</a> //<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-soul-of-ash-and-blood-jennifer-l-armentrout/1142749250%3Bjsessionid=9633A8C71B7E4BF10A3024B798954882.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9781957568577" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 21</a> // <a href="https://www.thunderegg.co.uk/products/erstwilder-growth-eternal-mini-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">22</a> // <a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/kutopia/products/warren-the-wombat-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">23</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. Owlcrate's edition of <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/fall-of-ruin-and-wrath-exclusive-owlcrate-edition?variant=42675435045039" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fall of Ruin and Wrath</a> is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen. Even if it kinda looks like a purple version of the Six of Crows collector's edition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. I'm in love with the print on this <a href="https://ladyvlondon.com/products/lyra-mini-dress-herbology-witch?variant=47163080474932" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Herbology Witch print Lyra Mini Dress</a> from Lady Vintage. Loving the forest witch vibes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. The Lucinda cable knit embroidered cardigans from Joanie Clothing look perfect for throwing over a cute dress to stay warm in the winter. I can't decide if I prefer the <a href="https://joanieclothing.com/lucinda-cable-knit-embroidered-cardigan-teal.html?epik=dj0yJnU9aEJrdEtFRmJJRGQ1OXgwbExkNlJTSm9iQWRHUk9BSWEmcD0wJm49OElGcDlFNUJGZHRtbjBQRlRVRjJRQSZ0PUFBQUFBR1Z4dnRV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">teal</a>...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. ...or this gorgeous <a href="https://joanieclothing.com/lucinda-cable-knit-embroidered-cardigan-mustard.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mustard</a> variation. Maybe I need both?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. How many Robin Hood Loungefly backpacks are too many? Because I <i>need</i> this <a href="https://www.geekcore.co.uk/products/loungefly-x-disney-robin-hood-floral-mini-backpack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robin Hood floral mini backpack</a> in my life like yesterday. It's one of the best bags I've ever seen.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. Erstwilder just released their insanely cute and colourful Kutopia collection by Kasey Rainbow, and their <a href="https://wednesdayjones.co.uk/products/owen-the-otter-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Owen the Otter brooch</a> looks otterly adorable.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. I would sell my right arm to find the new <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/deluxe-hunger-games-collection/suzanne-collins/9780702333026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">deluxe Hunger Games box set</a> under the tree this Christmas, but it already seems to be sold out <i>everywhere</i>, so I'm a sad little bookworm. I'm kicking myself for not preordering it, but I didn't have the pennies and figured it would be around for a while. I really hope they restock it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. I don't need any more eyeshadows in my life, but I would definitely make room for Too Faced's new seasonal <a href="https://www.toofaced.co.uk/product/25118/120845/christmas/merry-merry-makeup-face-eye-palette-gift-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merry Merry Makeup eyeshadow palette</a>. The colours look dreamy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. I've always had a soft spot for dachshunds (sorry, Rosie), and this <a href="https://wednesdayjones.co.uk/products/darcy-the-dachshund-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darcy the Dachshund brooch</a> is one of the cutest dog brooches I've ever seen.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. I really want to try the new Pears & Share range from The Body Shop, especially the shower gel and body yoghurt, so the <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/gifts/bath-and-body-gifts/pears-share-essential-gift%C2%A0%C2%A0/p/p173028?epik=dj0yJnU9ckxidjNJeVhkdXEycTdfTU1sVlBYWHg0U2xhQTU5Z2smcD0wJm49WHJvX2NzRVBnMEtkUloyc0RXN1Z2USZ0PUFBQUFBR1Z4dmtN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pear Essentials gift set </a>would definitely be welcomed this Christmas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. What I wouldn't give to own this amazing <a href="https://www.truffleshuffle.co.uk/product/37080/loungefly-disney-lady-and-the-tramp-daisy-portrait-mini-backpack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loungefly Lady and the Tramp mini backpack</a>! I always loved the Christmas scene with Jock and Trusty and the puppies at the end of the film, so this one is definitely a <i>need</i>, and not just a want. It's so perfect I could cry.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. The Rescuers was one of my favourite Disney films growing up, and this soft toy set of <a href="https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/miss-bianca-bernard-and-evinrude-disney100-soft-toy-set-the-rescuers-412304236632.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miss Bianca, Bernard, and Evinrude</a> is adorable. I can't believe there's a teddy of Evinrude and his little leaf motor boat!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. I'm <i>dying</i> to get my hands on this <a href="https://www.illumicrate.com/shop/illumicrate-exclusive-olivie-blake-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olivie Blake Masters of Death and One For My Enemy book duo</a> from Illumicrate. The books look stunning (especially Masters of Death), and the storylines sound really good, too.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. I love this <a href="https://litjoycrate.com/collections/holly-black/products/the-cruel-prince-stationery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cruel Prince stationery set </a>from Litjoy Crate, which matches the art in the book boxset. The only problem is, they're so pretty, I wouldn't want to use them.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. <a href="https://thebrokenbindingsub.com/products/nettle-and-bone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nettle and Bone</a> was one of my favourite reads last year, and I've fallen in love with this special edition from The Broken Binding. The Bone Dog hidden cover is amazing, and it's so inexpensive for a special edition, too.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. <a href="https://wednesdayjones.co.uk/products/rhonda-the-red-panda-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rhonda the Red Panda</a> is another Erstwilder Kutopia brooch that would make a great edition to my brooch zoo.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. I love the Barnes and Noble special editions of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Blood and Ash, and Flesh and Fire series, and would love to collect them. This copy of <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-light-in-the-flame-jennifer-l-armentrout/1141400358;jsessionid=9633A8C71B7E4BF10A3024B798954882.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9781957568201" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Light in the Flame </a>is so beautiful.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">18. <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-fire-in-the-flesh-jennifer-l-armentrout/1143051402;jsessionid=9633A8C71B7E4BF10A3024B798954882.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9781957568614" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Fire in the Flesh</a> is even prettier. I just wish there was one for Shadow in the Ember.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">19. I never knew I needed an edition of Monopoly so much until I discovered there's now <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winning-Labyrinth-Monopoly-explore-Staircase/dp/B0C7GCM375" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Labyrinth Monopoly</a>. It looks so good!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">20. Owlcrate's <a href="https://www.owlcrate.com/products/forest-reading-planner?variant=42222919909551" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forest reading planner</a> is still high on my lust list. The design is gorgeous, and it has everything you need for recording your reading life.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">21. Another Barnes and Noble special edition I have my eye on is this stunning copy of <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-soul-of-ash-and-blood-jennifer-l-armentrout/1142749250;jsessionid=9633A8C71B7E4BF10A3024B798954882.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9781957568577" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Soul of Ash and Blood</a>. Sadly, B&N stopped delivering to the UK during the pandemic, but I'm tempted to save up, and try a shipping service like Stackry at some point. Has anyone ever used them?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">22. How cute is <a href="https://www.thunderegg.co.uk/products/erstwilder-growth-eternal-mini-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Growth Eternal mini brooch</a> from Erstwilder?! It would go great with the Lyra dress.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">23. And finally, one last Erstwilder Kutopia brooch because a girl can never have too many... say hello to <a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/kutopia/products/warren-the-wombat-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Warren the Wombat</a>. He's wonderful.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And those are some of the things on my Christmas list. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you're looking for more like this, you can find all these and more on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/louisepea/christmas-wishlist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas wish list board</a> on Pinterest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What's on the top of your Christmas list this year?</p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-86136939548721178972023-12-05T13:15:00.002+00:002023-12-05T13:15:39.860+00:00Litjoy Crate ACOTAR Stained Glass Book Sleeve Review<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh2V8G-uWBCY_1i4QSl4fcAJ-XTaLmHgNNomYjTXhbHykZKacUNqGXVZaXs868fy_2dc59yVU4bxIiUsKn6M5G_n56DmTgXVeLxGejMP3OblJWb9i707WEpnDZ7J9ZoQDFit2PEEA65nfpcYKu91lb5vNa155CQVRNR9uHVOn6Pfzcz8mT24K-mNGeG1W/s840/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh2V8G-uWBCY_1i4QSl4fcAJ-XTaLmHgNNomYjTXhbHykZKacUNqGXVZaXs868fy_2dc59yVU4bxIiUsKn6M5G_n56DmTgXVeLxGejMP3OblJWb9i707WEpnDZ7J9ZoQDFit2PEEA65nfpcYKu91lb5vNa155CQVRNR9uHVOn6Pfzcz8mT24K-mNGeG1W/s16000/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%201.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">2023 has been my A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) era, and I'm not done yet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Not even close.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've even gone as far as buying bookish ACOTAR merch this year. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I reviewed the amazing <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-litjoy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate ACOTAR book tin</a> here on the blog back in the spring, and I loved the design so much that I just had to go back and snag one of the matching book sleeves for myself, too. I've been meaning to talk about it for months, but, luckily, the timing works out okay for present inspiration because it would actually make a great Christmas present for any fan of the series.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAnRCeCkSoPcggi4FrztNChaV9PMgKm7yd41R4tRegJfKUON5V_RbtWJxVCnUpSbN2pZ8Pa8IrZitddMttHuPk8dBb_W8FhEneTgCxcnhha6RT4HI0eQVouIyQ4c8zhrs8ElOgaoNW1pxP3-crJjJkkE7bKgvJ7ZskRAGXTZJkYy5gbNgRKfluCC47CH7/s840/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAnRCeCkSoPcggi4FrztNChaV9PMgKm7yd41R4tRegJfKUON5V_RbtWJxVCnUpSbN2pZ8Pa8IrZitddMttHuPk8dBb_W8FhEneTgCxcnhha6RT4HI0eQVouIyQ4c8zhrs8ElOgaoNW1pxP3-crJjJkkE7bKgvJ7ZskRAGXTZJkYy5gbNgRKfluCC47CH7/s16000/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%202.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, this is the <a href="https://litjoycrate.com/collections/sarah-j-maas/products/acotar-stained-glass-book-sleeve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate ACOTAR stained glass book sleeve</a>, which features RosieThorns88's amazing Beauty and the Rhys artwork. It depicts Rhys, Feyre, and Tamlin (and the High Lords' beast forms behind them) on Feyre's wedding day, and it's inspired by the stained glass art from Beauty and the Beast. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF-370MIJWBU_aukON14B-qUUIIxS7jDowljRy2D-VKbcekVbIwW4FPvMQVIFXiwzZbL0Ghca1vJ69q021mKDXhK6QFC3mBNuEHV5Zt1YWb2C8BD_8nhOFrxpDlysG7XgvvBKCo-GtQflIecK-kaSzJSKuePAUmn-ryVFdd3AoCczGokPVja_KRG3sLGV/s840/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%20close%20up%204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF-370MIJWBU_aukON14B-qUUIIxS7jDowljRy2D-VKbcekVbIwW4FPvMQVIFXiwzZbL0Ghca1vJ69q021mKDXhK6QFC3mBNuEHV5Zt1YWb2C8BD_8nhOFrxpDlysG7XgvvBKCo-GtQflIecK-kaSzJSKuePAUmn-ryVFdd3AoCczGokPVja_KRG3sLGV/s16000/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%20close%20up%204.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The fun thing about the design is that there are loads of little Easter eggs from the books hidden amongst the characters like Lucien's fox mask, the Ouroboros, Feyre's wedding shoe (if you know, you know), the Bone Carver's chisel, and the Cauldron turned into a giant rose. There's also the starry Night Court sky and the Spring Court manor in the stained glass windows at the back, and pretty pink roses along the bottom.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1krtpTP52T1tjkvQN97DF6hKEsNrH5KQsUh-B_SD9u0MCeWYaeEZxcvwlQne0XvW5hsSpDt-WZGfAfTD5nEdaKaObNTP9tjIyW9gyGaAgI4S8RD45lf52i9hOLOwVZrwH0ZLi-h9Xey7TkLw3I0de4WjtrERbRINpLQoiCYdA4U8JKg6AV1hSsUQL2yYl/s840/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%20close%20up.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1krtpTP52T1tjkvQN97DF6hKEsNrH5KQsUh-B_SD9u0MCeWYaeEZxcvwlQne0XvW5hsSpDt-WZGfAfTD5nEdaKaObNTP9tjIyW9gyGaAgI4S8RD45lf52i9hOLOwVZrwH0ZLi-h9Xey7TkLw3I0de4WjtrERbRINpLQoiCYdA4U8JKg6AV1hSsUQL2yYl/s16000/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%20close%20up.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There's a lot of deep purples, pinks, black, and green in the art, but they're not as vivid as they are on the book tin, and some of the darker colours (especially on the Night Court side) have printed a little too dark to see the image clearly. I think it makes an otherwise gorgeous book sleeve look a little bit like a cheap knock-off in places, which is such a shame as the art is amazing and it's otherwise well made.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The book sleeve has been made from polyester with inner foam to cushion your book or e-reader (or whatever you decide to store inside) and keep them well protected from dirt and damage. It feels soft and springy- a bit like wetsuit fabric. It's also durable and thick, can be easily wiped clean, and has a zip closure at the top to keep you book or tablet safe and clean.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh2V8G-uWBCY_1i4QSl4fcAJ-XTaLmHgNNomYjTXhbHykZKacUNqGXVZaXs868fy_2dc59yVU4bxIiUsKn6M5G_n56DmTgXVeLxGejMP3OblJWb9i707WEpnDZ7J9ZoQDFit2PEEA65nfpcYKu91lb5vNa155CQVRNR9uHVOn6Pfzcz8mT24K-mNGeG1W/s840/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh2V8G-uWBCY_1i4QSl4fcAJ-XTaLmHgNNomYjTXhbHykZKacUNqGXVZaXs868fy_2dc59yVU4bxIiUsKn6M5G_n56DmTgXVeLxGejMP3OblJWb9i707WEpnDZ7J9ZoQDFit2PEEA65nfpcYKu91lb5vNa155CQVRNR9uHVOn6Pfzcz8mT24K-mNGeG1W/s16000/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%201.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It comes in three sizes to suit paperbacks, hardbacks, and tablets, and I went with the medium to cover most of my bases. The medium is 8 x 11.5 inches in size, and it's perfect for smaller hardbacks- but can be used for paperbacks and Kindles, too. It won't accommodate larger hardbacks like A Court of Silver Flames, but I can just about squeeze A Court of Wings and Ruin in it (as you can see in the photos), which is 699 pages long. You won't fit anything bigger in this bad boy (there's zero chance of fitting Kingdom of Ash in here), and it's definitely better suited to more average-sized books so you don't strain the zip and stitching. I don't really understand why they'd make an ACOTAR book sleeve and not make it roomy enough to fit all of the books, but at least A Court of Thorns and Roses, and A Court of Frost and Starlight fit in perfectly. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E2Ces-o6nJu-a1OFuoQD2raS4LI1xzM-aXFNIQzNpyyt70uzR7b023H2B58IDPl_WiFh4RxhpzMEXPlM3GfJ06mXHDqsRSMZr8Lw-c53MkkwOMgMZYw1tGUqa_Ujsf4eELuI7Ql4ZdCvHYSyNBW221FYMbc9HRpMlec3uw232WKO8yfjn0Jqt8AQWPlc/s840/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E2Ces-o6nJu-a1OFuoQD2raS4LI1xzM-aXFNIQzNpyyt70uzR7b023H2B58IDPl_WiFh4RxhpzMEXPlM3GfJ06mXHDqsRSMZr8Lw-c53MkkwOMgMZYw1tGUqa_Ujsf4eELuI7Ql4ZdCvHYSyNBW221FYMbc9HRpMlec3uw232WKO8yfjn0Jqt8AQWPlc/s16000/acotar%20stained%20glass%20book%20sleeve%20litjoy%20crate%203.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">These stained glass book sleeves range from $16.50- $25.00 (US dollars) in price- the medium is $20.00- and shipping to the UK was under $10 with taxes, which I think is really reasonable. It does vary depending on how much you buy, though. I didn't get hit with an extra custom charges for shipping to England, but this will vary from place to place.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, I really love my ACOTAR book sleeve, and it's great for keeping the book I'm reading protected at home or on the go in between reads. I really want their Throne of Glass book sleeve, too, and I'm hoping it gets restocked.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do you use book sleeves to protect your books?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-litjoy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate ACOTAR Stained Glass Book Tin Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/mys/active" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate The Reading Journal Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Series Reviews Part One</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Series Reviews Part Two</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-12617606932812657922023-12-04T12:38:00.000+00:002023-12-04T12:38:54.762+00:00Midnight in Everwood by M. A. Kuzniar Christmas Book Review <p style="text-align: justify;">Last Christmas, I read a wonderful grown-up retelling of The Nutcracker called Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar, but since I didn't finish it until after Christmas, I never managed to review it on the blog. And honestly, that's just not on. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's a magical festive read to get lost in during cold December nights, so I wanted to tell you guys about it so you can enjoy the experience, too. I've had this review waiting in my drafts for a whole year now, so it's time to dust it off, and introduce you to the world of Celesta.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPzF_ZqmaK4GQ1xSUECTdlERhszH2BwcTyvPCXzJ-bhRGL1jPf40VoozraaKUOaRALajYX5kNa-2Zfq3GmFxArcgCMql9jNVX0pJbGrgEUz4udWGOTNCkgqFjRIQkYf9ep_tXLfh_nhcES6cG-iS7MobAsd4EmRFTHwNOvoEhLJY7IXc7VIU_j00D-cz_/s4230/IMG_2980==.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3173" data-original-width="4230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPzF_ZqmaK4GQ1xSUECTdlERhszH2BwcTyvPCXzJ-bhRGL1jPf40VoozraaKUOaRALajYX5kNa-2Zfq3GmFxArcgCMql9jNVX0pJbGrgEUz4udWGOTNCkgqFjRIQkYf9ep_tXLfh_nhcES6cG-iS7MobAsd4EmRFTHwNOvoEhLJY7IXc7VIU_j00D-cz_/s16000/IMG_2980==.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Book Title:</b></span> Midnight in Everwood</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Author: </span></b>M.A. Kuzniar</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Genre: </span></b>YA Fantasy</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Plot:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'Sometimes the easy path is harder than one might ever imagine.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Midnight in Everwood is a beautifully-descriptive, gothic reimaging of The Nutcracker about a young woman in Edwardian times being forced to give up her dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer to marry a man of her parents choosing. Marietta feels trapped, and on Christmas Eve, when Drosselmeier, the curious toymaker her parents want her to marry, turns predatory the moment he gets her alone, she retreats into the grandfather clock in his theatre set and is amazed to find a portal to another world. Marietta has no choice but to escape through the clock, and finds herself in a magical but dangerous wintry world full of sugar and snow, gingerbread houses and elaborate balls, moose-pulled sleighs and miniature reindeer. This enchanting, snow-draped land appears like a winter wonderland at first, but then Marietta finds herself taken before the king, who covets rare delights, and with no ballet dancing in Everwood, she's forced to dance for his entertainment until he tires of her. Marietta soon discovers she cannot leave, and as days turn into weeks and his abuse increases, she realises she must find a way to escape the king's clutches with her fellow captives, Dellara and Pirlipata, before his cruelty wears them all into the ground. But when she develops feelings for the handsome guard risking his life to keep her alive, will Marietta be able to ignore her heart, and escape when the time comes? Or will she be trapped in the castle and forced to dance for the cruel king forever?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG8Ev199EpaWo9tGXuD4hEXMhmMa7k8y-zOVoitk_Dk7jcOjDu-o670v96agF38bHtVbt2Momybd93f8XmWoVELxTNPCw4UsUmz_yXrH4fl5XfkyPY5DipEIa9JShtfXvkzFe-nAUdMuBX21c4YlSnYdFiiwXDe3XR5NGMM3c5ter0MEenOrIJ-0IPPJ4/s3207/IMG_2980=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3207" data-original-width="3207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG8Ev199EpaWo9tGXuD4hEXMhmMa7k8y-zOVoitk_Dk7jcOjDu-o670v96agF38bHtVbt2Momybd93f8XmWoVELxTNPCw4UsUmz_yXrH4fl5XfkyPY5DipEIa9JShtfXvkzFe-nAUdMuBX21c4YlSnYdFiiwXDe3XR5NGMM3c5ter0MEenOrIJ-0IPPJ4/s16000/IMG_2980=.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was a slow starter for me and I almost gave up on it, but I'm so glad I didn't. Once Marietta escaped into Everwood, and the story had more to offer than the droning talk of ballet dancing and Edwardian societal expectations, the book came alive into something magical; a dark fairytale world I found myself getting completely lost in. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Overlooking the king's cruelty towards Marietta and everyone else in his kingdom, the world of Everwood was enchanting, and the author's world-building was sublime. It pulled you right into every scene as if you were really there wandering through a village of gingerbread houses or tasting sugared snowflakes on your lips. It made me want to wrap up warm and go travel through a snow-draped landscape in a moose-drawn sleigh.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the same time, I found the story too over-descriptive at times, and if I never have to hear the word 'gossamer' again, it'll be too soon. It was slipped into the story so often, it felt like it was on every other page. I began to wonder if Kuzniar was getting paid each time she used it in the story. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">There were also instances where she suddenly had Marietta considering her own privilege as a rich, straight, white woman when the story didn't call for it, and while I think it's <i>so </i>important for us to recognise our privileges when others aren't awarded the same rights and opportunities, the way it was done felt like the author was trying too hard to make her Edwardian story 'woke.'</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite these little niggles, I really did enjoy this book. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Besides the world of Celesta, I particularly loved Marietta as a heroine. I admired her fire, and how she was willing to fight for what she wanted in life, refusing to submit to her parents' plans for her, society's expectations for a woman at the time, or the desires of the predatory man her parents wanted her to marry who wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. I found her personality relatable, particularly how her struggles only stoked her fire and desire for what she wanted most in life, instead of breaking her spirit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also enjoyed how her friendship blossomed with Dellara and Pirlipata, and how the three unlikely friends and cellmates worked together as a formidable team to survive and find a way out of their impossible situation. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Most of all, I loved how Marietta's relationship developed with the grumpy, reserved, but charming Captain Legat during her time in Everwood. He's such an underrated love interest, but I loved him so much. Who doesn't love a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers storyline with a tall, handsome man in uniform?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Having not yet read the original telling of The Nutcracker, I can't say how it compares, but overall, I thought it was a beautiful winter tale full of wonder. It had just the right amount of romance, friendship, magic and suspense, and with all the talk of Christmas, snow, gingerbread, and miniature reindeer, it's the perfect book to get lost in over Christmas. I'm so tempted to have a reread this December. And you know what? I think I just might.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating: </span></b>3 stars out of 5.</p><p>Have you read Midnight in Everwood yet? What is your favourite book to read over the holidays?</p><p><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-merry-christmas-other-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott Review</a></p><p><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-german-christmas-festive-tales-from.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A German Christmas: Festive Tales From Berlin to Bavaria Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/puffin-classics-christmas-carol.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Puffin Classics A Christmas Carol Book Review</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-literary-christmas-anthology-book.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">A Literary Christmas: An Anthology Book Review </a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/noel-streatfeilds-christmas-stories.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories Book Review </a> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-to-color-by-mary-tanana-adult.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Christmas to Color by Mary Tanana: Adult Christmas Colouring Book Review </a></span></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-15907320767676777662023-12-02T07:00:00.001+00:002023-12-02T07:00:00.140+00:00The Christmas Day Tag<p style="text-align: justify;">I've come across the The Christmas Day Tag, which was created by <a href="https://ninalouiselaw.com/2019/12/01/the-christmas-day-tag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nina Louise Law</a> and <a href="https://www.becc4.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Becc4</a>, on a few blogs lately, and thought it would be fun to give it a go myself.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This tag is all about this year's Christmas plans, so if you'd like to know how I'll be spending Christmas day, what I'll be eating for Christmas dinner, and what Christmas films I'll be watching, today is your lucky day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Introducing The Christmas Tag:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvoeg8zGtNiImjWFA8luD8SoSTjjvxsHIs4FWaPnhI2enq98L43e8to11HWAydZdNSMz5ZcGReSJz0OsE1Kz7gltLS8lHzx-BhyuHySuOEt9lz8wYQGjlP6jNq9GCbVvfl7Y_XVbkx5yXawLZ7ELpUQfSaJYMl8V3DcbaiIoTP880Znim_vg-TZ86znnV/s840/the%20christmas%20day%20tag%20header.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvoeg8zGtNiImjWFA8luD8SoSTjjvxsHIs4FWaPnhI2enq98L43e8to11HWAydZdNSMz5ZcGReSJz0OsE1Kz7gltLS8lHzx-BhyuHySuOEt9lz8wYQGjlP6jNq9GCbVvfl7Y_XVbkx5yXawLZ7ELpUQfSaJYMl8V3DcbaiIoTP880Znim_vg-TZ86znnV/s16000/the%20christmas%20day%20tag%20header.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">What time do you wake up?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">These days, I'm usually up around 8-9am on Christmas Day. I'm too old for that 6am Christmas morning excitement, but I also don't like to sleep in too late and miss too much of the day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Where will you be spending the day?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'll just be spending Christmas at home with my family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">What will you be wearing?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I haven't got my outfit picked out yet, but most likely a Lady Vintage Lyra dress with leggings (and Erstwilder Christmas accessories!) because those dresses make it look like I've made the effort, while also being super comfortable and able to accommodate all that extra food.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMtj48FAWORK1cGxHN33ieT36DHUe4R8ZoTgjAYdzqIB7-EpszQ8_aKsrEwJQm9FGQmIafDs3N58_d71AsGj_qmp12dWPb48VMuTXt0jjU-Xq1ZcgR3p8EEvS1k4NlMAG0XfPL0DR6wg7Nrv0ExipUnnV4Is0WU3NkRRB1bq4NG1LUMWl_orXufxsyqVM/s840/the%20christmas%20day%20tag%204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMtj48FAWORK1cGxHN33ieT36DHUe4R8ZoTgjAYdzqIB7-EpszQ8_aKsrEwJQm9FGQmIafDs3N58_d71AsGj_qmp12dWPb48VMuTXt0jjU-Xq1ZcgR3p8EEvS1k4NlMAG0XfPL0DR6wg7Nrv0ExipUnnV4Is0WU3NkRRB1bq4NG1LUMWl_orXufxsyqVM/s16000/the%20christmas%20day%20tag%204.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">What games will you be playing?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If we can be bothered to play any games together, it will probably be a good ol' game of Monopoly, or maybe Rummikub, if we want something more non-committal. I'll almost certainly be logging on to Animal Crossing to enjoy the festivities on my island some time during the day, too.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">What will you be eating?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We always have a turkey roast with all the trimmings on Christmas Day. That's generally made up of turkey, sage and onion stuffing (made with sausage meat), roast and mashed potatoes, parsnips, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, swede, and Yorkshire puddings, and whatever extras my sister and brother-in-law decide to bring this year. For dessert, we'll likely have the choice of my blackberry and apple trifle, my sister's Squidgy chocolate log (a lighter-than-air chocolate swiss roll filled with cream and chocolate mousse), and my Mum's apple pie. There'll also be plenty of nibbles like chocolates, biscuits, and nuts to snack on during the day, and if, by some miracle, we're hungry in the evening, we usually have turkey sandwiches for a late dinner. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">What will you be drinking?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm not really supposed to drink on my painkillers, so I'll probably just be sticking to soft drinks again this year.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRes0J4YEIVX_wrbp1JoLmFtAFlSE7C2VEU3sU5XlchNga0ReI3jXpW-LvhAKfZHaYB52CoTW0j8c6h0nbCayKWrWnZOLW0WjIy5dZFYDJETv_p7ZqO4m3SXIHxMYwDgukZcbVGNrmzXxbRZghJ3jTtJRC2h7KZckZd5kocCygss7h64jMRhqrNAUZ5FM/s840/the%20christmas%20day%20tag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRes0J4YEIVX_wrbp1JoLmFtAFlSE7C2VEU3sU5XlchNga0ReI3jXpW-LvhAKfZHaYB52CoTW0j8c6h0nbCayKWrWnZOLW0WjIy5dZFYDJETv_p7ZqO4m3SXIHxMYwDgukZcbVGNrmzXxbRZghJ3jTtJRC2h7KZckZd5kocCygss7h64jMRhqrNAUZ5FM/s16000/the%20christmas%20day%20tag.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">What will you be watching?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">You'll find us watching whatever good festive films are on TV over Christmas- Santa Claus the Movie and The Muppets Christmas Carol are favourites with everyone in our house- and we almost always watch whatever Disney film is on on BBC1 in the afternoon after Christmas dinner. Or any classics like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Mary Poppins. In the evening, I might watch whatever festive drama is on TV or curl up with another Christmas movie or two, like The Holiday or Love Actually.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">What do you hope to find under the tree on Christmas Day?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I would be thrilled to get some pretty new books (especially the Illumicrate <a href="https://www.illumicrate.com/shop/illumicrate-exclusive-olivie-blake-set" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olivie Blake set </a>and the new <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/deluxe-hunger-games-collection/suzanne-collins/9780702333026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunger Games deluxe boxset</a>), a new TV for my room, or this <a href="https://www.truffleshuffle.co.uk/product/37080/loungefly-disney-lady-and-the-tramp-daisy-portrait-mini-backpack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loungefly Lady and the Tramp backpack</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTsEwnXjlFL1TuJ4XrvoRGr9rMHM4wcHM1dIMFgENrnhvtzZShnVXgBVm_Fcsgoh1x2ECZTOM8VswnqAyUi5ul_Qkvw3pSsoBn85iXVkX5zNzp9RA2fVVGRUpZB2DuIEkiZ47_5FX-dYUhLbFFCJSeVrPu1yWVwAQDTtAPALqeEoT8PbXR1MlfRb7Tee0/s840/the%20christmas%20day%20tag%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTsEwnXjlFL1TuJ4XrvoRGr9rMHM4wcHM1dIMFgENrnhvtzZShnVXgBVm_Fcsgoh1x2ECZTOM8VswnqAyUi5ul_Qkvw3pSsoBn85iXVkX5zNzp9RA2fVVGRUpZB2DuIEkiZ47_5FX-dYUhLbFFCJSeVrPu1yWVwAQDTtAPALqeEoT8PbXR1MlfRb7Tee0/s16000/the%20christmas%20day%20tag%202.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Who will you be spending the day with?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'll be spending the day with my parents, sisters, and brother-in-law. As well as my dog, Rosie, and my sister's dog, Mia.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">When will you be opening your presents?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We usually open our presents together when everyone's up- around 9am these days, and then exchange presents with my older sister and brother-in-law when they arrive around midday.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And that's The Christmas Tag.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you're reading this post and want to have a go at The Christmas Tag on your own blog or socials, consider yourself tagged! Be sure to leave me a link to your post if you take part so that I can read your answers!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">How will you be spending Christmas this year?</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-ultimate-christmas-tag.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ultimate Christmas Tag</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-festive-christmas-book-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Festive Christmas Book Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-winter-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Winter Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-jingle-all-way-christmas-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Jingle All The Way Christmas Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-christmas-book-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Christmas Book Tag</a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-christmas-tag.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">A Christmas Tag</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-37308968542515955922023-12-01T07:00:00.002+00:002023-12-01T14:09:51.632+00:0050 Things I Want To Do This Christmas<p style="text-align: justify;"> I can't believe it's already December!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Christmas is coming around so quickly. I think the big day will be here before we know it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are so many things I need or want to do between now and Christmas Day, so keeping with tradition, I've written a to-do-list and am sharing it here to keep myself motivated. I doubt I'll be able to achieve all of them before the 25th, but I'm determined to give it my best shot, and try to cross off as many festive goals as possible. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are 50 of them on this list, so I guess I'd best get started. Wish me luck!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW1ed7TMolOxDOSj9lFa986Po5rRhTbElawKT_yUrxfNRF6B1XC0F-Qhe1KlSBEwHSQY08w94URf_SMnRiLM8gEdzg1Fr6_uDGE6JH23uJWL6Fy8-bPYq4YNRwXu_mAxLRcuJXQJnXsin_5t-0dWMR8iyAQjmZU9iXP_S5oe2DdFcep-xEeNVxiZ235al/s840/50%20things%20i%20want%20to%20do%20this%20christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW1ed7TMolOxDOSj9lFa986Po5rRhTbElawKT_yUrxfNRF6B1XC0F-Qhe1KlSBEwHSQY08w94URf_SMnRiLM8gEdzg1Fr6_uDGE6JH23uJWL6Fy8-bPYq4YNRwXu_mAxLRcuJXQJnXsin_5t-0dWMR8iyAQjmZU9iXP_S5oe2DdFcep-xEeNVxiZ235al/s16000/50%20things%20i%20want%20to%20do%20this%20christmas.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">1. Buy a small Christmas tree for my bedroom- <i>I'm hoping to do this in the next day or two.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. Decorate my bedroom for Christmas- <i>I like to put up decorations in my room so I can enjoy them while I'm resting in bed.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. Decorate the house for Christmas with the family.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. Buy (or cut down) fir branches for the mantle.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. Finish my Christmas shopping- <i>I only have a few presents left to get and then I'm done!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. Finish wrapping my Christmas presents- <i>I started wrapping last month, so I don't have too many left to do now.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. Send any parcels that need sending.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. Write and send my Christmas cards- <i>and not at the last minute!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. Make a new Christmas playlist or two to soundtrack my festive activities.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Count down the days 'til Christmas with an Advent calendar- <i>I'll be doing that with the <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/essie-bejeweled-wonderland-nail-polish.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essie calendar</a>, as well as a basic Cadbury one this year.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Go to the Appleton Christmas Barn to browse their Christmas decorations- <i>It's a little Christmas tree farm with a barn converted in to a Christmas shop near Abingdon in Oxfordshire, and they always have the prettiest decorations. Also, there's reindeer to see.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Go to the Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas lights switch on.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Go to my town's turning-on-of-the-lights.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. Visit a Christmas market.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Browse the Christmas department of a garden centre or department store.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Take a drive to spot Christmas lights- <i>If I can't get out earlier, we usually do this after dinner on Christmas Eve night.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHo2CEPXEq5ZeolmawTFUrdXfROhElaG5ljnSFxxD3ygA_aGx27cBi6ltKGiWGaHajXuv71aYlyHjGPa8eUFLPhr3hoPt42i8Lr3AtFcTLMQc3UPN6-8Or5Pn3hbWXxpxA-93iO9G7PbGzFnfx7uP8r9J8fhLFHVvkBbcp2PvxnWuibBS0WHX1TusZRTg/s5152/IMG_5592=.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHo2CEPXEq5ZeolmawTFUrdXfROhElaG5ljnSFxxD3ygA_aGx27cBi6ltKGiWGaHajXuv71aYlyHjGPa8eUFLPhr3hoPt42i8Lr3AtFcTLMQc3UPN6-8Or5Pn3hbWXxpxA-93iO9G7PbGzFnfx7uP8r9J8fhLFHVvkBbcp2PvxnWuibBS0WHX1TusZRTg/s16000/IMG_5592=.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Go on a Christmas lights walk.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">18. Go Christmas book shopping-<i> Like I need an excuse to go book shopping!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">19. Watch a Christmas film at the cinema.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">20. Buy at least one new decoration.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">21. Reread A Court of Frost and Starlight.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">22. Read The Nutcracker- <i>I've always wanted to but never have. I've just bought <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-nutcracker/e-t-a-hoffmann/9781398817258" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this beautiful Arcturus Ornate Classics edition</a> with my Waterstones points, and I'm hoping it gets here before Christmas.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">23. Read Upon a Frosted Star.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">24. Read <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-german-christmas-festive-tales-from.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A German Christmas</a>- <i>I started reading it last year but never finished it.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">25. Reread <a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/puffin-classics-christmas-carol.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">26. Reread Little Women- <i>It's a classic, and one of my favourite books set at Christmas time.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">27. Have at least one Christmas movie marathon- <i>but I'm hoping for many.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">28. Watch at least one new-to-me Christmas film- <i>any recommendations?</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">29. Finish my Christmas bauble cross stitches-<i> I began <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/287203433/christmas-baubles-set-of-seven-charts?click_key=5d6c2b2980345568d4dc4de31f3e5f45b7a7fdea%3A287203433&click_sum=b8f367bb&ref=shop_home_active_16&crt=1&sts=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these Satsuma Street retro baubles</a> last year (or was it the one before?) but never managed to finish all seven.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">30. Dig out the paints and relax with a Christmas colouring book.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">31. Make and decorate Christmas cookies.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">32. Bake Christmas cupcakes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">33. Make my Blackberry and Apple trifle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV83xySom43Edg80WRyJ5kPgm6tUYuJZeWTqgooMIoSyShibGPbjSRGrHjbWOmyDE05rSAQm63B6xaYWfIqPuSwvWFsAi9Jzy_Gfy-DTCKBl9h-YL3st1b_bTCR3nUw0ur0NyFUtJFn6kNVfsTqma7KSWd5GWpGdtdzMYITa2lPXsrme4XTIxAS-YpYP_8/s840/IMG_5600==.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV83xySom43Edg80WRyJ5kPgm6tUYuJZeWTqgooMIoSyShibGPbjSRGrHjbWOmyDE05rSAQm63B6xaYWfIqPuSwvWFsAi9Jzy_Gfy-DTCKBl9h-YL3st1b_bTCR3nUw0ur0NyFUtJFn6kNVfsTqma7KSWd5GWpGdtdzMYITa2lPXsrme4XTIxAS-YpYP_8/s16000/IMG_5600==.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">34. Try making a new dessert for over the holidays.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">35. Put together a Christmas charcuterie dessert board.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">36. Buy a box of Christmas doughnuts or cookies.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">37. Go out for / order in a hot chocolate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">38. Go for a Christmas afternoon tea / festive cake and coffee.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">39. Put a Christmas Eve box together.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">40. Buy a new pair of Christmas PJs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">41. Get myself a Christmas dress for Christmas Day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">42. Wear the shit out of my Christmas brooches and earrings- and try to document them on Instagram.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">43. Make my Animal Crossing island super festive- <i>I'm already enjoying building Christmas rooms and adding lots of festive furniture outside.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">44. Play board games with the family on Christmas Day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">45. Dress my dog, Rosie, up in a Christmas jumper and accessories- <i>Yes, she will hate me!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">46. Open presents with my dog- <i>Rosie lives for opening presents and it's one of my favourites parts of Christmas Day.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">47. Donate to a foodbank.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">48. Fill a Christmas box for a homeless person- <i>Little gifts like warm gloves and scarves, chocolate, shower gel, and toothpaste can make such a difference to someone with nothing and no family to spend Christmas with.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">49. Enjoy a Christmas Eve buffet with my family- <i>We relax in front of the TV and a Christmas film or two with lots of tasty treats and it's a lovely, chilled way to spend a Christmas Eve.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">50. Celebrate Christmas Day with the family- <i>Can't wait!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are probably other things I want to do that I'm forgetting, but we'll stop at 50.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What's at you most looking forward to doing this Christmas / holiday season?</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2017/11/200-christmas-blog-post-ideas-for.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">200 Christmas Blog Post Ideas</a><br /><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2017/11/101-things-to-do-this-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">101 Things To Do This Christmas</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/11/101-inexpensive-things-to-do-this.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">101 Inexpensive Things To Do This Christmas</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/11/101-christmas-instagram-story-ideas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">101 Christmas Instagram Story Ideas</a><br /><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2017/11/75-of-best-christmas-blog-photo-props.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">75 Of The Best Christmas Blog Photo Props</a><br /><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2017/11/50-money-saving-christmas-shopping-tips.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">50 Money Saving Christmas Shopping Tips</a><br /><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2017/12/50-alternative-ways-to-give-back-this.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">50 Alternative Ways To Give Back This Christmas</a></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-71796610333552299962023-11-27T14:44:00.000+00:002023-11-27T14:44:10.657+00:00Essie Bejeweled Wonderland Nail Polish Advent Calendar 2023 Review With Spoilers<p style="text-align: justify;">One of my Christmas traditions is counting down the days 'til Christmas with a beauty Advent calendar, and this year, I've gone with the Bejeweled Wonderland Advent calendar from nail polish favourite, Essie.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I mean, the calendar looked so good, I just couldn't resist the excuse to restock my nail polish collection.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But was the calendar worth the spend? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let go through it and see.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-mawxS81sfa-ZJUcY8_K5TUJguvXbUSLVp55BI0dBlCS9z7gEHPaIUu7y8Ae90s9g-CzycChXytPR6ZiKC3OMotaxgLAmsosU9sRmsG39fhgkF3Xj3riaQjEGSw0Y-jG51JSFzePtmCwBY78btwz2NP8BslzOx52z4z5yKg-gItHiqktbtXs_R6G47kN/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-mawxS81sfa-ZJUcY8_K5TUJguvXbUSLVp55BI0dBlCS9z7gEHPaIUu7y8Ae90s9g-CzycChXytPR6ZiKC3OMotaxgLAmsosU9sRmsG39fhgkF3Xj3riaQjEGSw0Y-jG51JSFzePtmCwBY78btwz2NP8BslzOx52z4z5yKg-gItHiqktbtXs_R6G47kN/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023-.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So... Essie's Bejeweled Wonderland calendar is a twenty-four day Advent calendar filled with twenty-four full and mini sized Essie nail polishes and treatments to keep your nails looking their best over the festive season and beyond.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Inside you'll find nine full-size and fourteen mini nail polishes and treatments in a variety of classic and wearable colours, and one mini nail polish remover to help prep your nails for the next manicure. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-Rlbv3PRFiVBKtTaHKIYa6GJTdhKeK9y756dEBlRb3TK-0fQXNDCk5LZKl0ALMr3sgzEXlhfRS8L-T1gGLvefjJ6Of3TXPHBpU-hqcGJCeHe6_wUUWA3TBhoJwX2Hx0PEg9va1SMkA7mE5lGpVpQSOdkU_EwUWxHnyS0dUfIINWkmzlzUvuCMbdwKLh8/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-Rlbv3PRFiVBKtTaHKIYa6GJTdhKeK9y756dEBlRb3TK-0fQXNDCk5LZKl0ALMr3sgzEXlhfRS8L-T1gGLvefjJ6Of3TXPHBpU-hqcGJCeHe6_wUUWA3TBhoJwX2Hx0PEg9va1SMkA7mE5lGpVpQSOdkU_EwUWxHnyS0dUfIINWkmzlzUvuCMbdwKLh8/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%202.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are a great selection of nail polish shades included in this year's calendar, from classic orange-red and delicate nude-pink to calming lush greens and gothic jet-black. They've given us a much better variety of shades than in previous years, where they've mostly played it safe with reds, pinks, and nudes, so it's great to see Essie venturing out from their comfort zone and offering a wider colour choice. The nail polish shades are still very tame compared to others on the market, but as a brand, Essie is all about classic, tasteful nail colours and less about the trends. If you want something ground-breaking, this probably isn't the Advent calendar for you, so look elsewhere. However, if you're in to more time-honoured and softer colours, it does have a gorgeous selection of shades to discover, and they're all so wearable. I haven't swatched any of them yet as I'm saving that treat for December, but I particularly love the look of Fifth Avenue (the orange-red), Off Tropic (the forest green), Suits You Swell (blushing violet), Gossip 'n' Spill (muted rose), S'il Vous Play (metallic pink-purple), and Ripple Reflect (cornflower blue). The shades are all so pretty.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here's a full list of the contents waiting inside.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg517d77qaysA76Uj3Mdj9BTF3OJ_UaDueJ5XXNZZmTys4VPTDLspXJJ8dnZDidJ4fHvqS7qova3F0VsuCXoDGa_1kHaCw09z3di0o1gHAQW_4b1PDnRaWQemztsqUVvldNA6dVswgR6kPYWoJ7ceuqs1H5Llk9pjr7z5-IBh3KRPG9CZOQoYnxzMDLKXwr/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20essie%20full%20size%20nail%20polishes%20image%204=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg517d77qaysA76Uj3Mdj9BTF3OJ_UaDueJ5XXNZZmTys4VPTDLspXJJ8dnZDidJ4fHvqS7qova3F0VsuCXoDGa_1kHaCw09z3di0o1gHAQW_4b1PDnRaWQemztsqUVvldNA6dVswgR6kPYWoJ7ceuqs1H5Llk9pjr7z5-IBh3KRPG9CZOQoYnxzMDLKXwr/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20essie%20full%20size%20nail%20polishes%20image%204=.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Essie Full sized original 13.5ml nail polishes:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Check Your Baggage</i>- creamy bright yellow with red undertones.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Ripple Reflect</i>- cornflower blue with red undertones.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Tuck It In My Tux</i>- elegant silken ivory creme.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>S'il Vous Play</i>- metallic pink with hints of purple.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Gossip N Spill</i>- muted rose with tone-on-tone pearl.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Around the Bend</i>- vibrant, yellow-toned pink.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">plus</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Fairy Tailor </i>Gel Couture 13.5ml- sheer nude pink.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Iced Out</i> Expressie FX Quick Dry Nail Polish 10ml- quick dry shimmer nail polish with pearly white, duo-chrome pearls that shift from pink to purple to teal.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhl-Sb85cbT_ZEKOmsonyyBPdg6X5hyKpv1yk3UpB6MjiH304Ctjc0jQsDxawwUuCnVHhjjk5QuzLcOHxBlycQddf4zzgww0MsTQ_fY2BDI6gLDEjoJzzB2nYJ12GkeT8sHaHvx0__usSjxJr62iizAelywqDWBbjPai_B2stsFpJnRwQJWYkbj5QuK15/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20essie%20mini%20nail%20polishes%20image%205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhl-Sb85cbT_ZEKOmsonyyBPdg6X5hyKpv1yk3UpB6MjiH304Ctjc0jQsDxawwUuCnVHhjjk5QuzLcOHxBlycQddf4zzgww0MsTQ_fY2BDI6gLDEjoJzzB2nYJ12GkeT8sHaHvx0__usSjxJr62iizAelywqDWBbjPai_B2stsFpJnRwQJWYkbj5QuK15/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20essie%20mini%20nail%20polishes%20image%205.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Essie Mini 5ml nail polishes:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Wicked-</i> deep dark sinister red (looks more like purple-black).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Off Tropic</i>- lush grove green.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Bikini So Teeny</i>- pretty yet provocative cornflower blue.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Frilly Lilies</i>- muted mid-tone orange with coral undertones.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Suits You Swell</i>- blushing violet (pink-lilac).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Lady Like</i>- elegant soft mauve.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Pencil Me In</i>- vibrant magenta with blue undertones.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Fifth Avenue</i>- stylish and creamy red-orange blend.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Win Me Over</i>- muted khaki-green with yellow undertones.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Licorice</i>- beguiling jet black.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrWSEosvfhdvOgjkyh1WwSkqk1MVEfyRZy05-XbxBuYsuN0AkqXwFRhHk_LJpHjaQyppZRndUtrBvl0btXaJq689hGGdQ_3i61E1EJj_hyEk37gNZNfGKB046gru9t7p9Ca7rjmPYLjQqJ5l-gLgnpNwikUp-fxPGu5BU6cuSjUCMQUKWEhgo8GOYPwdr/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20essie%20treatments%20image%206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrWSEosvfhdvOgjkyh1WwSkqk1MVEfyRZy05-XbxBuYsuN0AkqXwFRhHk_LJpHjaQyppZRndUtrBvl0btXaJq689hGGdQ_3i61E1EJj_hyEk37gNZNfGKB046gru9t7p9Ca7rjmPYLjQqJ5l-gLgnpNwikUp-fxPGu5BU6cuSjUCMQUKWEhgo8GOYPwdr/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20essie%20treatments%20image%206.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Nail Treatments</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener 5ml</i>- a strengthening treatment to care for and protect weak, damaged nails.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Apricot Cuticle Oil 5ml</i>- fast-absorbing, nourishing cuticle oil to condition and protect cuticles from dryness.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Strong Start Base Coat 5ml</i>- a strengthening base coat infused with biotin to reinforce for less weak and brittle feeling nails.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Stay Longer Premium Longwear Top Coat 5ml</i>- a premium long-lasting top coat to protect your manicure for up to seven days.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Gel Couture Matte Top Coat 13.5ml</i>- an ultra-glossy, quick-drying top coat to seal and protect your manicure.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>Good as Gone </i><i>Nail Polish Remover 25ml</i>- a mini nail polish remover with acetone and vitamin c to remove all traces of colour, leaving naturally shiny nails.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMyMicXmMSuN53p4Pgfsu5xvaBVYQMpzVUS9jmq3LtUhEQ9Nuyew-113qcr9nDV2i0Hq2Zx8_d0n9raVLnYEhRKpLs4qF2X-eG-ULU0nExnpcPIuG1LgtvG0m01WIu_9tGrZT7QttxT-MERGwr27lJwILWcA0huAv0LO_So8i5MFBdz6dpCFsfT0JbjgZ/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMyMicXmMSuN53p4Pgfsu5xvaBVYQMpzVUS9jmq3LtUhEQ9Nuyew-113qcr9nDV2i0Hq2Zx8_d0n9raVLnYEhRKpLs4qF2X-eG-ULU0nExnpcPIuG1LgtvG0m01WIu_9tGrZT7QttxT-MERGwr27lJwILWcA0huAv0LO_So8i5MFBdz6dpCFsfT0JbjgZ/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%203.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm also impressed to see nine full-size bottles of nail polish and not just mini-sizes hidden inside. Most nail polish Advent calendars only contain minis, with one full-size bottle for Christmas Eve, if you're lucky, so it's a treat to get so many full sized polishes. And, as each bottle would retail for £8.99 and up, it's such good value for money, too, and an economical way to try out lots of new products.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As for the packaging, the calendar itself is a massive 38cm x 38cm x 5.5cm square box with twenty-four windows cut into the cardboard. There are no fancy boxes to open and the design isn't elaborate like some out there, but it's clear and uncomplicated, and it's easy to spot the numbers on the doors. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-Rlbv3PRFiVBKtTaHKIYa6GJTdhKeK9y756dEBlRb3TK-0fQXNDCk5LZKl0ALMr3sgzEXlhfRS8L-T1gGLvefjJ6Of3TXPHBpU-hqcGJCeHe6_wUUWA3TBhoJwX2Hx0PEg9va1SMkA7mE5lGpVpQSOdkU_EwUWxHnyS0dUfIINWkmzlzUvuCMbdwKLh8/s840/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-Rlbv3PRFiVBKtTaHKIYa6GJTdhKeK9y756dEBlRb3TK-0fQXNDCk5LZKl0ALMr3sgzEXlhfRS8L-T1gGLvefjJ6Of3TXPHBpU-hqcGJCeHe6_wUUWA3TBhoJwX2Hx0PEg9va1SMkA7mE5lGpVpQSOdkU_EwUWxHnyS0dUfIINWkmzlzUvuCMbdwKLh8/s16000/essie%20bejeweled%20wonderland%20nail%20polish%20advent%20calendar%202023%20image%202.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This year, the design takes the form of a bejewelled castle with Essie nail polish bottles for turrets, which dominates a pine and snow-draped mountainscape dotted with colourful little houses, gems and jewels, and rogue bottles of nail polish. It's an attractive design, and pretty enough to keep out among your Christmas decorations.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Essie Bejeweled Wonderland Advent calendar retails around the £60 mark, but I managed to get mine from <a href="https://www.perfumesclub.co.uk/en/essie/essie-advent-calendar-2023/p_52645/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perfume's Club</a> for about £48. It's currently out of stock from them, but it's still available from <a href="https://www.boozyshop.com/essie-advent-calendar-2023.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boozy Shop</a>, and <a href="https://www.luxplus.co.uk/product/essie-advent-calendar23-24-pcs?gsmp=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_ajqwPfIggMVQcLtCh3VXQ0nEAQYAiABEgITBvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Luxplus</a> online.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, I think it's a fantastic mid-range nail polish Advent calendar to count down to Christmas with. It's got a lovely variety of nail polishes and treatments, lots of full-sized products, high-quality contents, and it's so reasonably priced. I'm really pleased with it, and I'm glad I chose it as this year's calendar. I'd definitely recommend for any one who loves nail polish, so snap one up while you can!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Which Advent calendar are you counting down to Christmas with this year?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2019/11/essie-nail-polish-advent-calendar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essie Nail Polish Advent Calendar 2019</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-10973201292045266142023-11-14T07:00:00.004+00:002023-11-14T07:00:00.138+00:00Throne of Glass Series Reviews Part Two<p style="text-align: justify;">Last week, I reviewed the first four books in one of my favourite YA fantasy series, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (<a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-one.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>), and I'm back with reviews of the final four books. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Today, I'll be <strike>fangirling over</strike> talking about Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, Kingdom of Ash, and The Assassin's Blade. I'm likely to get carried away as I'm a little obsessed with this series, so don't say I didn't warn you!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoXdjPg5hrny9Lfbdy4zvgSZGsamgD32jdckxm9D17H8Fprs6kIkr8N-iD3SINrHl0m6F2lIiLq3-4TOoFGaQvsjI-7aKfpweIhI24W1sFTLMvlRMpATlK9VRRD9AEQ3T_Yk6UC-eSjZSJKgP_U4-jP5YSJfAO14qPuzyNm-khL5fW16fjPYGVhVHb0FR/s840/throne%20of%20glass%20empire%20of%20storms%20review==.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoXdjPg5hrny9Lfbdy4zvgSZGsamgD32jdckxm9D17H8Fprs6kIkr8N-iD3SINrHl0m6F2lIiLq3-4TOoFGaQvsjI-7aKfpweIhI24W1sFTLMvlRMpATlK9VRRD9AEQ3T_Yk6UC-eSjZSJKgP_U4-jP5YSJfAO14qPuzyNm-khL5fW16fjPYGVhVHb0FR/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20empire%20of%20storms%20review==.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Empire of Storms</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'I love you. I am in love with you, Rowan. I have been for a while. And I know there are limits to what you can give me, and I know you might need time-'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'I love you. There is no limit to what I can give to you, no time I need. Even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Plot:</b></span> Aelin has made it home to Terrasen, but doesn't quite receive the welcome she deserves. A queen without a throne, she sets off with her court to prove she's worthy of her crown by continuing on their quest to stop the demon king, Erawan, enslaving the world. To stop him, Aelin and her friends must travel across land and sea, and through forgotten marshlands where monsters lurk to find the final Wyrdkeys and seek the answers they never knew they needed. But will their journey uncover more than they bargained for? Before everyone comes together, we also see Elide making an unlikely alliance with Lorcan as they both journey to find Aelin, who, surprisingly, proves to be the one you want nearby when the monsters start chasing you and you run out of linen for your period. Elide and Lorcan become a formidable team as they trek across the kingdom and hide out in the circus- but are they just allies or are Elide's street smarts and Lorcan's shirtless knife-juggling skills impossible to resist? Back in Rifthold, Dorian is all alone and struggling to piece himself back together after being enslaved by a demon, and get his head around being king when a surprise attack on the castle sees him at the mercy of the witches. Elsewhere, Manon finally goes head to head with her monstrous grandmother- but will either of them make it out alive? Lysandra proves herself a badass queen as she uses her shapeshifting abilities to wipe the floor with their enemies- and bring a certain blond to his knees. And fae warriors, Fenrys and Gavriel, are finally given more air time as Maeve orders them to find and kill Lorcan- but will they succeed? With war fast approaching, the characters will come together to find the keys, uncover ancient truths, and fight for their kingdoms, facing monsters, dark forces, and an armada of fae warriors. But will Aelin, Rowan, and their friends be strong enough to best their enemies this time, or is their luck about to run out? </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Thoughts:</b> </span>This book had me on the edge of my seat with all its fast-paced action, brilliant battles, and shocking twists and turns, but I stayed for all the exciting new alliances, heartwarming and surprising romances and friendships, and witty humour. It's a fantastic read from start to finish, and it's one of those books I can't stop thinking about months after I finished it- mostly because of the cliff-hanger ending that's as shocking as it is sad. That scene on the beach still haunts me. There are just so many great characters, scenes, and sub-plots in this book that it's impossible to stop it getting under your skin. I adored Rowan and Aelin's bond as they grew even closer, learnt life-altering revelations, and showed their enemies exactly why you don't want to mess with them. Or be within half a mile of them when they get it on. I think I enjoyed Elide and Lorcan's partnership even more, and loved the way tiny Elide slowly began to tame the big grouchy beast with her street smarts and cunning plots while they pretended to be a married couple as they hid in the circus. Lorcan as a shirtless knife-juggling carny will be forever imprinted on my brain, and I'll never get over him sweetly cutting up his shirts for her to use for her period. *Sobs.* I loved seeing this softer side of him, and the two of them quickly became one of my favourite bookish duos ever. I love them! I also loved the relationship between Dorian and Manon in this book, and their back-and-forth as they flirted and seduced each other had me screaming. I was equally invested in Aedion and Lysandra's friendship, and couldn't help but root for them as they grew closer, too. The aftermath of the sea dragon scene, where Lysandra proves what a queen she truly is, was one of my favourites. It was also great to get more Fenrys and Gavriel scenes to get to know them a little better, and to meet some new faces (or old ones, if you read The Assassin's Blade first) as Aelin rallied allies for the war. While the ending wrecked me and made me fearful to read the next book to find out their fates, I loved this book so much, and it's full of pivotal moments for the series you won't want to miss. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b> 4 stars out of 5</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAfifY90ApCw20LdI4IWeiNSoyNV2obMKJd2YZJSfTlRGMdr0JfSkXgc5jt2ERVrJZEcpOG7Hp7CkMI5p6yOaC51r3NGtnpNz-510kI3UvSIGAxdqjfWYW4lCZNDtbCz-j31z-aeClcL5Ojba2x9TohHjKSZ2c_Lfs-nnAEYLc0X_3_ZwRz3fUAhFUDJG/s840/throne%20of%20glass%20tower%20of%20dawn%20review-.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAfifY90ApCw20LdI4IWeiNSoyNV2obMKJd2YZJSfTlRGMdr0JfSkXgc5jt2ERVrJZEcpOG7Hp7CkMI5p6yOaC51r3NGtnpNz-510kI3UvSIGAxdqjfWYW4lCZNDtbCz-j31z-aeClcL5Ojba2x9TohHjKSZ2c_Lfs-nnAEYLc0X_3_ZwRz3fUAhFUDJG/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20tower%20of%20dawn%20review-.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Tower of Dawn</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'Using the chair is not a punishment. It is not a prison,' he said. 'It never was. And I am as much of a man in that chair, or with that cane, as I am standing on my feet.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Plot: </b>After a major cliff-hanger ending in EOS, Tower of Dawn takes a break from Aelin, the cadre, and the main storyline, which I can only assume is because the author delights in torturing her readers. It instead follows Chaol and Nesryn as they journey to the southern continent of Antica to find a healer for Chaol's spinal injuries, and convince the Khagan royals to ally with Erilea in the war against Erawan and the Valg. Enter Yrene Towers (who you will recognise if you read The Assassin's Blade first), a gifted healer with a grudge against Adarlanian soldiers who is conveniently assigned to heal Chaol, the former Captain of the Guard. She refuses to go easy on him and they verbally spar day after day- with hilarious results- as they work to heal him. Much to Chaol's annoyance. Chaol is in a very dark place and has to learn to face his demons and find a way to navigate life with disability and chronic pain, while trying to win over the Khagans. But when dark forces start to chase Yrene, it seems the Valg have made it to the southern continent, and the two must team up to find the link between the healer's tower and the Valg before it's too late. Will they get to the bottom of it, and what might their quest for knowledge cost them? Meanwhile, with Chaol's attention elsewhere, Nesryn flies off on an adventure of self-discovery with the kind-hearted warrior prince, Sartaq and his giant eagle to get answers about the Valg to aid the war. Together they must face ancient fae-traps, risk their lives with giant demonic spiders, and uncover shocking truths that could change everything for Erilea. But will they make it out alive to tell Chaol and Yrene what they've learnt? And as Nesryn and Sartaq grow closer, and she sees more of his world, will Nesryn discover where she belongs and where her heart truly lies? Will Chaol ever walk again? Will he learn to face the darkness inside him? And how long will it take Chaol and Yrene to admit that perhaps they don't hate each other after all?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts: </b>Tower of Dawn was probably my least favourite of the series, and it took me a while to get into as it started off quite slow, and I wasn't as invested in the characters as others in the series. However, I really enjoyed it by the end, and it's essential to the storyline, so you don't want to skip it or you'll be very confused in Kingdom of Ash. Many people tandem read it with Empire of Storms, to keep themselves interested, as they're set at the same time, which sounds like a more motivating way to read it. I couldn't tell you, though- I read it the regular way. It's told from three POVs- Chaol's, Yrene's and Nesryn's, and I particularly enjoyed Chaol's and Yrene's. I loved the verbal assault between Chaol and Yrene as they worked together, and how their relationship developed from enemies to... well, something entirely different. It was interesting to see Chaol learning to adapt to life with paralysis, and once he learnt to accept it, I found his outlook on life with disability inspiring. It was great to see a disabled main character portrayed in such a strong and positive light instead of just dying from illness, seen as someone to pity, or being used as inspiration p*rn. Despite the unrealistic fantasy healing of a spinal-cord injury, it was also wonderful to see an ambulatory wheelchair user portrayed, to help educate people about how most wheelchair users aren't paralysed, but rely on mobility aids as their pain and fatigue levels fluctuate from activity and flares. It's not something I've seen talked about much in fiction books, so it was positive to see that representation as Chaol's health improved. I also enjoyed Chaol's character development in this book as he finally faced up to his past and his self-hatred, and it helped explain his behaviour in Queen of Shadows. I was definitely back on Team Chaol by the end. I also loved meeting Yrene, and Sartaq for the first time, learning their stories, and discovering more of Nesryn's. The relationship which developed between Nesryn and Sartaq was so lovely and heartwarming, and the adventures that they went on were full of suspense. I could've just done without the giant spiders. Also, you'll learn something big about a supporting character in this book, and I was shocked, but somehow also not surprised at all. (Full review on Goodreads <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5466590974" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b> 3 stars out of 5</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmuc0D20osbqG94hVBxHtbjvEizYH0bvk2xaNAC5UVELmCl19nQI2XNtaTIXvHkWE5kk0niVFCCVxClbZDN7_v2YCYVOIB3j6MOXYxop9zz2FKKCBCX4YclqZu_VRBxjzAG3rD0tOVZiNDQBvXs_HCjZ0RBavrqHflhoqSBMn0z1bMoBEyYR9cbNtQFgg/s3268/throne%20of%20glass%20kingdom%20of%20ash%20review.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2451" data-original-width="3268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmuc0D20osbqG94hVBxHtbjvEizYH0bvk2xaNAC5UVELmCl19nQI2XNtaTIXvHkWE5kk0niVFCCVxClbZDN7_v2YCYVOIB3j6MOXYxop9zz2FKKCBCX4YclqZu_VRBxjzAG3rD0tOVZiNDQBvXs_HCjZ0RBavrqHflhoqSBMn0z1bMoBEyYR9cbNtQFgg/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20kingdom%20of%20ash%20review.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Kingdom of Ash</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">One blink for <i>yes</i>. Two for <i>no</i>. Three for <i>Are you alright?</i> Four for <i>I am here, I am with you</i>. Five for '<i>This is real, you are awake.</i>'</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Plot: </b>The epic conclusion to the series and an emotional rollercoaster of a finale. It's a race against time for Rowan and the cadre to find Aelin and save her from the iron coffin and horrific torture she's enduring at the hands of the evil fae queen, Maeve, and her sadistic minion, Cairn. While Rowan tears apart the world to find her with Gavriel, Lorcan, and Elide, Aelin is subjected to unimaginable pain, and Fenrys, bound by the blood oath and trapped in his wolf form, is forced to watch. Will they find a way to freedom before they break- or worse? Meanwhile, war has come to Erilea and everyone is fighting for their lives- but are Erawan and the Valg the only threats they must face? Can they take on their enemies and win? Will they find the final Wyrdkey and forge the lock before it's too late? And will Aelin ever make it home to Terrasen? </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts: </b>Told from no less than 13 POVs, this book follows all the beloved protagonists from the series as they fight for survival, and sees their stories wrapped up neatly in 980 pages. It sounds intimidating, but it was so good, I honestly wish it was twice as long. I couldn't get enough. It's an emotionally painful read at times, but it's also fast-paced and exciting, filled with funny and heartwarming moments, and all the bite-your-nails-to-the-quick-tension you could want. The torture and trauma scenes were hard to read and broke my heart, as did some of the deaths and strained relationships (Aedion, you idiot), but there were even more lovely moments that gave me all the feels, and plenty of hardcore fight scenes, too. There's also an epic race-against-time rescue scene on the battlefield with the threat of a breaking dam and it left me a white-knuckled, emotional wreck. It's one of my favourite scenes of the whole book. Aelin and Rowan and Elide and Lorcan were the stars of the show for me, but Dorian and Manon were both so entertaining and moving in this book (not to mention hilarious when together), and I love the bond that formed between Aelin and Fenrys after all they went through together. Yrene was an absolute queen, too, and I enjoyed the sweet stolen moments of happiness between her and Chaol in between battles. There's also a brief cross-over with Rhys and Feyre from ACOTAR, which was really fun to read, and I was so excited when Nox, Celaena's ally in Throne of Glass, made his return. I give it 5 stars out of 5, but if I could, I'd give it 10. Scratch that- it's my review and I make the rules here; this book is a 10. It's one of my favourites of the series, and easily one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read. However, I will forever wonder WHAT DID LORCAN DO?! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b> 10 stars out of 5</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr7JZdk9WJYpbsJo9aXvnC7KyDIkvEipPb6aZ0hgvWJp3XWyL4202b9SSOgPcEpYCE7SUq_Gg2kapokiun5NLTmeh7tennuq3GTze0uJqmqwExfRuwHSsnDaT9pJBMNL_bRzxZ_n9x3vppeEddVG1cFY6YfdqQApuigClXGL23hOquD6shCEn8v-mG7dc/s840/throne%20of%20glass%20the%20assassin's%20blade%20novellas%20review.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr7JZdk9WJYpbsJo9aXvnC7KyDIkvEipPb6aZ0hgvWJp3XWyL4202b9SSOgPcEpYCE7SUq_Gg2kapokiun5NLTmeh7tennuq3GTze0uJqmqwExfRuwHSsnDaT9pJBMNL_bRzxZ_n9x3vppeEddVG1cFY6YfdqQApuigClXGL23hOquD6shCEn8v-mG7dc/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20the%20assassin's%20blade%20novellas%20review.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">The Assassin's Blade </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'When I'm scared out of my wits, I tell myself: My name is Sam Cortland... and I will not be afraid.'</i></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>'My name is Celaena Sardothien,' she whispered. 'And I will not be afraid.'</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Plot: </b>The Assassin's Blade is the prequel to Throne of Glass, and a series of five novellas that let you experience Celaena as a young, deadly assassin before she was sent to Endovier, and freed to be the King's champion. The five short stories finally let you see how some of her infamous adventures really went down, and how she came to know some of her old friends in the series. We see how she was abused and manipulated by the assassin master, Arobynn; how she fell in love with her first love, Sam, the betrayal that led to his tragic death, and the heart-breaking aftermath that changed Celaena forever. In <span style="color: #e06666;"><i>The Assassin and the Pirate Lord</i></span>, we get to see how she and Sam freed the slaves from Rolfe the Pirate Lord, and began to see themselves as friends. We learn how Celaena and Yrene first met In <i><span style="color: #e06666;">The Assassin and the Healer</span></i>; how she saved Yrene from being assaulted, taught her her infamous self-defence moves, and gave her the brooch that changed her life. <span style="color: #e06666;"><i>The Assassin and the Desert</i> </span>lets us see what happened when Celaena was sent to train with The Silent Assassins, and how Ansel of Briarcliff betrayed her. Then, In <i><span style="color: #e06666;">The Assassin and the Underworld</span></i>, we see romance building between Celaena and Sam, her rivalry with the young courtesan, Lysandra, a near-drowning incident in the sewers, and Celaena unknowingly meeting Dorian and Chaol at a masquerade ball. The book concludes with <i><span style="color: #e06666;">The Assassin and the Empire</span></i>- where both Sam and Celaena are set up and betrayed, leading to Sam's tragic death, a heartbreaking scene in the morgue, and Celaena being sentenced to slavery in the salt mines of Endovier. (Stock up on tissues- you will need them).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts: </b>It was a harrowing but fun and exciting collection of stories that provided a new perspective on many of the characters in the series, tied up loose ends, and answered some burning questions the series created. It was interesting to see Celaena at 16/17 years old as such a violent and bratty assassin, and realise how much she changed by TOG, and how far her character had come by the end of the series. I particularly loved meeting Sam, and seeing their relationship blossom- even if I knew the novellas were counting down to his death, and it was one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever read. Seriously, I'm never getting over it. (Whyyyyy?) I also really enjoyed learning more of Yrene's past and how the two women crossed paths, and it was fun to read Celaena's adventures with Ansel and Illias in the desert, too. The only thing I felt was missing was a novella of her time in Endovier. I would've loved to have read about the day she snapped and killed a bunch of people as she tried to escape or seen her learning to survive there. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As it's a prequel, you can read this book at any point in the series after Throne of Glass- it was originally published after Heir of Fire (book three)- but I would recommend reading it last. You don't need to read it to understand the series, and ending the series by going back in time before it all began and learning these back stories was the perfect way to put it to rest. Except it just made me want to read it all over again, so it led to me rereading Throne of Glass before I let go. I've heard a lot of people have trouble getting in to this book, and I think reading it first could put you off continuing with the series, so at least read the first three books before beginning it.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b> 4 stars out of 5</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, there we have my low-down on one of the best fantasy series of our time. But don't take my word for it, go grab yourself a copy of the first book, Throne of Glass, and see for yourself why I won't stop raving about them. They're a Booktok favourite for a reason!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And once you've made it through all eight books, you're going to want to move on to A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City- two other fae fantasy series from Sarah J Maas, which she's beginning to intertwine. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to the Maasverse, guys! You're never going to want to leave.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you read Throne of Glass yet?</div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/11/throne-of-glass-series-reviews-part-one.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Reviews Part One</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/10/ink-blood-sister-scribe-by-emma-torzs.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ink Blood Sister Scribe Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/08/litjoy-crate-reading-journal-review.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate Reading Journal Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-litjoy.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Litjoy Crate A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Tin Review</span></a></p></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-64952033563107441562023-11-07T07:00:00.001+00:002023-11-07T07:00:00.147+00:00Throne of Glass Series Reviews: Part One<p style="text-align: justify;">After years of putting it off, I finally began reading the Throne of Glass series in January, and even though I finished the series months ago, I've been hooked ever since. It's one of my favourite fantasy series ever.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've been trying to convince anyone that will listen to read the series, so I thought it was about time I worked my magic on you guys, too with some reviews, and photos of the gorgeous Bloomsbury hardbacks that were released earlier this year. Just look at how gorgeous the art is on these covers! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6dPgDzPUaFEQPUkPDk3P1iIgLSZiffiaIRMTLZdvRgQ2mV0Ss59YaeGcNdBCTbliD7a3wjoI__Og1hmMQ8iA5eChSCxEz-r_UVKcAH3WzoJWuzttc2W2oPqqPE18PVeWYg2dkk3azRgKOS3RiV34yFHVegC-1ePtgb2MvwSE1p76Np62gFMQf9d8sGsV/s840/throne%20of%20glass%20review=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6dPgDzPUaFEQPUkPDk3P1iIgLSZiffiaIRMTLZdvRgQ2mV0Ss59YaeGcNdBCTbliD7a3wjoI__Og1hmMQ8iA5eChSCxEz-r_UVKcAH3WzoJWuzttc2W2oPqqPE18PVeWYg2dkk3azRgKOS3RiV34yFHVegC-1ePtgb2MvwSE1p76Np62gFMQf9d8sGsV/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20review=.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you're not already familiar with Throne of Glass, it's a fantastic eight-book YA fantasy series that you're sure to love if you enjoy romantasy adventure books like ACOTAR, The Cruel Prince, and Fourth Wing. The main female character is a badass, deadly assassin with quick wit, a complicated past, and a big heart underneath her morally grey veneer. There are also gorgeous, ripped fae warriors, a hot prince with shadow powers and daddy issues, a brooding royal guard (also with daddy issues) driven by his love for his best friend, witches with iron nails and teeth, a flower-loving wyvern, shapeshifters, demons, giant eagles, ghosts, enchanted talking door-knockers, a loveable dog, and young kings and queens trying to find their place in a troubled world.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It might be a YA series, but the story and world-building are really well developed and most of the main characters go through so much character growth over the series. There are so many great characters to fall in love with (my faves are Aelin, Rowan, Elide and Lorcan) and a handful to hate with passion. (Arobynn, Maeve, and Vernon, for sure). There is an assassin trying to win a place as the king's champion, a lost queen trying to reclaim her kingdom and free magic, epic romances, heartwarming friendships, rivalries, torture, murder, tragedy, battles, and a war with demons all the characters will come together to fight</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If that sounds like your cup of tea, let me introduce you to the start of your new book obsession. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm breaking this up in to two posts because I've gotten carried away with the word count again (can't help it- I love these books), and I'll be focusing on the first four books today- Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, and Queen of Shadows. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6dPgDzPUaFEQPUkPDk3P1iIgLSZiffiaIRMTLZdvRgQ2mV0Ss59YaeGcNdBCTbliD7a3wjoI__Og1hmMQ8iA5eChSCxEz-r_UVKcAH3WzoJWuzttc2W2oPqqPE18PVeWYg2dkk3azRgKOS3RiV34yFHVegC-1ePtgb2MvwSE1p76Np62gFMQf9d8sGsV/s840/throne%20of%20glass%20review=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6dPgDzPUaFEQPUkPDk3P1iIgLSZiffiaIRMTLZdvRgQ2mV0Ss59YaeGcNdBCTbliD7a3wjoI__Og1hmMQ8iA5eChSCxEz-r_UVKcAH3WzoJWuzttc2W2oPqqPE18PVeWYg2dkk3azRgKOS3RiV34yFHVegC-1ePtgb2MvwSE1p76Np62gFMQf9d8sGsV/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20review=.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Throne of Glass</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'What's the point in having a mind if you don't use it to make judgements?'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'What's the point in having a heart if you don't use it to spare others from the harsh judgements of your mind?'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Plot: </b>Celaena Sardothien, a young and deadly assassin, is freed from slavery in the salt mines of Endovier by a prince and his guard, and taken to the glass castle to compete to be the king's champion. Celaena must go up against 23 dangerous male criminals in a series of trials where desperation for freedom, and no rules means anything's possible- even murder. Determined to win back her freedom, she trains daily with Chaol, the moody captain, who refuses to see her as anything but a criminal; catches the eye of handsome Dorian, the cocky but charming young prince; and befriends the strong-willed princess, Nehemia. Friendships blossom and perhaps more. But then champions start being brutally murdered one by one in between trials, and Celaena is determined to get to the bottom of who's behind it before they come for her, too. Does it have anything to do with the weird symbols she keeps seeing around the castle, and can she find the answers she seeks before it's too late? Can she beat her brutish rival, Cain, and win the championship? Or will she find herself back in the salt mines once more?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts: </b>I've read this book twice this year- first when I began the series and again when I finished it, and while it read even better with context, I thoroughly enjoyed it both times. It's the kind of book that left me wanting to read just one more chapter whenever I had to set it down and burrowed its way into my thoughts when I wasn't reading it. It's an unusually strong start to a fantasy series, with plenty of action, murder, mystery, betrayal, and suspense, and enough twists and turns to keep things interesting and entertaining. It also has just the right amount of romance and friendship to give the story some heart and excitement, and the beginnings of a love triangle. The world building was well developed and beautifully descriptive, helping to draw me into every scene, and the multiple-narratives helped to keep the story fresh and interesting. (Although, I would have been happier without Kaltain's whiny point-of-view- even if it was relevant to the story). I quickly fell in love with the three main characters, Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol (okay, Chaol took a little longer), and the relationships that developed between them, and I also enjoyed Celaena's friendship with fierce Princess Nehemia, and Nox, her ally in the championship. The book also introduces several characters I loved to hate, too, including Celaena's ruthless nemesis, Cain, irritating Lady Kaltain, scheming Duke Perrington, and the deplorable King of Adarlan. (Full review on Goodreads <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5194084011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating: </span></b>5 stars out of 5 (upgraded from 4 out of 5 on my first read).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjRSn1ckDWG6Mf-UrYrWsjwK7RUIZqtW60lWLhWVRBSsWP8BN5WpZ_takzdV5SejRJO0HYzWU2FNilDIS26rxu7-p04I8IQe9tM2dzuGUmmF1733SMtgJnGv-6qVVw7ovOP7INpOlyVYE2PLoK52PYD7ebqeRL5UCMHDSUNhrQ0e01CZunNYhF982nagy/s3182/throne%20of%20glass%20crown%20of%20midnight%20review.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2387" data-original-width="3182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjRSn1ckDWG6Mf-UrYrWsjwK7RUIZqtW60lWLhWVRBSsWP8BN5WpZ_takzdV5SejRJO0HYzWU2FNilDIS26rxu7-p04I8IQe9tM2dzuGUmmF1733SMtgJnGv-6qVVw7ovOP7INpOlyVYE2PLoK52PYD7ebqeRL5UCMHDSUNhrQ0e01CZunNYhF982nagy/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20crown%20of%20midnight%20review.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Crown of Midnight </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'I know you can look after yourself. But I worry because I care. Gods help me, I know I shouldn't, but I do. So I will always tell you to be careful because I will always care what happens.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Plot: </b>Celaena is the king's new champion, and is tasked with using her skills to murder his enemies. Except, she secretly plays the king by making them disappear instead, which seems like a genius idea- until she's told to kill her childhood crush. While she decides whether she can trust the smooth-talking courtier to run and hide. nothing will stop Celaena from plotting to other throw the king, and uncover the mysteries of the castle. Like what exactly is lurking in the halls and beyond the library? And what does the riddle in the tomb mean? Also, did that doorknocker just talk? And why is Celaena so afraid of the witch in the travelling carnival? Meanwhile, Dorian is in the throes of heartbreak, and shocked when strange things keep happening around him that he can't explain. Things that seem an awful lot like magic. But that can't be right- magic disappeared from Adarlan ten years ago. And Dorian can't tell anyone; if his father finds out, he'll have his head. Elsewhere in the castle, bristly captain Chaol has turned in to the soft, brooding type over Celaena, but what will happen when one little lie he makes to keep her safe results in the death of someone she loves? Devastated by the loss, she can't stem her blood lust, and as grief tears her apart and a betrayal is uncovered, more surprises are in store for the characters that could change their lives- and their relationships- forever.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts: </b>Crown of Midnight is one of my least favourites of the series, along with Tower of Dawn. Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this book, but it's a little slower-paced and less exciting than most of the others, so it's low-ranking in my list of SJM favourites. It must be one of the few occurrences where I feel the second book in the series isn't better than the first. It has such a different feel to the first book, with less humour and a much darker tone as the characters face loss and loneliness, avoid acknowledging their secrets, and struggle with their mental health. There's plenty of feral violence, intriguing mysteries, betrayal, magic, young love, heartache, and devastating grief and depression, and it took me through the emotional ringer- something SJM seems to have a talent for. Even now, I'm not sure I'm over the strained relationships or the shocking death. I loved Chaol and Celaena's relationship in this book, especially how cute soft, loved-up Chaol was. The dancing and birthday dinner scenes between them were particularly adorable. It was interesting to see all the different sides of Celaena and wonder how a person can wear so many different faces, from vicious assassin to chocolate-cake loving bookworm, but I especially enjoyed seeing her go rogue as an assassin and learning exactly why everyone is afraid of her- by the Wyrd, she's terrifying! I also found the change in Dorian's demeanour from cocky jokester to withdrawn little emo boy broke my heart, but the plot twist for his character was so intriguing and unexpected. I definitely didn't see this side of him coming. Nor did I guess the massive twist in Celaena's story, but looking back, the signs were all there, and I don't know how I missed them. It made for a fantastic climax to the story, and had me on the edge of my seat right until the painfully bittersweet ending. (Full review on Goodreads <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5336314246" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b> 4 stars out of 5</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy472UbX0PsiD3h1TXSHqkJGBPHLU5N_mgkISqpUqLlbErZOAJ6x1eUwt4m4lsyPD2l4N6KW8XOFKatzT4TWvoTT84dVzAHzDxNrp8ISZ2uPnyl0upcBUB9eg2yDXY1UMy8XZT88mklOn_hNHjKz5QripRtniPwiAumsV6UCFyzf3FXa3_z2Ora9Xw3Kb/s840/throne%20of%20glass%20heir%20of%20fire%20review=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy472UbX0PsiD3h1TXSHqkJGBPHLU5N_mgkISqpUqLlbErZOAJ6x1eUwt4m4lsyPD2l4N6KW8XOFKatzT4TWvoTT84dVzAHzDxNrp8ISZ2uPnyl0upcBUB9eg2yDXY1UMy8XZT88mklOn_hNHjKz5QripRtniPwiAumsV6UCFyzf3FXa3_z2Ora9Xw3Kb/s16000/throne%20of%20glass%20heir%20of%20fire%20review=.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Heir of Fire</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'I claim you, Rowan Whitethorn. I don't care what you say and how much you protest. I claim you as my friend.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'I claim you, Aelin. To whatever end.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Plot: </b>Celaena has been sent to Wendlyn to murder the royal family, but she has no intention of following orders. She plans to go to Doranelle to learn more about the Wyrdmarks, but the fae Queen, Maeve, won't allow her passage into the fae city until she proves herself worthy. She's ordered to first master her powers with the silver-haired warrior Prince, Rowan, the most powerful fae male in all the realms, who is a sadistic, grouchy bastard, and seems intent on making her life hell. But she's the world's greatest assassin and nobody fights better than her- or so she thinks. Has Celaena finally met her match? Lost in her grief and depression, and being forced to confront the traumatic past she's kept buried for ten years, Celaena is in a dark place, and teetering on the edge. Will Rowan push her over it, or will they find some common ground? And what are the monstrous beings leaving dried-up dead bodies in their wake around Mistward? If anyone can figure it out, it's Rowan and Celaena, but will she be strong enough to fight when they come a-calling? Back in Rifthold, Dorian is angry with Chaol for sending Celaena away, and desperately looking for a way to suppress his magic, which sees him visiting a healer that he just can't seem to stay away from... Chaol is missing Celaena but reeling from what he learnt about her, while trying to tie up loose ends to keep Dorian safe before he sacrifices his soul to his manipulative father. He finds himself suspicious of newcomer Aedion, a shady young general who is definitely up to something, and he's determined to find out what. Will what he discovers interfere with his promise to leave the glass castle? We're also introduced to Manon and The Thirteen, a deadly coven of witches with iron teeth and nails who the king has enlisted. And they're not flying on broomsticks. What exactly is the king planning for Erilea- and for our heroes in the Glass Castle?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts: </b>Heir of Fire is when the series really starts to transform from mildly entertaining into something spectacular, and when my love for the series began to turn <i>slightly</i> more obsessive. That's not to say the first two books aren't great, but book three is when everything really starts coming to life. The introduction of the fae, Rowan and the cadre, shapeshifting, powerful magic, and intense battles with magical demons adds so much to the story, as does seeing Celaena finally meeting her match, learning to control her powers, and beginning to face up to her past. And then there's Rowan Whitethorn, who despite starting off as a depraved bully who badly needs around-the-clock therapy, quickly tunnelled into my heart and became one of my favourite fictional characters of all time. Apparently, I just can't resist a morally-grey, brooding fae warrior with a hidden heart of gold who asks '<i>who did this to you?</i>', fusses when she gets hurt, and has <i>touch-her-and-you-die</i> vibes. I worry about myself sometimes. I loved his sadistic side, and how his relationship with Celaena played out- except for one particularly cruel scene that hurt my heart- <i>bastard</i>. I also adored how cute Dorian and Sorscha were together, and loved meeting The Cadre, Luca and Emrys, and Aedion for the first time, whose shadiness and suffering for the greater good gave me Rhysand vibes. It took me a while to warm up to newcomer Manon and the other witches, and it probably wasn't until sweet baby Abraxos came along that I started to enjoy their scenes, and stop longing for another POV. There's also a dramatic ending in the glass castle you're not going to want to miss, but be warned- it hurts. <i>A lot</i>. I'm not sure I'll ever recover. Despite that, it's definitely one of my ultimate favourite books of the series, and of all time- and I wish I could read it for the first time again.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating: </span></b>5 stars out of 5</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUnpX-BQ5OD3CiDbrN6mJWzwKuSjU0XXHBYqdLbI10XsO8MwbBpCp6dgxwWZOcL5ou9c9mNwTiru1UoOmvwXbdrZHZA_OJn3giHfPGIyrRD61w2E6KDhDXuCej1hkIr2qLcQo0Ruj_EX5J9ytrelSNySAmmwQ3zmjvmPhzrjneOHhSDoIqQhx5EvcJ3Hh/s3247/P1010546=.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2435" data-original-width="3247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUnpX-BQ5OD3CiDbrN6mJWzwKuSjU0XXHBYqdLbI10XsO8MwbBpCp6dgxwWZOcL5ou9c9mNwTiru1UoOmvwXbdrZHZA_OJn3giHfPGIyrRD61w2E6KDhDXuCej1hkIr2qLcQo0Ruj_EX5J9ytrelSNySAmmwQ3zmjvmPhzrjneOHhSDoIqQhx5EvcJ3Hh/s16000/P1010546=.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Queen of Shadows</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'You make me want to live, Rowan. Not survive, not exist. Live.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'You make me want to live, Aelin Galathynius,' he said. 'Not exist- but live.' ... 'I spent centuries wandering the world, from empires to kingdoms to wastelands, never settling, never stopping- not for one moment. I was always looking toward the horizon, always wondering what waited across the next ocean, over the next mountain. But I think... I think that whole time, all those centuries, I was just looking for you.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Plot: </b>With the help of her found-family, Aelin returns to Rifthold to free Prince Dorian and her cousin from the king's clutches, take down the king, slay some demons, free magic, and get her revenge on her erstwhile mentor, Arobynn. Can she and her friends do it all before the king enslaves the world? Meanwhile, Dorian is trapped in his body and forgetting who he is as a demon prince takes control; moody Chaol is plotting to save Dorian, while brandishing a massive attitude problem and working underground to free people from the demons with sharpshooter, Nesryn; Lorcan is furiously playing Aelin in determination to find the Wyrdkeys- and Aelin is playing him right back; Manon and the Thirteen are being trained as weapons but starting to question the disturbing things happening under the mountain; and cunning newcomer Elide is working to escape her abusive uncle's chains which sees her forge an unlikely alliance- but will it be enough to save her from the horrors of Morath and the future her uncle has planned for her? And when Aelin and Chaol come face-to-face with demon-possessed-Dorian and the king, will any of them walk out alive? </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts: </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Queen of Shadows gets the bronze in my top three favourites of the series, after Heir of Fire and Kingdom of Ash which are fighting it out for the gold. This book is a masterpiece and you can't convince me otherwise. It's packed full of fight scenes, brilliant schemes, satisfying revenge, manipulation, sexual tension, angst, rivalries, heartwarming reunions, humour, and a big long list of other great stuff. I loved every moment of it. There's just so much to love about this book from Rowan and Aelin's iconic reunion scene to Rowan being floored by a nightgown, and Manon and Dorian's flirting (hello Princeling, hello Witchling), to Lysandra and Aelin joining forces to get their revenge on the psychopathic Assassin Master, Arobynn. And then there's Aelin and her friends teaming up to free magic and save Dorian, and the growing friendship and sexual tension between Rowan and Aelin. *Chef's kiss.* I also loved meeting Elide (one of my faves) for the first time, who proves you don't have to be literate to be smart as she creeps around Morath with a chain around her disfigured ankle plotting her escape from the demon lair, and becoming unlikely friends with the terrifying witches. This book equally did a good job at punching me in the heart with Dorian being controlled by an evil demon, Kaltain being abused for her powers, and Chaol taking break-up pettiness to a whole new level by blaming Aelin for everything wrong in the world and just behaving like an absolute douche. The change in his character in this book definitely made me hate him for a while, but that's okay- who needs angry Chaol when there's ruggedly beautiful Rowan, Lorcan, and Aedion to fill the void? There's also a big plot twist at the end that totally blew my mind. I didn't see it coming for a second, and it completely changed my perspective on the character and all they'd done up to that point. If I'm honest, I'm still shocked, and I'm sure you will be, too. And if you love fantasy, I think you're going to love this brilliant book as much as I do.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b> 5 stars out of 5</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, as I said, this is just half of the Throne of Glass series, and there's another four books to go after Queen of Shadows. But don't let the length of the series intimidate you; they're fantastic, easy reads, and the kind of books you'll fly through in days. I sure did!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'll be back with reviews of the last four books soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for them- hopefully later this week!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have you read Throne of Glass? What's your favourite book series?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/10/ink-blood-sister-scribe-by-emma-torzs.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ink Blood Sister Scribe Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/08/litjoy-crate-reading-journal-review.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate Reading Journal Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-litjoy.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Litjoy Crate A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Tin Review</span></a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-15425101283013344392023-10-06T13:13:00.002+01:002023-10-06T13:13:52.809+01:00Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs Book Review<p style="text-align: justify;">Reading has always been one of my favourite hobbies, and it's something I love to do every day, but it's been a while since I last posted a book review to the blog. I often post what I'm reading and write mini reviews on my Insta stories, but I want to start sharing more of them here with you, too, so here I am. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I recently read a brilliant debut fantasy and new release called Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs, so let's start with that one.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThwdrbfJFo3p5DMULV4Tr75oJjwFTYgnHWh2BcBwmkW68Pv4WSxbkKTwODfJdO_5CxvlfTIDoC9EdSyucimOSGkQGOEXB2nJ8DdxbG31901IZdhDd5woalXFBD0hfeydsnW9m38V6_RrRGMhupJfYCVCyDTHkmjxAmnJsiOq3mj0YM6Dgx8bcLg2p2u4n/s840/ink%20blood%20sister%20scribe%20waterstones%20exclusive%20edition.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThwdrbfJFo3p5DMULV4Tr75oJjwFTYgnHWh2BcBwmkW68Pv4WSxbkKTwODfJdO_5CxvlfTIDoC9EdSyucimOSGkQGOEXB2nJ8DdxbG31901IZdhDd5woalXFBD0hfeydsnW9m38V6_RrRGMhupJfYCVCyDTHkmjxAmnJsiOq3mj0YM6Dgx8bcLg2p2u4n/s16000/ink%20blood%20sister%20scribe%20waterstones%20exclusive%20edition.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOABt3z257YmbzNNgOQC-36QmRAKNSW1vkI4sw2O3VB3wRZMrgl-x51fClHLo5kIjnXMnciGwAJiWUGUutrz0tp9PrxiJ97PV2HlNsxY6fdhsxkasXx5yQKpoZ-hKP-om1xVd_JvaYBL6Fd9OIT2Q-8fjeUwpknZOVS9US3ot4Jj8-RbEe5Ymh7prXsUu/s840/ink%20blood%20sister%20scribe%20waterstones%20exclusive%20edition%20edges.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOABt3z257YmbzNNgOQC-36QmRAKNSW1vkI4sw2O3VB3wRZMrgl-x51fClHLo5kIjnXMnciGwAJiWUGUutrz0tp9PrxiJ97PV2HlNsxY6fdhsxkasXx5yQKpoZ-hKP-om1xVd_JvaYBL6Fd9OIT2Q-8fjeUwpknZOVS9US3ot4Jj8-RbEe5Ymh7prXsUu/s16000/ink%20blood%20sister%20scribe%20waterstones%20exclusive%20edition%20edges.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Book:</span></b> Ink Blood Sister Scribe.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Author:</span></b> Emma Törzs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Genres:</span></b> Fantasy, mystery, thriller, adventure, romance (f/f and f/m)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Edition: </span></b>Waterstones Exclusive Signed Hardback.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Synopsis:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a unique and immersive dark fantasy about magic books that have the power to kill, and a secret organisation that will stop at nothing to find those who guard them- not even murder. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It follows two estranged sisters- loner Joanna, who's dedicated her life to protecting her rare book collection, and Esther, who is hiding out on a research base in Antarctica, and must move every year on the same date to avoid being found. Except this year, she stays put for love, and just as she thinks she's safe, she discovers spots of blood on all the mirrors. It can only mean one thing: sinister magic is in use on the base. Her life is in danger and she doesn't know who she can trust, but when a note offering help is passed through a mirror, will she accept or listen to her instincts and run? And what will she send back?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, wealthy, sheltered Nicholas, a scribe who writes spell books with his own blood for his family's elite library, discovers shocking truths that will lead him and his bodyguard, Collins, to flee. The four must travel across continents to find one another and stay alive, learn the sinister secrets of the Library, and put a stop to the organisation once and for all- but can they do it before it's too late? </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Thoughts:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The unusual storyline of this book pulled me in from the start, and the magic, humour, and beautiful descriptive writing kept me reading. I was a little uninterested in Nicholas' POV to begin with, as he came across as spoilt and entitled, and his guardians were so unlikable, but the more I read, the more I found myself enjoying his story- and each of the three POVs. Esther's was full of action, suspense, and delightful dark magic, and her rocky relationship with Pearl was far from boring; Joanna was intriguing as a lonely, awkward introvert shackled to her house by her books and wards, while struggling to trust her mother and befriend a cat; and Nicholas' was sad as his desires for freedom and friends ate away at him while he was coddled by his Uncle, and conditioned to write books and stay hidden away at the cost of his own declining health. Collins' character development from stoic bodyguard to mysterious-guy-who-can-hear-magic was also really interesting, and I loved the relationships he forged with Nicholas and Joanna. Also, there's a Pomeranian sidekick called Sir Kiwi. Who's female. The twists and turns were surprising and full of tension, and overall, it was such a fun, interesting read that kept me guessing until the end. It left me hoping that it might continue as a series, but I think it's just a stand-alone. Either way, it's the perfect cosy, atmospheric read for autumn for anyone who enjoys dark magic, mystery, and adventure, with a little found-family and forced proximity thrown in for good measure.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Rating: </b>3.5 stars out of 5.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Favourite Quotes:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>The other books hummed like summer bees. This book throbbed like unspent thunder and when she opened the cover the handwritten words swam in front of her eyes, rearranging themselves every time a letter nearly became clear. In progress; unreadable.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>If she left- when she left- Antarctica would be a memory, than a memory of memory, and eventually it would be just a story. Pearl would be just a story, a swirl of remembered feelings, someone she'd talk about at bars to strangers who would become friends and then strangers again.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>'If magic really does exist, and you really can erase my memory, and I let you do it- you have to promise to come find me again once you're safe. You have to promise to tell me everything that happened, and tell me again about your parents, and the books. Fill in all the blanks. I don't want to forget forever. I want to know.' She took a shuddering breath. 'But I don't think I can handle knowing right now. Alone.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>A year felt so long unless it was all you had.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e06666; text-align: left;">♥ </span><i>...when the physical and emotional boundaries of one's life were small, when one had walked every inch of one's allotted space many times over, it was easy to forget ignorance and feel a sort of mastery, instead. This house, that path, those books, that mountain; Joanna was used to being the expert and used to the safety that came with expertise.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The beautiful edition shown in my photos is the Waterstones exclusive signed edition, and I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but it was actually the design which drew me in and made me want to investigate what the book was about. It has tangerine sprayed edges with bees, feathers, and stars stencilled on the side in black ink, and it's so pretty and autumnal. It, sadly, doesn't have a hidden cover, but it has marbled-burgundy-red end papers, gold foil on the dust jacket, and it's signed by the author inside. I love it! It sold out online before release day, so I'm glad I preordered it this spring, but if you can find it in store, it's well worth the purchase if you love pretty books.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What are you waiting for? Go read it!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have you read Ink Blood Sister Scribe yet?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2023/08/litjoy-crate-reading-journal-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Litjoy Crate Reading Journal Review</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-to-z-bookish-survey.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The A-Z Bookish Survey</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-5th-wave-by-rick-yancey.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey Review.</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2014/05/recently-read-book-adaptations.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Book Adaptations Reviews</a></p>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-83429597655441601532023-10-03T15:15:00.001+01:002023-10-03T15:15:19.008+01:00Erstwilder x Pete Cromer Sea Life Collection<p style="text-align: justify;">Of all the collections Erstwilder has done, the Pete Cromer collabs have been my favourites, so I was so excited when they reunited for their fifth collection together this August.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This time, Erstwilder has immortalised many of Cromer's Australian Sea Life designs in resin, and they might just be some of their best pieces yet. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are sharks and dolphins, penguins and pelicans, seals and seahorses, and all kinds of obscure sea creatures reimagined as brooches, necklaces, earrings, pins, and even keyrings. It's a large collection and everything is amazing, so I had the hardest time choosing which pieces to buy. Luckily, I had some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, so I was able to buy four brooches (and got a free one!), but I'm still mourning half a dozen other favourites I had to leave behind.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Who wants to see what I got?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKoRtRbCdA-REh_1PJpdu3Uad2gSQuoQ6LifH_OngnK8DcM5E7lM-yUy0Y2wUil6bxk_vjHi6K1dOEHfgnXojPy4c6FLuCrnwW_qMhmxyprC7b1px2Dcmf2x4sAgavlfP4K6pEIeGyXs1itbuWVgZ4B0Z0JiaHb9QQRo6fVor9IbLRaCVSKM_8lMNgdO8/s840/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20wildlife%20collection%20brooch%20review.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKoRtRbCdA-REh_1PJpdu3Uad2gSQuoQ6LifH_OngnK8DcM5E7lM-yUy0Y2wUil6bxk_vjHi6K1dOEHfgnXojPy4c6FLuCrnwW_qMhmxyprC7b1px2Dcmf2x4sAgavlfP4K6pEIeGyXs1itbuWVgZ4B0Z0JiaHb9QQRo6fVor9IbLRaCVSKM_8lMNgdO8/s16000/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20wildlife%20collection%20brooch%20review.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJdS0U3aOOzrX_raAaY3JGB8rZCE1vMUGChvnRJ61fr8eMwxbs7CTRrHcaWLct9aD8kMqDmlh4LNYNW1AV_weetJQU301zNOyvlwoZrTtyTUt0Op_j0-cUXQ5w8_bXUja3FDR6aEzdlwIOaYj28kwDyQ-8bVhdwNILFpD-PcLu9uYUxHFxx-n77UoBGOH/s840/erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20dugong%20brooch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJdS0U3aOOzrX_raAaY3JGB8rZCE1vMUGChvnRJ61fr8eMwxbs7CTRrHcaWLct9aD8kMqDmlh4LNYNW1AV_weetJQU301zNOyvlwoZrTtyTUt0Op_j0-cUXQ5w8_bXUja3FDR6aEzdlwIOaYj28kwDyQ-8bVhdwNILFpD-PcLu9uYUxHFxx-n77UoBGOH/s16000/erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20dugong%20brooch.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm going to start with one of my favourites from the collection- The Dutiful Dugong. In fact, I think it might just be one of my favourite brooches ever. It's just so ridiculously cute, and it's perfect down to the last detail. This little guy is made from a beautiful stormy-grey ripple resin with iridescent streaks of pistachio-green, rose-pink, and metallic cobalt running through it. His flippers are a marbled light blue that look like ocean waves, and he has the most amazing, iridescent grey and silver muzzle offset with rainbow glitter. And as it's a Pete Cromer design, he's finished off with a variety of colourful shapes, including a cute purple heart on his flippers. There's nothing I don't love about this brooch, and I'm so glad I managed to snag one before it sold out. I would've been so sad if I hadn't.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocXvk0zlhcy_rRZyMOg0LOo4P7x_ZlGWL2jR8XefGtwwVjFnO_6OEIO-hFL23Ri1Amc8wwJvxOAygw8GaLKP86DY9xdYrK9vP9iPxDSHLpbRemmPxT6eLbTW7zLC8TUDAz1XBIZfImwrxw4t89G8CKRSSi0AfZiay1BG4oIj26qtHxxM4TPbP2-su6qK-/s840/erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20whale%20%20brooch--.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocXvk0zlhcy_rRZyMOg0LOo4P7x_ZlGWL2jR8XefGtwwVjFnO_6OEIO-hFL23Ri1Amc8wwJvxOAygw8GaLKP86DY9xdYrK9vP9iPxDSHLpbRemmPxT6eLbTW7zLC8TUDAz1XBIZfImwrxw4t89G8CKRSSi0AfZiay1BG4oIj26qtHxxM4TPbP2-su6qK-/s16000/erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20whale%20%20brooch--.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I was trying to narrow down my very long list of favourites, I found I couldn't resist <a href="https://www.erstwilder.com/products/the-halcyon-humpback-whale-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Halcyon Humpback Whale brooch</a>. It's a beautiful black and grey humpback whale breaching the waves, and he's far prettier than I was expecting. At first glance, its body looks like plain black and grey, but the black is a ripple resin streaked with grey, and the light grey is an incredible, shimmery iridescent resin with pink streaming through it- like an Aurora Borealis effect. It also has a little sparkly yellow teardrop on its flipper with a dot of pink at the end. The water is then crafted from ripple resins in cobalt blue and teal, broken up by some iridescent grey and white. It's quite a large brooch and a good statement piece, so it would be ideal for converting into a necklace with a brooch convertor, too. It's still available from Erstwilder, plus<a href="https://www.lottieandlu.co.uk/collections/erstwilder/products/the-halcyon-humpback-whale-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Lottie and Lu</a>, and <a href="https://lovelyboutique.co.uk/product/erstwilder-the-halcyon-humpback-whale-brooch/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lovely Boutique </a>in the UK.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYpJTye_EZJHVs2pcNA48IGTvnVVwciZ3lRPe47izxcLrrfCE9MktvKpmIJ9ffiGkds1HY33MOoyPqT7bF5ld9gyu_R-f5Qh8kyOEjxNhqVlmGkXksoFhma7tQIValiUQKWfqs6WfCPzpob-D1k1_zexspKwtMkvLEd-R64F4xybgOq-wPjMZ762KbyDC/s840/erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20turtle%20brooch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYpJTye_EZJHVs2pcNA48IGTvnVVwciZ3lRPe47izxcLrrfCE9MktvKpmIJ9ffiGkds1HY33MOoyPqT7bF5ld9gyu_R-f5Qh8kyOEjxNhqVlmGkXksoFhma7tQIValiUQKWfqs6WfCPzpob-D1k1_zexspKwtMkvLEd-R64F4xybgOq-wPjMZ762KbyDC/s16000/erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20turtle%20brooch.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I already had a sea turtle brooch in my brooch zoo (or should that be brooch aquarium?), but I was unable to resist The Graceful Green Sea Turtle brooch. It has so much detail and texture, and it's sooo beautiful. It's head and flippers are made from a mix of ripple, iridescent, and plain glossy resins in three shades of green and patterned with little markings in a variety of blues and earthy colours, and its shell? Its shell has been so cleverly designed to give it depth and texture, and in the middle is a stunning tortoiseshell-like resin with yellow-gold, maple-leaf-red, and olive-green layered over dark smoky-grey. It's one of the coolest resins I've ever seen, and combined with the other details, it's definitely one of the best turtle designs I've come across, too. I can't stop wearing it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVdI2OkQ1aXKcijnmDSCm_NeBAaXaIDxv3z1B4IiJ5V0SQWoT3-rRdh9HcP3E9zCXnAEBA7HIYm7vSvs0I44sMF8NtIJRbUMqnEb1zABtu6F0ZzcMDyiAa2Nxf-1REfTTu3BJwlNulN_XxC2umLUm5BSvtm09w84KRCNhbN2cvZRQRa2Sv84R7NBDQCTX/s840/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20blob%20fish%20brooch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVdI2OkQ1aXKcijnmDSCm_NeBAaXaIDxv3z1B4IiJ5V0SQWoT3-rRdh9HcP3E9zCXnAEBA7HIYm7vSvs0I44sMF8NtIJRbUMqnEb1zABtu6F0ZzcMDyiAa2Nxf-1REfTTu3BJwlNulN_XxC2umLUm5BSvtm09w84KRCNhbN2cvZRQRa2Sv84R7NBDQCTX/s16000/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20blob%20fish%20brooch.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Another favourite of mine from the Sea Life collection is definitely <a href="https://www.erstwilder.com/products/the-blissful-blobfish-brooch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Blissful Blobfish brooch</a>. It shouldn't make me laugh considering the image of the blobfish we all know and love is how the fish looks after it's decompressed from the change of pressure when it's brought up from the deep sea, but this brooch does make me chuckle, anyway. It's sad little face is hilarious. And he's pink! His body is made from pearlescent resins in pretty rose pink and pink-so-pale-its-almost-white, and his fins and lips are a plain, glossy hot pink. He's then finished with little detailing in navy, grey, dark red, and white, which contrast nicely against the pretty pinks. Definitely the prettiest ugliest fish ever. I'm surprised Erstwilder currently still have some available.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqbVsQm_hp9qJMmx1A81wknoCLPxj9OXkx_NC_wQ1gG8VLa8Yw0uHrhcvayNNYa2dIkZqzmsm_qaoaCgl1Iti7zWeU2q9Q2LuswiqWMWqfKa-fVddPHl-W7OLqnYr6LxcdCmuYdvfjcI1CXlT24qkXR4YAAKcrl51HmbSEn7QSg0tNUyh-nhrwq3U3lg_/s840/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20starfish%20gift%20with%20purchase%20brooch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqbVsQm_hp9qJMmx1A81wknoCLPxj9OXkx_NC_wQ1gG8VLa8Yw0uHrhcvayNNYa2dIkZqzmsm_qaoaCgl1Iti7zWeU2q9Q2LuswiqWMWqfKa-fVddPHl-W7OLqnYr6LxcdCmuYdvfjcI1CXlT24qkXR4YAAKcrl51HmbSEn7QSg0tNUyh-nhrwq3U3lg_/s16000/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20starfish%20gift%20with%20purchase%20brooch.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was also lucky enough to get the free gift with purchase, The Sacred Starfish, for purchasing two brooches from the same stockist. It's a simple, two-layer, five-limbed, red, gold, and white sea star with a shimmery light-gold background, gorgeous ripple resin markings in three shades of red, and a smaller iridescent white star layered on top decorated with plain matte wine-red markings. I think it's an unusual colour-choice for a starfish, and would've been cuter if the colours were softer and more typically ocean-like, such as coral, yellow, or blue. Don't get me wrong, it's really pretty, but I'm not sure I'll get much wear out of this one, so it's likely to go to my Mum who has already called dibs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKoRtRbCdA-REh_1PJpdu3Uad2gSQuoQ6LifH_OngnK8DcM5E7lM-yUy0Y2wUil6bxk_vjHi6K1dOEHfgnXojPy4c6FLuCrnwW_qMhmxyprC7b1px2Dcmf2x4sAgavlfP4K6pEIeGyXs1itbuWVgZ4B0Z0JiaHb9QQRo6fVor9IbLRaCVSKM_8lMNgdO8/s840/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20wildlife%20collection%20brooch%20review.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKoRtRbCdA-REh_1PJpdu3Uad2gSQuoQ6LifH_OngnK8DcM5E7lM-yUy0Y2wUil6bxk_vjHi6K1dOEHfgnXojPy4c6FLuCrnwW_qMhmxyprC7b1px2Dcmf2x4sAgavlfP4K6pEIeGyXs1itbuWVgZ4B0Z0JiaHb9QQRo6fVor9IbLRaCVSKM_8lMNgdO8/s16000/Erstwilder%20pete%20cromer%20wildlife%20collection%20brooch%20review.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">And that's my little Erstwilder x Pete Cromer Sea Life haul.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There is still a great selection of designs available direct from Erstwilder <a href="https://www.erstwilder.com/collections/erstwilder-x-pete-cromer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and a handful still in stock through UK stockists, so be sure to snap them up while you can.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have you bought anything from the Sea Life collection yet? Which piece is your favourite?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/03/erstwilder-x-pete-cromer-brooches-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Erstwilder x Pete Cromer Collection One </span></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/12/erstwilder-x-pete-cromer-2020-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder x Pete Cromer Collection Two- Christmas</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/05/erstwilder-x-pete-cromer-brooch.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Erstwilder x Pete Cromer Collection Three</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/08/erstwilder-x-pete-cromer-40-wildlife.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erstwilder x Pete Cromer Collection Four- Wildlife</a></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4424215569183898860.post-50241179601883539552023-09-27T13:56:00.000+01:002023-09-27T13:56:37.861+01:00Longleat Safari Park July 2023<p style="text-align: justify;"> It was my birthday at the beginning of July, and I spent it exploring a safari park for the very first time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Another zoo birthday trip. Shocker!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We visited Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire- somewhere I've wanted to visit for over twenty years, thanks to the TV show Animal Park. It's a couple of hours drive from home in Oxfordshire, so I never had, but after discovering that they had become the first zoo in Britain to add koalas and wombats to their menagerie (at least in my life time), I had to go see them. And I'm so glad we did as we had a fantastic time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpgw0YqvVCA8n6adv4qnzn-b9WhzxU0fLDWrkjGRxK-4FjnTy9cigWcM3UVTF5DHgxf21M5_sBHnz3z1RBl53t1q1r0aBDgPZMT22PQtFvqomPucBkMDKqENQKu2WC8vb9pdhhsfRS8DvE9MQOedsJAfgO79NadTzopRC1wE1vh821143hHvSyMmkdUut/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Koala%20Sleeping%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpgw0YqvVCA8n6adv4qnzn-b9WhzxU0fLDWrkjGRxK-4FjnTy9cigWcM3UVTF5DHgxf21M5_sBHnz3z1RBl53t1q1r0aBDgPZMT22PQtFvqomPucBkMDKqENQKu2WC8vb9pdhhsfRS8DvE9MQOedsJAfgO79NadTzopRC1wE1vh821143hHvSyMmkdUut/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Koala%20Sleeping%202.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We did the safari first, and it was so much fun driving around and spotting so many cool animals in the English countryside, It kinda looked and felt like being in Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs. But, luckily for us, <i>most</i> of the animals on the other side of our car were a little less terrifying and inclined to eat us. (Though, only having a car between us and the big cats definitely got the heart-racing a little). We got to see all kinds of awesome animals including giraffes, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, tigers, wolves, camels, warthogs, deer, macaques, vultures, pelicans, and many more. I think the only animals we didn't spot were the hyenas, and elephant, which was surprising as the enclosures were big enough for everything to hide if they wanted to. It was lovely to see most of the animals given acres of space and kept in large family groups, allowing them to live as naturally as any animal can in captivity. I've never seen animals kept so well before, and you could see the difference in how content and healthy they looked.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Sorry for the quality of the photos from the safari section. My camera didn't want to cooperate through windows.</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOFeZhl8OGSB15K4O0sMDkn5tLY98UIeBtO-nUH60qtm_-HDhp7TxSlY4tbADRrRykz_kjjci780bR1FbmglZPUudpExGAIGTAsvebNryuhJ_Qboni-kG4RdfHVH7Hn2vrrWyXu8LqXoqvmikywsbjLli-5wrCqvGF5U_1v2uKZmHylpgmeraNokgRnJt/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20White%20Rhino.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOFeZhl8OGSB15K4O0sMDkn5tLY98UIeBtO-nUH60qtm_-HDhp7TxSlY4tbADRrRykz_kjjci780bR1FbmglZPUudpExGAIGTAsvebNryuhJ_Qboni-kG4RdfHVH7Hn2vrrWyXu8LqXoqvmikywsbjLli-5wrCqvGF5U_1v2uKZmHylpgmeraNokgRnJt/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20White%20Rhino.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHuGckCFOUUdfVVsJcaej9sa2TDlPnlLtS9pw9vdy4RN4OP7yMAJgnew8VrSdYnA6vjP0GdLR1soVmYpHg5lLoxHhWq35PBOTjQ-vhmkrxCI4ReMD1b3dRbrIuGNNFfGEV7oevhttOMbn4hOgmHQD67N9F_YUGXvPh_VrmRyHE-uinWt249VNCT5C81vt/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lions.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHuGckCFOUUdfVVsJcaej9sa2TDlPnlLtS9pw9vdy4RN4OP7yMAJgnew8VrSdYnA6vjP0GdLR1soVmYpHg5lLoxHhWq35PBOTjQ-vhmkrxCI4ReMD1b3dRbrIuGNNFfGEV7oevhttOMbn4hOgmHQD67N9F_YUGXvPh_VrmRyHE-uinWt249VNCT5C81vt/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lions.JPG" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTCFSy9r5jD2lRBFC9SaVKNGCaI4P6lgg_hMIdMLEniMiQFbRa9FlTyZztH18uzqLiGQda6rxZubWII7v5MKwQ7XF3sJBCRkeP710ofb8ix6cVvte7ZPd009GN4Hs09PZECPF2NSYoyC_sNdBvv-Q_5gCj3VVi4yulwATH_vR7wS_EQoJtO_wTKfV2uga/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lion%20and%20Lioness.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTCFSy9r5jD2lRBFC9SaVKNGCaI4P6lgg_hMIdMLEniMiQFbRa9FlTyZztH18uzqLiGQda6rxZubWII7v5MKwQ7XF3sJBCRkeP710ofb8ix6cVvte7ZPd009GN4Hs09PZECPF2NSYoyC_sNdBvv-Q_5gCj3VVi4yulwATH_vR7wS_EQoJtO_wTKfV2uga/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lion%20and%20Lioness.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqtvWP1AQVFd1Sbv7OYrMbx8kWF0jfZCX4WO8Axc3uDvc7klUYvPIk2N0Dg9SXNUUPARpnOhHTDxC1_U7oHxvxDom5Npp7g1AdlAy8H9sJ5AfbkBwZdwuwsjgwbwWXORM6SetcJ9O8AIa3OobeRNQ8mgEb3BLY8NBAO4NY-b6DPdNSpEacQ64evKI0FZZ/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Tiger%20Sleeping.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqtvWP1AQVFd1Sbv7OYrMbx8kWF0jfZCX4WO8Axc3uDvc7klUYvPIk2N0Dg9SXNUUPARpnOhHTDxC1_U7oHxvxDom5Npp7g1AdlAy8H9sJ5AfbkBwZdwuwsjgwbwWXORM6SetcJ9O8AIa3OobeRNQ8mgEb3BLY8NBAO4NY-b6DPdNSpEacQ64evKI0FZZ/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Tiger%20Sleeping.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxR7VCpTCWmwygRKQK1Jkn0XwAHnomiPU9fcAbcRTLvvSj76J8MN7TekFGfTlolzi-yHwv-usTxuEQSAMyVcLebRxjP3AADbyW3jeDOfY1Pls31EQx-tLiQq8h7iksddJQvU51hWJ2VsmslovwXK3Ooicva7jqx4y_KqNtMqyGQ_MfCsC20qasmqJYAne/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Eland.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxR7VCpTCWmwygRKQK1Jkn0XwAHnomiPU9fcAbcRTLvvSj76J8MN7TekFGfTlolzi-yHwv-usTxuEQSAMyVcLebRxjP3AADbyW3jeDOfY1Pls31EQx-tLiQq8h7iksddJQvU51hWJ2VsmslovwXK3Ooicva7jqx4y_KqNtMqyGQ_MfCsC20qasmqJYAne/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Eland.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLn5Vwx516nekDe4nUzV5TQUy3W7qlAjelg3DK8wF1qT0vRqeul-l5EWU5xIjLEn-yyFWhzA8ZsFm9mCVuD1HGbLlWzrl3UjsBSZRvGw2PZdoJ4JW4HCpKlyIBOpNIrpHAoWLEbQbDCWl90V6U14QsAN8dhM8iZePunW3Knx2L31Tw5MhoHE_Nc7TiJwt/s2687/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Ankole%20Cattle.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="2687" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLn5Vwx516nekDe4nUzV5TQUy3W7qlAjelg3DK8wF1qT0vRqeul-l5EWU5xIjLEn-yyFWhzA8ZsFm9mCVuD1HGbLlWzrl3UjsBSZRvGw2PZdoJ4JW4HCpKlyIBOpNIrpHAoWLEbQbDCWl90V6U14QsAN8dhM8iZePunW3Knx2L31Tw5MhoHE_Nc7TiJwt/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Ankole%20Cattle.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The highlight of the safari for me- besides seeing a warthog and a white Bactrian camel for the first time- was getting to feed the deer. You could buy little pots of deer pellets from a kiosk in their paddock, and then pull over and feed them out of the car window, so of course, we had to do it. I got to feed two of them at the same time, and they were huge and surprisingly strong, but so gentle and patient at the same time. I was even able to give one of them chin scratches while she ate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f5xzv1D5S61e6_PpBIEEJHGIaMwUcC9pCNwKIwcpUieTMCb23kOtTg6ZKJYe38f7GqAY82mQ5ukqlKe0eXiynun9rGyCtoAl9JjKiS10gjQCZ2xFsOpcxucnxrVVCQMtyQWuE_vPpGzjNjkzGwwc9S2dfcVSAqCnoU4TRXqPjFcJpajr_gITV0iUu8Z-/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Red%20Deer%204.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f5xzv1D5S61e6_PpBIEEJHGIaMwUcC9pCNwKIwcpUieTMCb23kOtTg6ZKJYe38f7GqAY82mQ5ukqlKe0eXiynun9rGyCtoAl9JjKiS10gjQCZ2xFsOpcxucnxrVVCQMtyQWuE_vPpGzjNjkzGwwc9S2dfcVSAqCnoU4TRXqPjFcJpajr_gITV0iUu8Z-/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Red%20Deer%204.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0WzXqAvNlnK9fsG_e9FCulQJTpVWIvPM8ZVU8qyoBFHAPkOheqrT_Hr-cFLXBW2TFH87BxKpIxBgNottaK1f1pBTFzFmbz53_JCZ9n_lkvE8u6oXTAEupNUC0knx6CQvL6ZV2Io9CSC1Ed-QBb0bkMOvgi_jTDwTxmYNRYBq31cs_MwchNp8pOlLeljy/s840/longleat%20safari%20park%20red%20deer%202.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0WzXqAvNlnK9fsG_e9FCulQJTpVWIvPM8ZVU8qyoBFHAPkOheqrT_Hr-cFLXBW2TFH87BxKpIxBgNottaK1f1pBTFzFmbz53_JCZ9n_lkvE8u6oXTAEupNUC0knx6CQvL6ZV2Io9CSC1Ed-QBb0bkMOvgi_jTDwTxmYNRYBq31cs_MwchNp8pOlLeljy/s16000/longleat%20safari%20park%20red%20deer%202.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8LEjNIgB0nXzqTglWe_TtoIpkFSbboMpOBsZQSWty8Tj6ydhGvgvv0-uk7QNOo4CPb3-A_m2GgEg_3gHGwJbfjO2r71Fue9FUxe18KZDT2bUbxjPFajnjdPOVNbDIwZUyAZnXCRCd4DqserxcprRcwrKQ0mayasrys_SbFzX-cp7pGrmOu6IzmeecLdm/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Red%20Deer.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8LEjNIgB0nXzqTglWe_TtoIpkFSbboMpOBsZQSWty8Tj6ydhGvgvv0-uk7QNOo4CPb3-A_m2GgEg_3gHGwJbfjO2r71Fue9FUxe18KZDT2bUbxjPFajnjdPOVNbDIwZUyAZnXCRCd4DqserxcprRcwrKQ0mayasrys_SbFzX-cp7pGrmOu6IzmeecLdm/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Red%20Deer.JPEG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We also all enjoyed driving in with the macaques, and having them climb all over the car. There must've been well over a hundred of them, including dozens of babies, and they were fearless. They threw themselves at the cars, and clambered over everything from the windscreens to the wing mirrors. They were a lot of fun to watch- especially when one started pulling the windscreen wipers off the car in front of us. Luckily, my brother-in-law had had the good sense to take the aerial off the car before we went in, and we only came away with a few tiny teeth marks on the roof, but if you don't want to risk your car, the route does allow you to skip the macaques without missing anything else. We just chose to risk it for the experience, and it was so worth it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3DONYyyc3dWfKCMrC1bODkimGShO4usuAb29np_jdoAK37PiAeXUEc_t3S8UY0EAjrd90ydEJtsLPfT2JoYC-kvx7Wp-VPOBXh8Ys_Jnk3ctw1G3xtQuhA2CHqezuqDuSyRl7J67knI_ukhDKtTMTuuH19QdEYPTAYSfRoTqKz-tL5-uCALwM_Z3MjKc/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Macaque%20on%20Car.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3DONYyyc3dWfKCMrC1bODkimGShO4usuAb29np_jdoAK37PiAeXUEc_t3S8UY0EAjrd90ydEJtsLPfT2JoYC-kvx7Wp-VPOBXh8Ys_Jnk3ctw1G3xtQuhA2CHqezuqDuSyRl7J67knI_ukhDKtTMTuuH19QdEYPTAYSfRoTqKz-tL5-uCALwM_Z3MjKc/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Macaque%20on%20Car.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxMcoL1LeSAMGTzGGDzp4bqAcms7EMha2H3r2gwBLDmBldINGE9govT-yv1vHQhknEDicVSqNmk9Ftv6qF1r9X973uo5s4STxox4WSnIHSaD4XZ7mIVKl6ArsHfR5TVktsNFJU55D9iR5vEAD1Z0XnJCDJ0xXhrQ9pR0yo9x6_J6uDLtdkh0wdyW8LGet/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Macaque%20on%20Car%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxMcoL1LeSAMGTzGGDzp4bqAcms7EMha2H3r2gwBLDmBldINGE9govT-yv1vHQhknEDicVSqNmk9Ftv6qF1r9X973uo5s4STxox4WSnIHSaD4XZ7mIVKl6ArsHfR5TVktsNFJU55D9iR5vEAD1Z0XnJCDJ0xXhrQ9pR0yo9x6_J6uDLtdkh0wdyW8LGet/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Macaque%20on%20Car%202.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The safari took a couple of hours to complete, and afterwards, we parked up and explored the zoo. It's only small, but they had a really interesting collection of animals to see that you don't see everywhere, so I really enjoyed myself. There were animals you'd expect to see like meerkats, tamarins, macaws, and porcupines, more unusual animals like the amazing binturong, aardvarks, and adorable little fennec foxes, and even some animals we'd never seen before like koalas, hairy-nosed wombats, giant river otters, and an adorable little rat-like marsupial called a brush-nosed bettong. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu_1zA3-Vv2y7OAkSiCqyPHFdS_KMUWI2-1J1zGwkJUDpVizD_c9yKZa6GXxoNMwIm4tulsF39u1UsIm4wwufHksgrkGBBiG5R2gTqNkqyuEeSRCOzYAH6ko7HUnYkDc-hf9uKtAdLoj1zuw7M4Fa9PtMHdFTTreOh5XxCYOYCN4EL3B9su0DqKYgnlFR/s840/Longleat%20Binturong%20IMG_5025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu_1zA3-Vv2y7OAkSiCqyPHFdS_KMUWI2-1J1zGwkJUDpVizD_c9yKZa6GXxoNMwIm4tulsF39u1UsIm4wwufHksgrkGBBiG5R2gTqNkqyuEeSRCOzYAH6ko7HUnYkDc-hf9uKtAdLoj1zuw7M4Fa9PtMHdFTTreOh5XxCYOYCN4EL3B9su0DqKYgnlFR/s16000/Longleat%20Binturong%20IMG_5025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW8s7GLbnluWd9-4mP0onfeF0FIIgoyKWBI8pY9FULCanDK9mZd1uiQizvNqxZcaDy8ZC1nrV4HdLzSgZfp1L2Cq8_U3UWAhOtGWJRt4fANkwRcNTs0K00jpKb7Oavrr3mpLg6DK5YIKGEQ0ksW_SN7RjQuf3uQtnhcPDYCBjuEQy6fHWDa6N4QRc0S6z/s840/Longleat%20Binturong.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW8s7GLbnluWd9-4mP0onfeF0FIIgoyKWBI8pY9FULCanDK9mZd1uiQizvNqxZcaDy8ZC1nrV4HdLzSgZfp1L2Cq8_U3UWAhOtGWJRt4fANkwRcNTs0K00jpKb7Oavrr3mpLg6DK5YIKGEQ0ksW_SN7RjQuf3uQtnhcPDYCBjuEQy6fHWDa6N4QRc0S6z/s16000/Longleat%20Binturong.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_4pEiZZD-qCYc66JUs15oJyquJuHQzDHlQD6hyzI89k2ZKdKhS_LgP24nWdJ27IstLVoIVzUnep2HFOlE9knQ3MhPPMCa8TWevosLnS13R9BmAtHpBYDQ22soIWPROgkqXwcxbZUH_bLny22sC21Za14A-J7QxrFxAiWxHdbIbbx65M_LmoAkXQ-tKk2/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Military%20Macaw.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_4pEiZZD-qCYc66JUs15oJyquJuHQzDHlQD6hyzI89k2ZKdKhS_LgP24nWdJ27IstLVoIVzUnep2HFOlE9knQ3MhPPMCa8TWevosLnS13R9BmAtHpBYDQ22soIWPROgkqXwcxbZUH_bLny22sC21Za14A-J7QxrFxAiWxHdbIbbx65M_LmoAkXQ-tKk2/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Military%20Macaw.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">It's not often I see an animal I've never seen before, so seeing several made my day. I was amazed by the size of the otters- they were almost as big as basset hounds, and so much cuter than they look in photos or on TV. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IGb46_LpPzfOiAe4sKjYqUmSxE5XaTbB3e3nTqU75vSB0zlavTasO2LhFLwPFVgjZ8rknxaIrAkMvMWlddemXsS8JMnlbpYMMbErnNVb3fTAY1hCbFcXwevAaychOrqVGET5YLd69rYCqMi_cTc0T4AJJbNZp-QC1G_NEUhtO6f4CMM_Hn5NJugSSSK4/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Giant%20River%20Otters%20Sleeping.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IGb46_LpPzfOiAe4sKjYqUmSxE5XaTbB3e3nTqU75vSB0zlavTasO2LhFLwPFVgjZ8rknxaIrAkMvMWlddemXsS8JMnlbpYMMbErnNVb3fTAY1hCbFcXwevAaychOrqVGET5YLd69rYCqMi_cTc0T4AJJbNZp-QC1G_NEUhtO6f4CMM_Hn5NJugSSSK4/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Giant%20River%20Otters%20Sleeping.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The koalas were absolutely adorable, and I now understand Sheldon Cooper's koala-face- I was watching them exactly the same way. The wombat was sadly asleep in its den, so I didn't get a good look at it, but it was another little cutie I wanted to smuggle home.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp8luDBJHzSlSWNdA-7b589woK5MwC2iJgKuA3qVwm22dxqoR91FrSVVjeGgD0xs0k4k0J9acbGMEr9ExhmtRDYcxNIekqML-XAaQWtWeHsP79-zFb4rmpl5qvbD7224rzcfzKLJjrF4ANVXKiAGPqd7jz9VQqFImI0aVahV9NpOM7B_i2QrsCADimI8N/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Koala%20Sleeping.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp8luDBJHzSlSWNdA-7b589woK5MwC2iJgKuA3qVwm22dxqoR91FrSVVjeGgD0xs0k4k0J9acbGMEr9ExhmtRDYcxNIekqML-XAaQWtWeHsP79-zFb4rmpl5qvbD7224rzcfzKLJjrF4ANVXKiAGPqd7jz9VQqFImI0aVahV9NpOM7B_i2QrsCADimI8N/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Koala%20Sleeping.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpgw0YqvVCA8n6adv4qnzn-b9WhzxU0fLDWrkjGRxK-4FjnTy9cigWcM3UVTF5DHgxf21M5_sBHnz3z1RBl53t1q1r0aBDgPZMT22PQtFvqomPucBkMDKqENQKu2WC8vb9pdhhsfRS8DvE9MQOedsJAfgO79NadTzopRC1wE1vh821143hHvSyMmkdUut/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Koala%20Sleeping%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpgw0YqvVCA8n6adv4qnzn-b9WhzxU0fLDWrkjGRxK-4FjnTy9cigWcM3UVTF5DHgxf21M5_sBHnz3z1RBl53t1q1r0aBDgPZMT22PQtFvqomPucBkMDKqENQKu2WC8vb9pdhhsfRS8DvE9MQOedsJAfgO79NadTzopRC1wE1vh821143hHvSyMmkdUut/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Koala%20Sleeping%202.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Another highlight of the day was feeding nectar to the rainbow lorikeets in their walk-through aviary. Sadly, none of them landed on me, but I got to feed this sweet little guy. I could feel his little tongue lapping up the nectar through the pot, and that's something I never thought I'd say!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rRQNg6E5He3Inq6UbER8cGSq--ur0o1ZVddf8we52YpPO9Fe4nbfC2foexxA2glsqXj9EunLFGJG3-gWBoV5BnEx-fLEPvX8VUuvIW0jZKHCzRV9NXviM3ya9fDbpn0_5KCPLtyfszPJZaAF-N7YI4ly0gtl4DtFs6KeEgr_HyBpNrEWYIDunHvRbovE/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Rainbow%20Lorikeet%20Feeding.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rRQNg6E5He3Inq6UbER8cGSq--ur0o1ZVddf8we52YpPO9Fe4nbfC2foexxA2glsqXj9EunLFGJG3-gWBoV5BnEx-fLEPvX8VUuvIW0jZKHCzRV9NXviM3ya9fDbpn0_5KCPLtyfszPJZaAF-N7YI4ly0gtl4DtFs6KeEgr_HyBpNrEWYIDunHvRbovE/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Rainbow%20Lorikeet%20Feeding.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXorD6qp1SJGBFMu2WXRfFYHI9bWC6DHUpprCKksztm1r1vd0N8DLWFwM9amL6WkaIrV7eq2ngUtrubaBh-PRaMc8S5ZZBk6hl7p3G3QA-_f7jUFqKG4wGITqUxpiDikxROfUSWab39n2w3DBqbhP6Z46oVCxNcqWTO6VpW7Si0DG_vpv69r6uM3qObLc/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Rainbow%20Lorikeets.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXorD6qp1SJGBFMu2WXRfFYHI9bWC6DHUpprCKksztm1r1vd0N8DLWFwM9amL6WkaIrV7eq2ngUtrubaBh-PRaMc8S5ZZBk6hl7p3G3QA-_f7jUFqKG4wGITqUxpiDikxROfUSWab39n2w3DBqbhP6Z46oVCxNcqWTO6VpW7Si0DG_vpv69r6uM3qObLc/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Rainbow%20Lorikeets.JPG" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ4btPVVy7tfnmknijcUlT1XO0aeRChvk3CtRHEGEBFFuAHTmaEHtFu1-mNgl46XF8JYBmOBsmTdhqTqFwiwrX_A3xdOlK_BNqy6hHJfsm5DSzPx8PJZY2sEGjE0LvYPwoyS3Rif3tLTA6kjJ5Mo8SQczdYgIkZNXHIUZYNZjEHomuoP8L1K3e42EUahi/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Giant%20Tortoise%20Model.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ4btPVVy7tfnmknijcUlT1XO0aeRChvk3CtRHEGEBFFuAHTmaEHtFu1-mNgl46XF8JYBmOBsmTdhqTqFwiwrX_A3xdOlK_BNqy6hHJfsm5DSzPx8PJZY2sEGjE0LvYPwoyS3Rif3tLTA6kjJ5Mo8SQczdYgIkZNXHIUZYNZjEHomuoP8L1K3e42EUahi/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Giant%20Tortoise%20Model.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hN-Acl100gH6LEMPBh-kQquLT8621fGOc91EmBPuvP1aunY2TUwuvbbnOQlggMNl6RVY88k0G807gXnvGDbHM984B3-PUcy1GCI5TqbOwgPvaPnrrqNZmkgaKL__Jf5YKBSHDXW7t_CKeERKp1vcvP1fHHsFD-GqNldSRBabUJV_p0nzWJ6czfbLh0Dy/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Giant%20Tortoise%20Model%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hN-Acl100gH6LEMPBh-kQquLT8621fGOc91EmBPuvP1aunY2TUwuvbbnOQlggMNl6RVY88k0G807gXnvGDbHM984B3-PUcy1GCI5TqbOwgPvaPnrrqNZmkgaKL__Jf5YKBSHDXW7t_CKeERKp1vcvP1fHHsFD-GqNldSRBabUJV_p0nzWJ6czfbLh0Dy/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Giant%20Tortoise%20Model%202.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We then went and took a boat trip on the lake, which was included in the price of the ticket. It took about twenty minutes and took us along a half mile of lake which is home to a group of California sealions and their last surviving hippo, and there was also an island with colobus monkeys to spot, and a group of gorillas on one of the banks. Apparently, the lake it also home to wild beavers that established themselves there, but we sadly didn't manage to spot any. (I've always wanted to see one).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewSsZBnoISm1eddewZUJbYyxnTWAT8cp_LTfXRZYjD8n_Kjn_6hMQUgMYY3ZGKLdbWDIwvG246ABh_J8LWp7litf42Cacrh_IRcYj8z_Qy9ssHyw7xMbCM-2R6-nVyYsS9IugaNjL24xXtOIMxQ_Fe8oeJCmlWJ75eKc2BAumxDG8BZnpHYzAgawthpoe/s5152/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lake.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewSsZBnoISm1eddewZUJbYyxnTWAT8cp_LTfXRZYjD8n_Kjn_6hMQUgMYY3ZGKLdbWDIwvG246ABh_J8LWp7litf42Cacrh_IRcYj8z_Qy9ssHyw7xMbCM-2R6-nVyYsS9IugaNjL24xXtOIMxQ_Fe8oeJCmlWJ75eKc2BAumxDG8BZnpHYzAgawthpoe/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lake.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EhECDzJXekv4I9L5Hy7sqGdS55ncKQyHuxMuy7uS5ARnaexx7MOzy2jW2tpOIaalGeYbd_FbXG9oInc-NLQvrNMFZg6qzslBER-Ny1uPbtGEbHkt5FkZDXtxdBNHutpKnRx9glkGxMDsI5d9hFP8r3hZ1IRM8L1tK1Kz7kdWSAZIqzN6CwEVDIRmvsT3/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Silverback%20Gorilla%20Eating.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EhECDzJXekv4I9L5Hy7sqGdS55ncKQyHuxMuy7uS5ARnaexx7MOzy2jW2tpOIaalGeYbd_FbXG9oInc-NLQvrNMFZg6qzslBER-Ny1uPbtGEbHkt5FkZDXtxdBNHutpKnRx9glkGxMDsI5d9hFP8r3hZ1IRM8L1tK1Kz7kdWSAZIqzN6CwEVDIRmvsT3/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Silverback%20Gorilla%20Eating.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSFVOMZy1W-t3cgl4UFrG4kgFMbt4k2rwSxDPGoE40xxs2aqhcrHM6po5SHpY1wtZ2BKWH0OcN2olAQTRvX5U6nASKOzm2vaxipyJL4TNA2BWAaQnTNxbegdW9vcvuX7qSqxk4f1RJ7b0Tfca3OtBQP7zr7tx5uF7z_1x5WHhUIF216TMvxR2BHbaQzuu/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Hippo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSFVOMZy1W-t3cgl4UFrG4kgFMbt4k2rwSxDPGoE40xxs2aqhcrHM6po5SHpY1wtZ2BKWH0OcN2olAQTRvX5U6nASKOzm2vaxipyJL4TNA2BWAaQnTNxbegdW9vcvuX7qSqxk4f1RJ7b0Tfca3OtBQP7zr7tx5uF7z_1x5WHhUIF216TMvxR2BHbaQzuu/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Hippo.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVDETA9m1yMtYsnNT-j76Bcg9BY6p5XsOpO4QSTCHuIOBzn6mPJ76RXBf2hbYwNnIJbcMKWESzdx3m7GSKcaedchhzn7F2j6DZ-YWRWOFF5FAuVwUa6uu7ztL3IoobYlMgZEtZK9XcRJVqEAEIkmi4SXMbQPZAo7d0vuPUL3wLUYivwf7zn2tBh43W2Oq/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealion.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVDETA9m1yMtYsnNT-j76Bcg9BY6p5XsOpO4QSTCHuIOBzn6mPJ76RXBf2hbYwNnIJbcMKWESzdx3m7GSKcaedchhzn7F2j6DZ-YWRWOFF5FAuVwUa6uu7ztL3IoobYlMgZEtZK9XcRJVqEAEIkmi4SXMbQPZAo7d0vuPUL3wLUYivwf7zn2tBh43W2Oq/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealion.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFgH1te8sxabRM5BcixdjdN8DRJxEkaS6Vpl1JHxon18T1VkbrwZghMrWKPc1sQorB6n6yIRGye8wOq1CP_qugwCTY0Ho-o9D9Dl-RVqNHvSwBr8fVE9NeQnj0gjrRuOemctySBhxHqS4_CEVkKX_iBrUi2rUOCTx8Abwuj00rJKHIwUq17muUBskHB0I/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealion%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFgH1te8sxabRM5BcixdjdN8DRJxEkaS6Vpl1JHxon18T1VkbrwZghMrWKPc1sQorB6n6yIRGye8wOq1CP_qugwCTY0Ho-o9D9Dl-RVqNHvSwBr8fVE9NeQnj0gjrRuOemctySBhxHqS4_CEVkKX_iBrUi2rUOCTx8Abwuj00rJKHIwUq17muUBskHB0I/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealion%203.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhz-txPb4zJZ6nWvzCKNNp1VEa-Heu-5ct1Dl8b6vCY9sL7a02ucvZG2ZtKUk5FhAQAVX1o1of5h1qfV_N2Yo7JfO4oMO8XCXE8AUKJhNrpm5D3IwwXIfnvNnv_b8h7ZBy2Ee-tqzHrpy118iSPU6iIwu8mbX8KPExwgvZFauV9hI5H2qCiBsJj-bu_BM/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealions.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhz-txPb4zJZ6nWvzCKNNp1VEa-Heu-5ct1Dl8b6vCY9sL7a02ucvZG2ZtKUk5FhAQAVX1o1of5h1qfV_N2Yo7JfO4oMO8XCXE8AUKJhNrpm5D3IwwXIfnvNnv_b8h7ZBy2Ee-tqzHrpy118iSPU6iIwu8mbX8KPExwgvZFauV9hI5H2qCiBsJj-bu_BM/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealions.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Qigl8aOclqeGoQmf0LIlurnxYsXatEHZGAsA-WJQbnT3ivV9gBSRt6fOSuSfXJpzGtp5K3sBAIukl66nba2VYbZ70HcDbWk2Kqvdud0DRRGE60eglXnZJgtLjsVYkvU_7pyqA6XWpbNSKnjzZxzcGmyP7onq6dPDckmofkIUhf9sOy8MOVJTQYNb-As7/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealion%20Resting.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Qigl8aOclqeGoQmf0LIlurnxYsXatEHZGAsA-WJQbnT3ivV9gBSRt6fOSuSfXJpzGtp5K3sBAIukl66nba2VYbZ70HcDbWk2Kqvdud0DRRGE60eglXnZJgtLjsVYkvU_7pyqA6XWpbNSKnjzZxzcGmyP7onq6dPDckmofkIUhf9sOy8MOVJTQYNb-As7/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20California%20Sealion%20Resting.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KwHojmMly9Fl0sjXm5kLu1BakLU6gbUD_AzrVhG4V5vEgOXh19J1WydIXifIZJfEsnH_if7cR48iLTW5gZfS3BFFW2LwDak856D-C5KHGjquwPlJw6Qb4CtVoqeklMBwYmAWuEzwXh083DFRw3_GhayBIrNpNP2sBSTopG9YLaCI-87ggtaYfuN5CgSj/s4211/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lake%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3158" data-original-width="4211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KwHojmMly9Fl0sjXm5kLu1BakLU6gbUD_AzrVhG4V5vEgOXh19J1WydIXifIZJfEsnH_if7cR48iLTW5gZfS3BFFW2LwDak856D-C5KHGjquwPlJw6Qb4CtVoqeklMBwYmAWuEzwXh083DFRw3_GhayBIrNpNP2sBSTopG9YLaCI-87ggtaYfuN5CgSj/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Lake%202.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="580" src="https://youtube.com/embed/hdQKV5pUvfk?si=RbxfuYpviLll5NbG" width="840"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was lovely to see the sealions living in such a big lake, instead of stuck in a small pool, trained to do tricks for people's amusement. I've never seen sealions kept in such a way before, and they looked so content swimming about or sunbathing on the docks with their pups. A few of them noisily chased the boat waiting for the fish people could buy to feed them, and we had sealions alongside us pretty much the entire way down. I didn't feed them as I was too sore to move by this point and was enjoying the rest, but it was fun to watch them jumping out of the water as people threw fish. I'd definitely recommend fitting the boat trip in to your day if you visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraPw73xVuF0ZefsWGWA97Dx9zTTJFxPSqaOh36M3Xh9zCpm_TkZ-BdeELdsMerUhR_SpWbbp5riKGHHgnM16QMxSj7Q4ANbJeZRY056iZEJv2vsMwhILJeuALdphgUNCHnhyDJpM35QdQfoEvi6o80rFZu_hBtgMTVJw8_OVdxYk-8l8QCtKqjttnPd43/s840/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Red%20Panda%20Sleeping.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraPw73xVuF0ZefsWGWA97Dx9zTTJFxPSqaOh36M3Xh9zCpm_TkZ-BdeELdsMerUhR_SpWbbp5riKGHHgnM16QMxSj7Q4ANbJeZRY056iZEJv2vsMwhILJeuALdphgUNCHnhyDJpM35QdQfoEvi6o80rFZu_hBtgMTVJw8_OVdxYk-8l8QCtKqjttnPd43/s16000/Longleat%20Safari%20Park%20Red%20Panda%20Sleeping.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Somehow, we accidentally forgot to visit the monkey and farmyard sections, and we didn't explore the other attractions, either, but there is a lot more to do and see at Longleat, especially with kids. There was a maze, gardens, a steam train that goes around the zoo, and a variety of shops and restaurants including an orangery and an old-fashioned sweet shop. You can also pay extra to take a tour of Longleat House, their 16th century manor house, but after spending £39.95 each just to see the animals, we weren't so eager to look inside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The only real negative I can really think about Longleat-besides the price- was accessibility. It is fully-accessible- they even allow mobility scooters on the boats- but the place to rent mobility scooters was a long walk away from the car park. A good five minute walk on steady legs. It's far from ideal for anyone who has difficulty walking distances. They also required you to leave something of value when you rented a scooter (costs £20, non refundable) to ensure you'd return it- like keys or a wallet. My sister wasn't comfortable with it but left her car keys, and when she returned, the lady had trouble finding them! It wasn't well-organised at all. There were also quite a lot of turns around the animal enclosures that made manoeuvring the scooter a little tricky, and a couple of the walk-through-enclosures had a lock mechanism that required the previous gate to lock before the next could open, without enough space for a scooter in between. On the plus side, the paths and aisles are wide and roomy, and it leaves you lots of room to move and breathe, and the scooters are plus-size friendly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Minor grumbles aside, we had a brilliant day out at Longleat Safari Park, and really enjoyed our first time seeing animals on safari. There was a great variety of animals, the scenery was gorgeous, and it felt completely safe. I'd definitely go back again in the future, and I hope that one day I will.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Have you been to Longleat Safari Park? When was the last time you visited a zoo or safari park?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Might Also Like</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/08/an-accessible-birthday-trip-to.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whipsnade Zoo 2021</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2022/09/cornish-adventures-2021-newquay-zoo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Newquay Zoo 2021</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2017/07/cornish-adventures-part-two-newquay-zoo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Newquay Zoo 2017</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6439282395311781600" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 2; position: relative; width: 836px;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2016/10/heythrop-zoo-open-day-2016.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">Heythrop Park Zoo Open Day 2016</a><br /><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2015/09/amazing-animals-at-heythrop-park-zoo.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">Heythrop Park Zoo Open Day 2015</a></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2021/06/another-socially-distanced-trip-to.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Another Socially Distanced Trip To The Cotswold Wildlife Park June 2021</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-socially-distanced-trip-to-cotswold.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">A Socially Distanced Trip To The Cotswold Wildlife Park September 2020</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="https://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-cotswold-wildlife-park-august-2018.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Cotswold Wildlife Park August 2018</a><br /></span><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-cotswold-wildlife-park-july-2018.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">The Cotswold Wildlife Park July 2018</a><br /><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-cotswold-wildlife-park-july-2016.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">The Cotswold Wildlife Park July 2016</a><br /><a href="http://polkaspotsandfreckledots.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-day-at-zoo.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">The Cotswold Wildlife Park 2014</a></div></div>Louise http://www.blogger.com/profile/00662177575354379847noreply@blogger.com0