Books I Read in 2013 (Part Two)

Morning lovelies,

I can't believe it's Friday again already. Where did the week go? 

Where has January gone, more to the point? This year is already passing so fast! It's madness.

It's already been a week since my last book review post and I'm back today reviewing some more of the books that I read in 2013. Today I'm looking back on three novels I enjoyed reading last year: Instructions For A Heatwave by Maggie O' Farrell, Joyland by Stephen King, and Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz.

Instructions For a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell

Basic Plot: It's July 1976 and London is gripped in a stifling heat wave. One morning, Robert Riordan tells his wife, Gretta, that he is going to the shop for a newspaper, but he doesn't return. His disappearance brings their three estranged, grown-up children- Monica, Michael Francis, and Aoife- home to try to work out where he might have gone. It doesn't occur to the siblings that the answer may lie with their mother.

The book goes back and forth between the voices of Gretta, Monica, Michael Francis and Aoife. Their stories slip from their present day and in to their pasts, as they try to make sense of Robert's disappearance. We learn about the feuds that have distanced the siblings from each other and their over-bearing mother, and the problems each of them are facing in their everyday lives. Monica has relationship problems, Michael Francis' marriage is falling apart, and Aoife is struggling with her secret dyslexia. As the story progresses, the characters journey to face their differences and to find out where and why Robert has gone.

Thoughts: Maggie O' Farrell has a real talent for story telling, and although Instructions For A Heatwave isn't her best, it's one of those books that has to be devoured in a single sitting. She is so wonderfully descriptive that she really pulled me in to the story, and urged me to keep reading. The siblings, although so different, were each very likable, while their mother, Gretta, was perfectly irritating, as intended. At the same time, it was hard not to pity her as the story unfolded, and the search continued. It was an enjoyable summer read.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit. Rating: 3.5 / 5

Joyland by Stephen King

Basic Plot: College student, Devin Jones, takes a summer job at an amusement park called Joyland, trying to forget the girl who broke his heart. He's given the role of Howie the Happy Hound, dressing up in a dog character costume to entertain kids who visit the park. He soon learns about a mysterious murder that happened at the amusement park in the past, and makes it his quest to discover what really happened.

Thoughts: Stephen King is my favourite author, so naturally when his new novel came out last summer, I had to buy it. While I enjoyed Joyland, I kept waiting for the excitement to happen, but I felt it was a bit of an anti climax. The story remained on the same gear throughout, and I wasn't particularly overwhelmed with the story or the ending, which is very unusual as I'm a big Stephen King fan. It promised horror, but didn't deliver. It wasn't a bad novel, but in no way was it his best. If you want to read a great Stephen King, go with The Stand!

Genres: Fiction, horror, thriller.  Rating: 3 / 5

Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz

Basic Plot: Joe Carpenter's wife and daughters died in a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of all three hundred aboard, and devastated by grief, Joe has given up on life. On the anniversary of the crash, Joe heads to the beach with a few beers, hoping the waves and alcohol will pacify him before a visit to the cemetery. Instead, Joe learns that he is being watched. From that moment on, Joe is thrust in to a world of physical danger as he learns that the official story of Flight 363 is a treacherous lie. They said it was an accident. It was not. They said there were no survivors, but then Joe learns of a woman who walked away unscathed. A sole survivor. She has a secret that will change the world, and with reason to believe his daughter may still be alive, Joe journeys  to find out the truth.

Thoughts: This book was fast paced and full of action, I couldn't put it down! Perhaps I'm biased as I am a fan of Koontz's books, but I thought it was well written. The main character's grief was well portrayed, and it was difficult not to pity him. As the story goes on and he clings to the possibility of his daughter still being alive, it was impossible not to hope along with him. The twists and turns were unexpected and set this book apart from other stories written around a plane crash. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'd recommend checking this one out if you like Stephen King novels, thrillers, and disaster.

Genres: Fiction, thriller, disaster, action. Rating: 5/5

I'll be back with the some more book reviews next week!

Have you read any good books lately? What are you reading at the moment?

Wednesday Wish List

Morning guys,

I have some really beautiful clothes and accessories to show you in this week's Wednesday Wish List. New season stock is beginning to flood in to the online shops, and I want to get my hands on most of it! I keep discovering more and more amazing printed clothes, and quirky accessories, that are me all over. I hope it's a sign of good things to come this Spring.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15

A couple of days ago I discovered the most beautiful bird print dress by Simply Be (1.), and I've already fallen truly, madly, deeply in love with it. So deeply I'm considering selling one of my kidneys to buy it. Perhaps just an elbow would suffice? I'm desperate to own it! Sadly it costs £49 and I'm skint, but I will make it mine soon. The print is so beautiful and colourful, and I need it in my collection.

I just love the water-colour like design and all those gorgeous colours. It's an asymmetric hem dress, (a style I LOVE), and also comes in a daisy print (11.), which I'm also lusting after quite strongly. They're both beautiful, and I know I'd wear both of them to death.

Another new favourite is the rope print Lovedrobe shirt dress (6. and 8.) which comes in mint and navy. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the mint; it would be perfect for wearing throughout the Spring and Summer. The shape is classic, and the rope print is so unusual and quirky. I don't think I've seen a rope-print anything before, and now I've discovered a new novelty print, I'm itching to collect it.

This week, I've also had a good browse of the Punky Pins website and now I want one of everything! I bought myself an adorable penguin necklace, but I still have my eye on the swan necklace, and all the strawberry plant jewellery. I'd definitely recommend you check out their website if like me you love novelty jewellery and something a little bit different.

And basically, as usual, I've just been attracted to anything with a funky print. Flamingos, swans, hearts, birds, ropes, florals... you name it, I probably want it!

Have a great day!

Nails | You're a Canary, I'm a Gold Mine

The lyrics are: # You're a canary, I'm a coal mine... # but I couldn't resist using it for the title. I made the connection (to what I'm about to show you) and got the song stuck in my head.

Today I've got a quick manicure post to share with you. I can't even remember the last time I did a NOTD post, and I used to do them all the time; I don't know what happened there. I'm hoping to get back in to the swing of regular nail polish posts this year, and today I'm going to start with a new favourite of mine.

Over the festive season, I picked up a couple of Barry M glitter polishes to add some sparkle to December, and over the last month or so, I've become addicted to this one in particular: Barry M's Gold Mine Glitter. I love this polish so much I've used it at least a dozen times already, and will soon be needing a new bottle. 

I was expecting Gold Mine Glitter to be a clear top coat with black and gold glitter mixed in to the polish, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was a black polish that contains flecks of gold glitter. I would have loved it either way, but I think this glitter looks stunning on it's own without layering it over something else.

My photos really don't do this polish justice, but out of fifty shots these were the best I got. The manicure proved to be extremely difficult to capture in the Winter daylight. Just trust me on this one; it's beautiful. Far more beautiful than these photos suggest. It looks like gold dazzling in a jet black mine.

The polish becomes opaque in two to three coats, dries within a few minutes, and the result is the most grown-up and elegant glitter manicure I've ever seen. I don't know about you, but I think some glitter polishes seem better suited to kids and teenagers, and have me questioning whether I should still be applying glitter to my nails at twenty-eight. Not this one. It looks so glamourous and edgy at the same time, and doesn't leave me feeling like a five year old playing dress up. It's a polish I imagine Cinna would have accessorised Katniss' Mockingjay outfit with. 

I've found I get minimal chipping to my index finger nails after two or three days, and the rest remain unchipped for up to a week! It's a fantastic polish for just £2.99, and it's already made it's way in to my top five favourites. You should be able to find Gold Mine Glitter in Boots and Superdrug in store and online, and on Barry M's own website. I've also seen Barry M polishes available in River Island, ASOS, and Amazon. 

It's my perfect cure for the January blues!

Books I Read in 2013 (Part One)

Last year, definitely wasn't my best in terms of reading. Well, that's not entirely true; what I mean to say is last year wasn't my best in terms of reading books. Fiction, or non-fiction. I certainly did my fair share of reading blogs and articles online! I guess that was the issue; I spent so much time blogging, I didn't dedicate enough time to my hobbies off screen in 2013, which is why I only read 13 books in full over the entire year. Pitiful, oh, so pitiful!

Especially considering I'm already half way through my fourth book of the year!

From January until around September or October, I just couldn't find the patience to read. I was too restless to concentrate on what I was reading, so reading was slow. It was only when I began to reread The Hunger Games books on my Kindle in the Autumn that my hunger to read returned, and I whizzed through more than half of the thirteen in a couple of months.

I never did get around to reviewing most of them, so I thought I'd review each book I read in 2013 over a few posts, and then start afresh with this year's reads. I'm splitting the reviews in to three of four posts; with a separate post (perhaps two) for books I read on my Kindle to follow soon.

I read just six 'real' books last year, most of which I picked up cheaply in supermarkets. Today I'm briefly reviewing three of them.

An English Man in Auschwitz by Leon Greenman

Basic Story: An Englishman in Auschwitz is a Holocaust testimony written by English born, Dutch raised Greenman, a Jewish man who remarkably defied the odds and survived life in no less than five Nazi concentration camps. This book is his story, beginning with his childhood and life before the war, before going on to focus on the occupation of Holland, and life in the concentration camps. He talks about life in these camps, the suffering which he and others endured at the hands of the Nazis, and how he survived in the face of real adversity. You can read my full review of the book here. 

Thoughts: I went through so many emotions as I read Leon's accounts of life under the Nazi reign, and tears were shed. It was horrifying to read at times, but morbid curiousity kept me turning the pages, willing him to survive. His story is one of the most fascinating Holocaust accounts I've read, and it would be unbelievable if it wasn't true.

Genres: Autobiography, Holocaust Testimony. Rating: 5/5.

The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan

Basic Plot: The year is 1914 and a magnificent ocean liner suffers an explosion en route to New York City. The passengers who are fortunate enough to secure a seat in a lifeboat have abandoned the sinking ship, and the story begins with the passengers of lifeboat 14 distancing themselves from the ill fated vessel. The story follows newly married Grace Hunter and the occupants of lifeboat 14 as they sit side by side in the life boat over the course of three weeks, fighting to stay alive and praying for rescue. It is apparent from the start that the boat is over capacity, and the occupants soon learn what they will do in order to stay alive.

Thoughts: I purchased this book because the blurb shared a few distant similarities to the Titanic tragedy, which is also my favourite film. If the occupants of the Titanic's lifeboats hadn't been rescued hours later, I imagine they could've faced a similar fate to those in lifeboat 14, and at times I did imagine the story to be leading on from the famous sinking. It was hard not to considering the similarities. but it also made it easier for me to imagine the scene. It's hard to believe that a book about a group of people sat in a lifeboat for three weeks could be interesting, but I became extremely engrossed in the story, and devoured it in a couple of sittings. The book is full of twists and turns, strong main characters, (both likeable and unlikeable) and it's well worth a read!

Genre: Adventure.  Rating: 5/5.

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

I'm personally not the biggest fan of chick lit... and even less of a fan of Nicholas Sparks' work, as much as I love the movie adaptions of his novels. I read The Notebook years ago, and I don't think I've ever hated a book more in my life. I powered through it, but it was extremely dull. However, I fell so much in love with the movie of Safe Haven last year (well, hello Josh Duhamel!), that I decided to chance the book.

Basic Plot: Erin is trapped in an abusive relationship, and after some careful planning, she finally makes her escape when her husband, Kevin, is away on business. She boards a bus and eventually ends up in a small Southern town (in America), where she starts afresh with a new identity, adopts the name 'Katie', and does her best to lie low. She finds a place to live, gets a job, and saves her wages in case she needs to flee. She is befriended by her elusive neighbour, Jo, and slowly gets closer to a local widower, Alex, and his two children, Josh and Caitlin. All the while, Katie is terrified of being found by her husband- and she knows it's just a matter of time. Her policeman husband will stop at nothing to find her.

Thoughts: It wasn't the best written book I've ever read in my life, but I did enjoy it. It was a pleasant, easy summer read that required little effort and I think at times this is exactly the type of book a girl needs. Unapologetic, simple romance that can be read in a day, while sunbathing on the beach of lounging in the garden on a summer's day.

Genre: Chick lit, Romance. Rating: 3/5.

If you read just one book from this post, I would recommend and urge you to try The Lifeboat.

I hope you've enjoyed these brief book reviews- do you enjoy reading posts like these? Would you like to see more book reviews on the blog in the future? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

I'll be back with some more book reviews next Friday.

Wednesday Wish List

This week, there's been a lot of wishing going on, but sadly zero spending as it's January, and like everybody else, I'm still skint from Christmas. Restraining myself from shopping is beginning to feel like torture because I'm crushing hard on several (okay, a few dozen) amazing printed dresses. I'm seriously considering selling a kidney on the black market to pay for them... any takers? 

Well, while you guys think that one through, here's what I've been setting my sights on this week...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

1. ASOS Curve Skater Dress With Button Front in Sunflower Print £30 (Sizes 18-28)

Sunflowers are one of my favourite flowers, so when I first saw this dress earlier this week I got a bit over-excited. Even more so when I realised the print was mixed with polka dots! I don't own anything sunflower-print, and I do hope to add this one to my dress collection; I love the simple, feminine shape. The style of the dress is so nineties- I feel all nostalgic just looking at it. 

2. Yours Clothing  Black Quilted Zip Front Jacket With Stud Trim £65 £39 (Sizes 16- 30/32)

This biker jacket looks very similar to one I tried on from Evans earlier this Winter. I fell in love with it, but as it was too big I sent it back and never reordered. I've regretted it ever since. I am tempted to give the Yours Clothing version a go. I love how edgy the jacket is, with the studs and quilted faux leather, and it would go with everything from dresses to jeans.

3. Pink Clove Animal Print Baby Doll Tunic £18 (Sizes 16-30/32)

I'm loving the coloured leopard print trend that's around at the moment, and this tunic has to be the best piece I've seen. The emerald green fabric is to die for! It would look amazing with the studded jacket over a pair of jeggings, or with leggings for lounging around at home. 

4. ASOS Satchel Bag With Scallop Flap and Metal Tips in Cobalt Blue £22

ASOS have held a variety of scalloped bags in their collections for the last couple of years- which pleases me no end as I love 'em. I already have this bag in a winter green shade from 2012, but now it comes in cobalt blue and I would happily find a place for one in my life. Cobalt blue makes me happy.

5. Modcloth Taking On Tulsa Dress $54.99 (Sizes S-3X)

Yep, my eyes are on yet another polka dot dress! A girl can never have too many polka dot dresses, and this Modcloth one is a real beauty. Minnie Mouse herself would be going crazy for it! 

6. ASOS Satchel Bag With Scallop Flap and Metal Tips in Pink £22

I'm not much of a 'pink' person, but I like this bag, and can't decide if I prefer the shade over the cobalt. (No. 4).

7. AX Paris Daisy Tea Dress £38 (Sizes 12-32)

This daisy print dress is similar to one by ASOS Curve, but the difference in this one is available to a larger range of sizes. I could see myself wearing it on a regular basis throughout the year, and mixing it up with a variety of bold colours.

8. ASOS Curve Shirt in Heart Print £35 (Sizes 18-28)

Shirts and I rarely get along; I rarely find the right fit for my shape, and I almost always have issues with gape-age. I had to wear shirts at school, and every day for work for nine years, so I rarely wear them now, but I can't deny I'm taken with this love heart printed one. It would look cute worn under some of my dresses, but could be worn in so many different ways.

9. Forever 21+ Throwback Fit & Flare Dress £19.75 (Sizes XL-3X)

I love the print of this Forever 21 dress; it makes me think of stained glass windows and mosaic floors. The print and colours are really fun, and you know me- I love wearing colour!

10. Accessorize Lemon Across Body Bag £22

I've been drawn to quite a few novelty bags of late, and  the Accessorize lemon-wedge bag is so fun. It would be perfect for accessorizing all those colourful summer dresses, don't you think?

What's on your wish list this week? 

Incoming Mail

Before Christmas, I was lucky enough to win a giveaway hosted by the lovely Dani of the blog DIY Fatshion, and a few weeks ago, a box turned up on my door step all the way from Texas, USA.

Being the girl who loves to take too many photos, my first thought was to take photos of the beautifully wrapped gifts before I opened them. I was far too excited to wait until morning to open everything (in good daylight), so I'm afraid a couple of the photos were taken at night with too much flash.

Everything was so beautifully wrapped in tissue and ribbon, and surrounded by colourful confetti.
.

I wasn't expecting to be sent so much! Opening them all felt just like Christmas!

In the giveaway I won a gorgeous purple and blue cotton scarf which was hand made in Southern India through a fair trade company called Handmade Expressions using traditional Batik art. This is a wax-resist dyeing technique. The American based organisation partners with artisans in India, and teaches women and people with disabilities new skills so they can earn a fair and dignified living. Fantastic right? 

The scarf is so beautiful, and I love the unique print of the fabric, and of course those gorgeous colours! It's very well made, and the cotton is thick yet light. It'll be perfect for taking the chill away on a Spring day. I can't wait to wear it when it gets a little warmer!

Dani also sent me lots of other lovely things, including five nail polishes, some notecards, and a set of pretty bow earrings...

...and also a gorgeous beaded statement necklace, and an ELF Lip Exfoliator. I can't tell you just how excited I was to receive something by ELF; I've wanted to try their products for ages as their make up is raved about all over the blogosphere. I've already given the exfoliator so much use, and it's amazing! I don't know how I ever did without it.

Dani knew I loved painting my nails, so she sent me this lovely lot. I'd never tried any of these nail polish brands before. I was particularly excited by the OPI nail polish, and it didn't disappoint! I also really love the bold green polish, and can't wait to try the others.

I love bows and these earrings are so pretty. I already have an outfit in mind for the mint pair for when Spring rolls around!

I just wanted to take the opportunity to say another big thank you to Dani for sending me all these lovely goodies. I'm so grateful, and feel very spoilt by your generosity! Everything is very much loved and appreciated! Thank you, Dani! xx

I don't know if many of you know this, but Dani's blog was actually one of the very first fatshion blogs I discovered when I stumbled up on the world of fatshion and body positivity blogs on Tumblr about two and a half years ago! Until then, I had no idea that such a world existed, but seeing normal ladies like Dani looking confident in their own skin and rocking fashionable outfits with their heads held high helped me to see myself in a new light. They helped me to accept myself for who I am and gradually aided me further and further along that yellow brick road to self-acceptance with each passing day. And thanks to Dani and many other fabulous bloggers that I discovered along that road, I'm closer to the Emerald City than I've ever been before. 

If you're on your own journey to self acceptance or just love reading great fashion blogs, I'd recommend checking out Dani's blog. I'm confident she will inspire you! Why not pop on over and say hello?! 

Have you won anything recently, or been surprised with something lovely?

What's the best prize or gift you've ever been given?

The 5000 Question Survey: Questions 151-175

It's been quite a while since I last posted an update for The 5000 Question Survey which I (rather foolishly?) chose to challenge myself with last Autumn. I've had this portion of questions sitting half-completed in my drafts for a month or two now, and I'm so glad to have it completed so I can send it on its merry way. Not that I expect anything better with the next twenty-five questions... but, y'know, it's a relief to remove this one from my drafts.

This week, I'm answering questions 151-175 of the 5000. You can catch up on the previous 150 questions via this link, if you would like some more reading material. This week you can find out what the coolest job I've ever worked is; what changes I'm afraid of; and which CDs I could listen to non-stop for a week.

151. What is louder and more annoying: 200 adults talking or one four-year-old screaming? 

Definitely the screaming child. It's easily one of the worst noises in existence; especially from a stranger's child.

152. Do you believe the stories about planes, boats and people mysteriously disappearing into the Bermuda triangle? 

I can't say I've ever given them much thought, but I'm not sceptical about the stories. Who's to say the sea didn't consume them in a giant whirlpool, or that there's some type of natural force or substance out there to blame that's not yet been discovered by man? 

153. Who are you the most jealous of? 

I'm not jealous of anyone that I can think of.

154. What is the happiest way you can start your day? 

Waking naturally (not by my alarm) to blue skies and bright sunshine beaming through the curtains, and turning up one of my favourite uptempo tunes. I'd be even happier if I was waking up on the day of a concert because on those days I always awake giddy with excitement, and nothing can spoil my mood on those days.

155. Do you ever have moments where you feel like everything is all right in the world? 

No, because there are constant reminders everywhere I turn that show me the world is far from all right. Even if my life feels perfect for a moment or two, I know that billions of other people are going through hell every day.

156. Who thinks that you are offensive?

My mother.

157. If you had to teach a class in something, what would you be able to teach people?

Hmm, I doubt I know enough about anything to teach... I could teach you all you need to know about caring for pets (my strong areas are rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs, and fish). I could teach you a bit about visual merchandising and various computer-y things, too.

158. Have you ever had a spiritual experience (an experience that cannot be explained by science)?

I've been known to dream something before it's happened. I don't mean anything poignant or useful like predicting a plane crash or a natural disaster, just that I often dream of random little every day moments that then happen word for word and action for action a week or two later. I always get a little weirded out when the moment arrives, and remember dreaming it.

159. Do you believe that this experience was truly mystical or do you think there is some scientific explanation for it, only you don't know what it is?

I've never really given it much thought, only that I might have a little psychic ability.

160. Do you get offended easily?

I don't think I do these days, but I am offended by the way society treats fat people. I'm offended by anybody who makes a fat joke at someone's expense; by anybody who mocks, taunts, bullies, or threatens a person for simply being fat. I get offended when I see / hear a fat joke on TV, and get so angry that it's still an acceptable form of discrimination / entertainment. 

161. Would you still love and stay with your significant other if he or she had to have a breast or testicle removed? 

Of course I would! The loss of a body part would never change the way I feel about a person I truly love. It doesn't matter if he has one less testicle (none, three, whatever...); if I really loved the man I would be there to support him and help him through what ever illness or circumstance required the removal in the first place.

162. Do you believe in fate or free will? 

As much as I'd love to truly believe in fate, I don't believe our lives are shaped by it. I believe it's our own decisions and actions in life that map out our lives minute by minute, and that it's up to us to make life happen. We have to work hard to get what we want from life. It doesn't just get handed to us on a platter.

163. Do you believe that only boring people get bored?

Mostly, yes, but there are times when it's out of our control. (Say, waiting for a bus without a book or an iPod). There's always a way of fighting boredom, if you just use your imagination or make use of what's available to you.

164. Can life change or are we all stuck in vain? 

Life can change in an instance, in both good and bad ways. Some of it's out of our control, but we can also take the reins and change our lives, too, if we want to. We just need to take those steps and work hard to achieve most of them.

165. What changes are you afraid of? 

I suppose a part of me is afraid that my current situation will never change; that I'll have to deal with what I'm going through now with my disc injuries for the rest of my life. I'm sure if that turned out to be the case, I'd make peace with it and just live my life as best I could one day at a time, as I do now, but a small part of me, somewhere deep inside, is afraid that the pain and limited mobility will never change.

166. Are you a day person or nocturnal? 

I always used to be a day person; I lived for the day light and never slept in past 8am... Now because of pain and medication, I've turned nocturnal. I'm awake all night and sleep from dawn in to the afternoon. I've tried to correct it, but the pain just doesn't let me sleep.

167. What one CD could you listen to for an entire week (no mixed CD’s, it must be an album)?

I'll happily listen to any album by Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Boyzone, or Ronan Keating non-stop for a week. I honestly can't decide on just one album, so give me an album by any of these guys and I'm set for the week.

Other possibilities: Snow Patrol Eyes Open; Arcade Fire's Funeral; Michael's Jackson's History, Madonna's Immaculate Collection, and The Beatles #1s or 1967-1970.

168. Which is worse, working in retail, food service, or an office?

I've never worked in an office, and honestly, the thought of being stuck behind a desk all day sounds awful. I like to be hands-on; as much as I'm good behind a computer screen; I prefer to do practical work. I did an hour clearing tables in the cafe in the department store I worked in, and it was hell on earth. I never want to work in food service; it's hectic as hell and clearing up other people's food grosses me out. I worked in retail for nine years or so and it's definitely not the most pleasant or easy of jobs either. I'm sure most people who work or have worked in retail will tell you that it's not for the faint hearted. Getting paid minimum wage to work your arse off doing the work load of three people whilst getting treated like shit by customers and treated as a baby-sitting service can be absolutely horrible.

169. What's the coolest job you ever had? 

Well, this was technically work experience, but the two weeks I spent working at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park back in 2003 was pretty cool. I got to work alongside zoo keepers looking after all kinds of birds (tropical, birds of prey etc), chimpanzees, seals and sea lions, an assortment of animals in the Children's Farm, and elephants. I got to fly a Harris hawk, go for a walk with three elephants and give one a shower, feed Ribena to a chimp, do tricks with a fully grown sea lion, and handle macaws and African Grey parrots. It was amazing.

170. What is one central idea that your thoughts seem to come back to?

That if I'm ever able to do manual work again, that I should pursue animal care (again), because I was extremely content looking after animals. I never felt that way working in retail. I know I wasted four years when I settled in to retail instead of finding a new role in animal care, and I want to give it another shot.

171. Have you ever wanted to be an actor/tress? 

No, never. Never never never! I've always been extremely self-conscious and shy, and I couldn't imagine much worse for me. I hate having all eyes on me, and talking in front of a crowd- no matter how small. Drama classes at school were always met with dread and fear.

172. If you had the power to control one person and make this person do anything you wanted for a whole day, who would you pick and what would they do? 

Right now, I would pick Hugh Jackman, as The Drover in the film Australia, and well, I'm sure you can guess the rest ;).

173. What star sign are you and what is your sign like? 

I'm a cancer. Cancerians are often said to be: imaginative, over-emotional, moody, loyal, loving, overly-sensitive, devoted, pessimistic, suspicious, born naggers, nurturing, strong-willed, like to get their own way, easily hurt, sympathetic, affectionate, quick to avoid others, and like to avoid confrontation, I can confirm it's all true. I'm the quintessential Cancerian.

174. Did the Blair Witch Project scare you? 

I've never seen it.

175. Are you in constant fear of death?

Not at all. The only time I really become anxious about dying is when I'm out on the road, and even then, it's only every now and then. Ever since a teenage colleague from my last retail job died in a car crash a few years ago, I've become so aware of how quickly life can end from one wrong move. It happened just moments after he left work, and he was just eighteen. The fact that something so tragic happened to somebody I knew, made me realise just how fragile life was and that it could happen to any one of us at any moment. That thought has never really gone away.

Best of the Sales: Soap and Glory Make Up Haul

Soap and Glory is a well renowned favourite with beauty bloggers and beauty savvy ladies alike, but until a few months back, I didn't realise that they made make up as well as toiletries. Where have I been?

They had some fantastic sets available in Boots this Christmas, and eager to try them, I was fortunate enough to snap up a few sets in the sales with some Christmas money. When I saw them in store on Christmas Eve, they were 3 for 2, but I bought them online the same day where they were all half price.

I couldn't choose between the sets available, and ended up buying all four. Oops.

First up is one of my favourites: the Crazy Sexy Khol set which is a tin containing five waterproof khol eye liners in a range of colours (Super Black, Cocoa Bean, Aquabat, Blue My Mind, and Grapevine), and three complimenting eyeshadows (Aubersheen, Smokin', and Dandy Plum). I'm already in love with the khols, but haven't tried the eyeshadows yet and I'm itching to give them a try! It was originally £18.00 but on sale for just £9.

The Eyes Box is a set which I shall be putting away in the present stash, which is why I've left the plastic on in the photos. It's contains a full size Thick and Fast Super Volume Mascara; a Smoulder Kohl Waterproof Eye Liner in Superblack; six Lid Stuff eyeshadows in Vanilla, Wild Blue, Smokin', Minky, Dandy Plum, and Black Gold; plus a mirror and a double-ended eyeshadow brush. It's a great set of eye essentials that could be used for a variety of neutral, smokey, and colourful looks and only cost me £8.00 instead of the RRP of £16.00. I would love to keep it for myself, but I know somebody who's going to appreciate it more.

Powder Trip is a beautiful set of three dust on pressed powders to bronze, brighten and luminize the face, and I can't wait to try them out. Don't they look gorgeous? The set includes a multi-shade powder bronzer in Solar Powder; a multi-shimmer blushing powder in Love at First Blush; and a luminizing face powder in Glow All Out. The set also includes a blusher brush and a large mirror. It was on sale for £10.00, and was originally £20.00- obviously a fantastic and very tempting bargain!

Be Your Own Gloss is, as you can see, a set of five 'Sexy Mother Pucker' lip plumping glosses. The name makes me chuckle, is that sad? Included are shades: Punch Bowl, Half Naked, Clear, Candy Gloss, and Yummy Plum. I've yet to give them a test drive, but they look lovely. The set originally retailed for £14, but was on sale for £7. I'm afraid this one is also sold out online, but there is a new set of 3 lip glosses called Super Colour Sexy Mother Pucker which is available full price, which could be a lovely substitute.

I'm sorry that most of the sets are now sold out online (they went so fast), but you might still be able to find them in store, so it could be worth paying a visit to your local Boots. If you're unlucky, Boots sell most of the items featured in these sets singularly on their website, and no doubt in store, too. You can browse the selection available online from here.

I'll be sure to review each of these sets once I've tried everything out and can give you honest reviews. 

Did you get your hands on any of these Soap and Glory make up sets this Christmas or in the sales? 

If you've tried Soap and Glory make up, tell me what you think! Is there a particular make up item you love best?

Wednesday Wish List

Prints and patterns feature heavily in my every day style; I wear them at least ninety-nine percent of the time, and I still can't get enough of them.They're definitely a defining characteristic of my personal style, and one of my favourite vices in life. 

I own a plethora of patterned clothes and accessories- foxes, penny farthings, daschunds, cats, raccoons, and flamingos to name a few; but I'm always on the look out for more to add to the collection. This week, I've stumbled up on about a gazillion gorgeous printed dresses and tops that I've gone crazy for, and want need to add to my wardrobe. And today I've got ten of my favourites to show you.

Simply Be Horse Print Dress £35 (Sizes 12-32)

Horse prints have been circulating in the fashion world for the last few years, but I still don't own a single piece covered in those four-legged galloping stallions. I'm tempted to change that with this gorgeous day dress. The style is so wearable, and there's not a pink pony in sight. 

Simply Be Dog Print Skater Dress £35 (Sizes 12-32)

This monochrome skater dress mixes my signature print (polka dots, obviously), with the pooch all the cool kids are currently going crazy for: the French bulldog. I personally think the little gremlins are adorable, too, and the print on this dress is amazing. Aside from the fantastic print, the reason I love the look of this dress is because it has sleeves (which can be adjusted) and pockets! More dresses need those features. I need to get me this dress!

ASOS Curve Skater Dress in Cupid Heart Print £22 (Sizes 18-28)

I have a couple of heart print items of clothing in my collection, but none with cupid's arrow entwined within them like this lovely dress by ASOS Curve. I've not seen many heart prints like this one, either, but more should be like it. I love the relaxed, grunge feel to this skater dress, and you know the sleeves are a winner in my eyes.

New Look Black Daisy Print Crew Neck Cardigan £14.99 (Sizes 6-18)

Ah, cardigans. A girl can never have too many. I wear them over almost anything for warmth, or admittedly, to hide the upper arms I'm still not confident with baring in public. (I'm working on it). I got quite excited when I saw this black and white daisy print crew neck cardi by New Look, since daisies are one of my most favourite flowers, and it's so pretty. I could wear in with so many of my dresses.

ASOS Cat Print Top £25 (Sizes 4-18)

If you asked me, I would always tell you I'm more of a dog person than a cat person, but I love cats, too, and I'm going crazy for this cat print top. To me, the print looks like Siamese kitties (it's the shape!), and in between the cats are ditsy little hearts. Adorable. I really like the unusual shaped collar, too.

Simply Be Drop Shoulder Glasses Print Jersey Top £16 (Sizes 12-36)

The fifties has always been one of my favourite decades for fashion, and I know so many of you ladies enjoy the mid-century styles, too. This top gives a nod to those days, with a retro cat-eye glasses print all across it. It's such a quirky pattern and one which I'm certain will gain lots of attention (and compliments!) It's very well priced, too.

New Look Inspire Monochrome Polka Dot Long Sleeve Dress £19.99 (Sizes 18-28)

A girl can never have too many polka dots in her wardrobe, and this long sleeved number is a great classic piece. It could be dressed up or down in a wide variety of different ways, and for less than £20, it wouldn't even break the bank. You just can't go wrong with black and white polka dots.

Joe Browns Dotty About You Dress £35 (Sizes 14-32)

Ditsy polka dots are my favourite kind of spots, and even more so when the fabric is red. I love this fit and flare dress; the shape is classic, and one that never dates. I know if I manage to add this to my collection, I would be bringing it out year after year until it fell apart.

Joe Browns Twit Twoo Retro Tunic £30 (Sizes 14-32)

Joe Browns have some beautiful frocks in this season's collection, and one of my favourites has to be the Twit Twoo Retro Tunic. It's a pretty shade of powder blue (although they're calling it 'duck egg', which it doesn't appear to be in this image), and as the name suggests, it features an owl print. The owls are different colours and patterns, and although the owl trend has been so over-done that I'm getting tired of it, I'm in love with this print. I'm in love with this tunic!

Simply Be Tartan Print Dress £35 (Sizes 12-32)

Tartan has been one of the biggest trends this Autumn and Winter, and I've been embracing. I can't get enough of it. This dress features one of the best tartan patterns I've seen all season, and combined with the grunge-feel, and relaxed style of the dress, it's one fabulous dress. Can it magically appear in my wardrobe, please? I've been ever so good!

So, those were ten of my favourite patterned garments of the week. I could've shared more, but I made sure to restrain myself. 

Which one was your favourite? What quirky prints are lurking in your own wardrobes?