A Court of Thorns and Roses Colouring Book Review

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.

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.

I may have an ACOTAR problem.

But I just couldn't resist.

And thank the Cauldron, because it's one of the best colouring books I've ever seen or owned.

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.

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.

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 can't paint realistic trees to save my life, but this page makes me want to live in the Spring Court.

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.

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.

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*).

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

The A Court of Thorns and Roses colouring book retails around £13-14 in the UK, and you can find it on Blackwells here.

Are you a fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses? Do you enjoy colouring-in?

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A Court of Frost and Starlight Festive Book Review

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:

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.

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.

I'm here with a little review of the book to tell you why you need to read it this Christmas.

Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOTAR book 4)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: NA Fantasy romance / Romantasy.

Plot:

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. 

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.

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. 

And... well, that's about it. That's the plot. 

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.

Thoughts:

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rating: Three and a half stars out of five from me, but hey, it's Solstice, so let's round it up to four.

You can find a more in-depth review of the book from me on my Goodreads here.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to start my reread.

Have you read A Court of Frost and Starlight yet?

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Litjoy Crate ACOTAR Stained Glass Book Sleeve Review

2023 has been my A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) era, and I'm not done yet.

Not even close.

I've even gone as far as buying bookish ACOTAR merch this year. 

I reviewed the amazing Litjoy Crate ACOTAR book tin 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.

So, this is the Litjoy Crate ACOTAR stained glass book sleeve, 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Do you use book sleeves to protect your books?

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A Court of Thorns and Roses Litjoy Crate Book Tin Review

Hands up: who loves A Court of Thorns and Roses?

Am I the only one with my hand in the air, or are you also a fan of the magical faerie world of courts, handsome High Lords, and ripped, brooding fae warriors with bat wings? 

If you are, you're going to love what I have to show you today. Also, let's fangirl together.

Unlike Feyre, I don't have any soup to serve you while we do, but feast your eyes on this beautiful, officially-licensed A Court of Thorns book tin from Litjoy Crate. It's probably the most frivolous thing I've bought in years, but Cauldron boil me, I just couldn't resist it.

This paperback-sized book tin features an incredible design by the artist RosieThorns88, which has been inspired by the iconic stained-glass art from Beauty and the Beast. I fell in love with this artwork before I'd even read the series because it is just that pretty, and finally made a purchase when I was half way through A Court of Mist and Fury. I regret nothing. 

This gorgeous tin-turned-piece-of-art depicts Feyre, Tamlin, and Rhysand on her wedding day in A Court of Mist and Fury, with the High Lords' beast-forms behind them. 

In the background, wind curling vines of thorns, and pink and purple roses, with the Cauldron near the top, cleverly designed to look like another giant rose. And the fun part? If you look closely, you'll find lots of little Easter eggs from the books mixed in to the picture, like a Where's Wally? challenge for grown-ups. There's the Night Court mountains and the Spring Court manor on either side, plus the Book and the Cauldron, Feyre's bow and arrow, a wedding shoe, the Ouroboros, Lucien's fox mask, the Weaver's spinning wheel, Rhys' bowl of soup, the ring, a bone and chisel (representing the Bone Carver), a necklace (perhaps the one Varian gave Amren?), a dagger (representing the third trial Under the Mountain), and what looks like the Veritas orb. I can't work out if the sticks above the wolf's head are Tamlin's horns, or something else entirely. (Any ideas?). The image is then bordered with stained glass windows in pretty shades of purple, pink, and blue, designed to look like a night sky through black iron windows, and this is repeated over most of the book tin.

The spine of the book tin is arched, and features a simplified design of the snarl of thorns and roses, with the rose-shaped Cauldron and Book at the top.

The edges feature stained-glass windows in decadent dark shades of purple, pink, and blue. The colours are to die for.

On the back of the tin, there's a (cheesy) quote from  Feyre in A Court of Mist and Fury. 'I was his and he was mine, and we were the beginning and middle and end. We were a song that had been sung from the very first ember of light in the world.' It's printed in a cool, fairytale-style font in ombre purple and pink, and takes the form of another stained glass window, with lots of thorns and roses curling into it.

And if you open the tin, you'll find that the inner door is decorated with another quote from ACOMAF- one of my favourites: '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.' If there's a better quote for a fairytale book tin, I'd like to hear it.

The good thing about this tin is that it's not just a pretty piece of book merch to display with your books- it's functional, too. Okay, with a storage area of 20cm high x 10cm wide x 5cm deep, you're not going to be able to store anything big in it, but it is useful for keeping little things like keepsakes, money, stationery, sewing supplies, or an emergency chocolate stash safe from prying hands. (I'd definitely recommend using it for the latter. Everyone needs an emergency chocolate stash).

It's also fantastic quality, sturdy, and well-made from high-quality tin-plate. 

It even comes in its own presentation box, featuring the same design in slightly more vivid colours, so it makes a lovely gift for any ACOTAR fan. The box is far too pretty to throw away, so I've currently got both on display on my bookshelves.

With its gorgeous design, attention to detail, and great quality, it's well worth the $22 it retails for. 

Shipping from America to the UK was also fairly reasonable, which I was really surprised about. It was $7 for shipping, with $5.80 taxes, and I didn't get any custom charges. I think delivery cost varies depending on what or how much you order, though, so that's something to be aware of.

If it's captured your heart, you can find it on the Litjoy Crate website here. 

And if you love the tin but have no use for it, you might be happy to hear that the design also features on book sleeves, and a window-cling (the latter only in the members-only Lunacorns' store). I'm hoping for a restock on the blanket they used to do, too.

Litjoy Crate also stock a great selection of other Sarah J. Maas products that'll likely tempt you if you're love her books. Just don't blame me if you want to buy it all!

Are you an ACOTAR fan? Which book and character are your favourites?

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Currently | April 2023                                                                                        

Currently | April 2023

It's been almost four months since I last sat down for a catch-up, so I think it's time for a long over-due Currently post. 

Today, I'm going to talk about some of the things I've been enjoying and doing lately. 

Let's start with some books:

Reading

Since the New Year, I've fallen down a Sarah J. Maas rabbit-hole and have been flitting back and forth between the Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series'. Two series that I've wanted to read for years, but have only just got around to. I'm kicking myself, as they're both amazing. 

So far, I've read the first three books of A Court of Thorns- A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, and A Court of Wings and Ruin, and I've just began A Court of Frost and Starlight after a a little ACOTAR break to stop myself reading them too quickly. I'm completely obsessed with the series, and it's been living rent-free in my head for the last four months. 

A Court of Mist and Fury has definitely been my favourite so far. It's so different to the first book, and completely changed my perspective on several characters (Tamlin's out, Rhys is in, Lucien can get a time-out for being an enabler), but it's one of my favourite reads ever. The trauma, PTSD, depression, abuse, and recovery storylines were so powerful and heartbreaking, and the character development was amazing. The book is quite melancholy for a while because of the trauma and abuse, but as characters heal and so many different things unfold, it turns in to such a funny, flirty, empowering, and exciting read. I loved getting to know Rhys and the Inner Circle (hello, Cassian), and I adored Rhys' relationship with Feyre- especially the way he tries to piece her back together with banter and flirting. Chapter 54 killed me, and that ending! Cauldron boil me, it was so good! Would highly recommend it and the series in general... as long as you don't mind a bit of spice... (Avoid chapter 55 of ACOMAF if you do). 

I can't wait to read A Court of Silver Flames for Cassian and Nesta's story, but I won't know what to do with myself once I'm finished and have to wait God-knows-how-long for the next book to come out.

I've also been loving the Throne of Glass books (perhaps even more than ACOTAR), and have so far devoured Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, and Tower of Dawn. Just two more to go.

I loved the first two books and the Celaena/ Dorian / Chaol love triangle, but Heir of Fire is when it really started getting good, and has definitely been my favourite so far, followed by Queen of Shadows- mostly because of Rowan, who quickly became one of my favourite male fictional characters ever. Sadistic side of him, an' all. I adore Rowan and Aelin together- especially how cute the big grouchy warrior is when he gets protective and starts fussing over her, or later worships her like a queen. (Where can I get one?) The introduction of the fae magic definitely adds something extra to the story, too. I really enjoyed Empire of Storms, as well, though, with so much of the storyline focused on war, I found it a bit slower than the other books at times. But, I loved the Elide and Lorcan scenes, and all the romance and sexual tension building between several couples, and I can't wait to find out if they all end up together in the final book. And that ending! Brutal! Rowan's reaction to what happened broke my heart. I was gutted when I began the next book, Tower of Dawn last week, and realised it took a break from the main characters and storyline to tell Chaol and Nesryn's stories, and that I have to wait a whole other book to find out what happens next. I wasn't so invested in Chaol and Nesryn's POV to begin with and it took me a while to get into as it was a bit duller than the rest of the series, but I loved Yrene as a character, Chaol getting his ass handed to him by Yrene, and Sartaq being so obviously smitten with Nesryn. It was also interesting to see Chaol learning how to adapt to life with his spinal injuries, battling his limitations and his pride, and realising using a mobility aid doesn't make someone less of a man / woman. Despite the unrealistic fantasy healing, it sent a good message about disability, and it was great to have an ambulatory wheelchair user character to open people's eyes to how mobility levels can alter through activity, and that not all wheelchair users are paralysed.

I'll try to post some proper reviews of both series' once I've finished them, but you can find some mini reviews on my Instagram highlights, and more in-depth ones for some of them on my Goodreads.

Another book I really enjoyed was The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. It's the first book of a new duology set in the same world as The Cruel Prince series, but eight years on. It follows Jude's younger brother, Oak, and Suren (Wren), now all grown up in their late teens as they team up with his knight and their prisoner, and travel across the faerie lands of Elfhame to the Ice Needle Citadel to free Madoc and defeat Lady Nore. Along the way, they face dangers and threats, like trolls and monsters made of human body parts, and there's some fledgling romance developing, before they reach the Citadel, where there's lots of shocking twists and turns. I didn't see the ending coming, but it was brilliant. I can't wait for the second book now- and it pains me that it's almost a year away.

Watching

I haven't watched a lot lately, as I've been in a weird funk, but I've been loving Shadow and Bone on Netflix these past couple of weeks. I'd been looking forward to it since I finished season one last year, and though it's different to the books, it hasn't disappointed. I need season three and the Six of Crows spinoff now!

I also recently watched Avatar 2: The Way of Water for the first time, and absolutely loved it. Possibly even more than the first one. It was so beautifully done- especially the underwater / sea creature scenes.

Listening

I'm loving the new Fall Out Boy album, So Much (For) Stardust, which came out recently, and have been playing it on repeat. The entire album is amazing, but I particularly love Fake Out, Love From the Other Side, The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years), and So Good Right Now. I've also been going back in time twenty years with Linkin Park's Meteora 20th Anniversary release. I've been playing the original since I was seventeen and still at college, and it's always been a favourite album (and Linkin Park era) of mine. I'm enjoying reminiscing about those good old days with it, and getting to hear lots of unreleased tracks from that era on top of the original songs from the album. It's like 2003 all over again.

Playing

I've been playing Animal Crossing New Horizons a lot, and have jumped on the bandwagon and got myself Disney Dreamlight Valley, when it was on sale after Christmas. I haven't actually got past making my avatar yet, though. I've been in too much of a funk to want to play or concentrate on anything new lately- sometimes my brain-fogged head gets like that. I'll have to give it another go again soon.

Stitching

I haven't done any cross stitching since Christmas. I've been so uninspired with what to make next that I've lost my sewing mojo. Hopefully I'll spot a fun, colourful pattern I like soon.

Painting

I recently bought myself the A Court of Thorns and Roses colouring book, and have enjoyed colourising Feyre and Tamlin in the glen of the Spring Court with my watercolours recently. I'm just beginning the second coat, and making a complete mess of it, especially of Tamlin, who is a complete train wreck at this point. I ruined a patch of his hair and sleeve by overworking the areas, and made his gold mask too yellow, since I didn't have a gold paint when I started. (I do now)! I'm hoping I can improve them before I'm finished, but he might remain a bit of a fixer-upper- much like his character. It's going to take me forever to work through the book as my joints will only let me paint in short bursts, but I'm enjoying destressing with it, trying to improve my painting 'skills' (I have none!), and bringing one of my favourite book series' to life this way. It's so therapeutic. I'll post a review of the colouring book once I've painted a few more pages.

Loving

The new book covers for the Throne of Glass series- especially the hardbacks, which I'm currently collecting. The cover art is so pretty, and the books are such lovely jewel colours.

Liking

The Nivea Organically Good Aloe Vera body lotion. I've been trying some cheaper skincare options since the cost of living crisis to save my pennies where I can, and I'm so impressed with how good this one is. I don't think my skin has ever felt softer! It smells so good, it's vegan, and you can roll up the bottle as it empties to get every last drop of lotion out of it. Very impressed, especially considering it's a budget brand.

Enjoying

the extra hour of light in the evenings now the clocks have changed, and all the blossom and colourful spring flowers that are popping up. I love it when everything comes back to life again after the winter. 

Seeing

I recently saw Ronan Keating and the City Light Symphony Orchestra live at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and it was amazing I've seen Ronan live countless times over the years, but never quite like this. The classical music really complimented his voice and they were some of the best performances of his songs I've ever seen / heard. The music was so powerful, I had goosebumps all night, and even got teary-eyed over a few songs because of it. It was such a fantastic experience, and the 65-piece-orchestra was incredible. I've never really seen a big professional orchestra perform before (though Ronan toured with a small one years ago), or been to a classical concert, but I was definitely impressed by what I saw and heard. There were so many talented musicians on that stage, and the maestro was so fun to watch as he was such a character. It's a shame it was just a one-off gig in the UK (with random shows in places like Cape Town and Switzerland), as I'd have happily gone to see them again. 

Needing

I really need to get my hair cut. I haven't had it cut in almost two years, and I'm beginning to look like Cousin It again. Hopefully I can afford a visit to the hairdresser's this spring to get it cut into a more manageable length. I also need to get to the optician's for new glasses (I'm about five years over due), and see a dentist about my cracked molar.

Wanting

About 8929134 books, several of the new Lady Vintage Lyra dresses, a new Vendula London clasp purse (to replace the one that was stolen), quite a few Loungefly bags and purses, a few Erstwilder My Little Pony brooches, an Illyrian bat boy, my own Rowan Whitethorn, a pain free day, more time out of the house, some adventures, a holiday, and a good night's sleep. Not asking for much, really...

Wishing

the two guys who pick-pocketed my purse from my bag at Victoria Station last month get kicked in the balls before enjoying a pleasant stay in hell. 

Buying

Most of my purchases over the last few months have been books. I just can't resist them, and they're the best form of escapism and distraction. I've been gradually collecting the Throne of Glass and ACOTAR hardbacks, and also treated myself to the Illumicrate editions of The Stolen Heir, Ninth House, and Hell Bent, which are all absolutely gorgeous. (I'll try to review those for you soon). I also treated myself to an amazing A Court of Thorns and Roses book tin from Litjoy Crate in the style of Beauty and the Beast (yes, I'm obsessed!), some Erstwilder brooches, and an amazing My Little Pony print smock dress from Truffle Shuffle. 

Eating

I've been enjoying treats in Easter form- especially Cadbury mini orange eggs, and Kinder Bueno eggs. They're so good! Why is Easter chocolate so much better than regular chocolate??

Drinking

Apart from being treated to a Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate after Christmas, I haven't drank anything interesting in  ages. I don't think I've even had a proper drink in about five years. I've not made a conscious decision to quit drinking or anything (though I'm not meant to drink on my painkillers), I just don't tend to drink unless I go out, and it's been a long time since I did that. *Tiny violins.*

Well, that's been my life lately.

What have you been enjoying recently?

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