Book Review: The Fuck It List- 1000 Things I'll Never Do Before I Die

I was browsing through the gift section on ASOS last week, looking for birthday gifts for my little sister when I came across a brilliant book. 

The Fuck It List. 

I know what you might be thinking and no, it's not a book for listing the people you want to sleep with! The Fuck It List is basically an anti-bucket list; a place to list all of those things that you're never going to achieve before you die. 

Most of us will have a list of things we hope to achieve before we die- I know I do- but realistically speaking, we're never going to cross off all of our ambitious goals. We're unlikely to trek to some of the remote corners of the globe, write a novel, own a mansion by the sea, or scale Kilimanjaro. That's where this book comes in! The Fuck It List provides a place where you can be realistic with yourself and nip some of your aspirations in the bud before you get your hopes up, saving you  the effort of pointless day-dreaming and lying to yourself for decades to come. 

'If crossing things off your to-do list is therapeutic, then crossing things off your "I'll never do these things anyway" list is preventive medicine.'

It might sound as if it's encouraging people to be pessimistic about their future lives, but it's meant to be light-hearted and a bit of fun. I thought it was a brilliant idea, so I had to get myself a copy.

The book is an A5 paperback, with a bold tomato-red cover, and a simple, tasteful design.

It has a hundred lists of ten for you to fill in to your heart's content, with one gap of each list already filled in as part of the design. Each list gets a full page, and some are given a double-page spread, with a corresponding illustration and a fact or two relating to the subject.

Some of the lists included in the book are:

♥ Countries I'll never travel to.

♥ Risks I'll never take.

♥ Phobias I'll never over come.

♥ Songs I'll never sing with the correct lyrics.

♥ Great books I'll never finish.

♥ Causes I'll never get passionate about.

♥ Adrenaline rushes I'll never experience.

♥ Music I'll never appreciate.

♥ Epic journeys I'll never undertake.

♥ Recipes I'll never master.

♥ Luxury items I'll never afford.

♥ Things whose popularity I'll never understand.

There are also four blank lists at the back of the book for you to fill in as you please.

I love this book and I've already completed several of the lists. I think there's a great selection of interesting topics to list from, and the design, fonts, and illustrations are all tasteful and aesthetically pleasing.

I think this book is perfect for anybody with a sense of humour who enjoys writing lists, and setting goals for the future. It would make a fun birthday or Christmas present.

It's currently available on ASOS here for £11, and it should be available from all good book stores, too.

It's a great little book and I enthusiastically recommend it!

Would you write an anti-bucket or "fuck it" list?

101 Things in 1001 Days Progress July and August 2014

It's been a couple of months since my last 101 in 1001 update, but I haven't made great progress since then. I barely left the house in July and August, except for several demanding hospital appointments, and I wasn't really able to go out and have some fun, and cross off some goals in the process.

My achievements were mostly little things I enjoyed from the comfort of my bed, like reading and creative writing.

Read 50 Books (19 / 50)

I read two books during July: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, which I absolutely adored, and The 100 by Kass Morgan, which was a surprisingly good read. I'm really enjoying the TV series at the moment, and when I realised it was based on a novel I had to check it out.

In August I didn't manage to read a single book, which was very unusual for me. My head was too cluttered with thoughts to concentrate on one.

Discover 50 new songs (5 / 50)

Back in July I discovered the debut single from No Devotion, the new band from the surviving members of Lostprophets and former Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly. I'm so pleased that Lostprophets have regrouped, because they were one of my favourite bands for over a decade, and I've missed listening to their music. No Devotion's debut single sounds very similar to the Lostprophets sound, and I personally love it. I can't wait to hear more of what they have to offer.

Watch 5 new films at the cinema (5 / 5)

I went to see The Fault in Our Stars at the cinema on my birthday, and loved it. I bawled my eyes out! I've now completed my goal of seeing five films at the cinema! Yay!

I also watched two new-to-me- films, TFIOS and First Wives Club, bringing the total to 11 / 50!

Create an injury inspiration journal

I began my disc injury journal about a year ago to give myself a place to record significant moments of my journey and anything which inspires me to stay positive, like quotes and lyrics. I've completed a few pages in recent weeks.

Go out for Dinner 

I went out for dinner at a new local diner in July, although I don't have any photo evidence because my phone died.

Complete the book 642 things to write about

This creative writing book is far from complete, but I finished many of the tasks this summer.


Buy the 642 things to draw book

I've wanted the 642 Things To Draw book for a couple of years, and I finally picked it up with some birthday money. I haven't completed any of the prompts yet; but I'm looking forward to getting stuck in soon.

Complete the Listography books

And finally, I've finished several more lists in my Listography books, including this one of My Top 20 Most Beloved Books from the Literary Listography: My Reading Life in Lists book.

Do you have a 101 in 1001 list? I'd love to see them, so leave your links below!

Thanks for reading.

Wednesday Wish List

Hi guys,

I hope you're all having a great week so far.

Would you like to see what's on my wish list this week?

1 // 2

This week my most coveted item is this beautiful green polka dot "Megan" swing dress from Lindy Bop. I'm absolutely besotted with it; I've always wanted a green polka dot dress, and the colour of this one is perfect. I love the blue, too, but the green is my favourite, and it's likely to be my next purchase. I'm not sure the pleated bust will suit me or be fitted enough, since I'm not well endowed in the boob department... but if it doesn't, perhaps I can get it altered or just wear a buttoned cardi or something over the top. We shall see!

1 // 2

Aren't these two purple Lindy Bop Audrey swing dresses stunning? I came across them on Tiger Milly a couple of days ago, and couldn't help thinking how gorgeous the colours are for Autumn, particularly the dress on the left.

1 // 2 // 3

I love these novelty clutch bags from New Look. The milkshake clutch would look so cute with a red polka dot dress! I must have it!

1 // 2 // 3

These novelty bags from Falconwright and Chicnova look amazing.

1 // 2

I'm in love with these two chiffon smock dresses from Dorothy Perkins. I'm dying to get my hands on them. I have a real thing for gingham, plaid, and tartan, and I think they're the perfect Autumn dresses to throw over opaque tights, and wear with studded ankle boots, and a leather or pleather biker jacket.. 

1 // 2 // 3

ASOS Curve have some great dresses at the moment. My latest favourite is the stunning red lace skater dress with the sweetheart neckline; I love the colour, shape, and all the little details. 

Leggings

These velvet baroque leggings from ASOS Curve are absolutely gorgeous.

1 // 2 // 3

Perfect Winter hair accessories from New Look and Accessorize.

1 // 2

One thing I hope to add to my wardrobe this A/W is a leather or leather-look biker jacket; although I say that every year and it never works out! Haha! I'd like something I can wear with dresses on the days it's not cold enough for a knee-length coat. I really like the collarless embroidered jacket from Dorothy Perkins.

Oh, and good news for all you plus size Harry Potter fans; New Look Inspire are now selling the HP Hogwarts jumper alongside the t-shirt I showed you a couple of weeks ago! I think it would look great layered over skater dresses or worn with a pair of black skinny jeans.

1 // 2

I love these gingham frilled socks from ASOS.

1 // 2 // 3

And last, but not least, these bags by The White Pepper (via ASOS) are really cute.

What's on your wish list this week?

Remington S1001GPV Vintage Floral Straightener Review

It's no secret that I'm ever so slightly addicted to polka dots, but lately I've taken my love of all things spotted and dotted to a whole new level.

I recently adopted a pair of polka dot hair straighteners! 

Yes, hair straighteners, of all things! Black and white polka dot hair straighteners with a pretty floral print to boot. They are without a doubt the prettiest straighteners I've ever laid eyes on. 

I came across the Remington S1001GPV Vintage Floral Straightener on ASDA Direct when my old straighteners stopped working a couple of weeks ago. I needed a replacement but I only had a small budget, and naturally the polka dots drew me in like a moth to a flame. 

As a hair-styling appliance they sounded very basic, but with enough features to do the job they were intended for. That's all I needed. Better still, they were just £15, but with an original RRP of £49.99!

I can't afford expensive tools like GHDs; instead I'll usually look for something which was originally moderately expensive but on promotion for much less, in the hope of getting the best quality gadget for my money. I've always used Babyliss straighteners but the pretty design urged me to give a new brand a try.

So, the Remington S1001GPV Vintage Floral Straightener is a beautiful-looking gizmo with the floral polka dot print covering the full length and sides of the straighteners. It's light-weight but sturdy, and about average in size for a full-sized straightener. It features two ceramic-coated plates, which are designed to offer a smooth glide and even heat-distribution over the hair, which they do, and I've found that they can easily straighten a couple of inches (in width) of hair at a time.

The plates heat up to a scorching 210'C within 30 seconds, although the temperature cannot be adjusted, which is unusual for straighteners these days. I've never bothered changing heat settings with any of my previous straighteners, so for me, one temperature isn't an issue. 210'C is super hot (I can confirm this because I burnt my neck on it last week- it hurt, A LOT!), and it ensures hair is straightened quickly in just one or two swipes of the plates. It leaves me with perfectly straightened, shiny looking hair every time with very little effort, and that's basically all I ask.

This straightener has been given 1.8m of cord, which provides some freedom to move about with it. It also features a swivel cord, which is not only kinder to the wiring but it makes it ideal for anybody who wants to use the straightener to curl their hair as well as straighten it. 

The straighteners come with a glossy hot-pink heat-proof case, which isn't anything special, but because it's heat proof, the straighteners can be stored inside as soon as you've finished using them- yes, even when they're still hot! I think this case will come in really handy when you're in a rush to pack a bag or leave the house. There's also enough room left over inside to fit a few hair-styling clips, which I like to do for convenience. 

Also included in the set is a small make up bag in the same vintage polka dot design as the straighteners. It's made from cheap materials (PVC?), but it's very cute, and fully functioning.

There was also a nasty, cheap cream corsage in the box, but it was so cheaply made that I threw it straight in the bin. It would've been a nice addition had it been on decent quality, and I don't quite understand why anybody would have included such a tacky accessory to an otherwise lovely set. I don't think anybody would want to wear it and it really cheapens the look of the set.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this Remington hair straightener, and I think it's excellent value for money. I'm not sure I would have parted with £50 for it, but  for £15 I'm one happy, satisfied customer. It straightens my hair beautifully and that's all I ever ask.

Sadly, it doesn't appear to be available with ASDA online at the moment, but it is available on Amazon here for just £21.95, which is still a great bargain.

Have you got a pair of Remington polka dot hair straighteners?

Which hair straighteners do you swear by?

Thanks for reading!

My 10 Favourite Body Shop Beauty Products Part 2

Hey lovelies,

I hope you're all having a great day so far.

Last Monday I talked about five of my favourite Body Shop beauty products, and because I love the Body Shop just that much, I'm going to share another five of my favourites today. I've been using all of today's picks for years, some for over a decade, and I thought it was time I started sharing more of my established favourites alongside the new products I review for you.

So, in no particular order, here are five of my most used beauty products...

Vitamin E moisture cream



I've been using the Vitamin E moisture cream daily ever since my best friend introduced me to it about a decade ago. I was so impressed with the results the moisture cream gave that I continued to use it once that first pot was used up- and I just never stopped. I saw no reason to move on to another; it's the best face cream I've ever used! 

This moisturiser is light and non-greasy, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and super soft, and looking bright and healthy not just after every use but for days afterwards. The more I use it, the better my skin looks. You only need to use a little at a time, so this light pink lotion goes a long way. At £11 for a 50ml pot it's a little pricey, but I have been known to get six months use from one pot, so it's actually a smart little buy. I try to take good care of my skin, and don't begrudge spending a little more on skincare to invest in it. I personally think this cream is worth its price tag, but the great thing about The Body Shop is that they regularly have fantastic offers and promotions online, so I rarely pay the RRP. I saved 40% on the pot I'm using now, and offers like the one I took advantage of run all the time!

Satsuma shower gel

In my opinion, The Body Shop make the best shower gels around. You only need to use a little to get a decent lather, and little effort is needed to make skin feel clean and refreshed by using them. My skin always feels soft and revitalised after a quick buff with some Body Shop shower gel on a flannel or bath lily. Most of the scents are absolutely divine, but my absolute favourite is satsuma, which contains zesty satsuma essential oils and smells like sunshine. It has the sweetest, fruitiest citrus scent, and every time I use it the fragrance never fails to make me happy. At £4 for a 250ml bottle, it's a shower gel I can  afford to indulge in, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of using it.

Satsuma body lotion

I'm a little obsessed with the satsuma body lotion at the moment; it smells so good! Like the shower gel, it has the most amazing orange citrus scent and I can't get enough of it; I've been using it religiously all summer and one whiff of it still makes me happy. It also does a brilliant job as a body lotion, in case you were wondering! Haha!

The body lotion is light and non-greasy, so it sinks in quickly after application and instantly gives me soft, healthy-looking skin without that horrible sticky texture some lotions leave behind. It may be a light body lotion, but it works wonders on softening even the driest, toughest areas of skin, like my elbows. I usually massage the body lotion in to my skin after a shower because I feel it gives the best results when applied to damp skin, but it works beautifully on dry skin, too.

Satsuma body polish

Another satsuma scented product I love to use is the satsuma body polish, which is a zesty-scented exfoliating foaming gel that gently buffs away dead skin and leaves skin looking soft and healthy. This exfoliating scrub is neither too gentle or two rough. It's gentle enough to use on delicate skin like the decolletage, and gritty enough to tackle harder skin like the knees and elbows. I love to use this alongside the satsuma shower gel and body lotion, although I don't use it religiously as it's a little expensive at £5 for 75ml or £10 for 200ml; I probably treat myself to a tube two or three times a year. 

I've just used up the last of my satsuma polish, but I took a photo of a tube of the Cranberry Joy body polish, to give you an idea of what the polishes look like. It doesn't matter which scent you choose, they all do the same job. it's all down to preference. The Cranberry Joy is another of my favourite scents, but they only sell it during the festive season. It probably won't be long until it hits the shops again! (Scary!) I was given a Cranberry gift tin last Christmas, and used up everything else, but somehow squirrelled the polish away and forgot about it. Now I've found it, I'll have it used up in no time! It smells so good!

Seaweed ionic clay mask

I've long been a fan of a good clay mask, and the Body Shop's seaweed ionic clay mask is one of the best I've ever tried. This mask is brilliant because it draws out all the impurities in the skin, and helps to control excess oils, so it's great for people with combination and oily skin types. My nose is often quite oily and it's dotted with badly clogged pores, but after using this mask, the pores are cleaner and less noticeable, and my nose is almost oil free for a couple of days! My skin also feels refreshed and revitalised after every use, and you really can't beat that fresh-faced feeling.

All you need to do is apply a thin layer of the cool grey clay to your face, and wait five to ten minutes for it to set. (You'll know it's time to wash it off when you can barely move your facial muscles). Once it's dry, wash it off with some warm water and a face cloth, and voila, say "hello" to gorgeous skin!


So, that sums up my ten favourite Body Shop beauty products. If you'd like to read about my other five favourites, you can do so here: My 10 Favourite Body Shop Products Part 1.

What are your favourite products from The Body Shop?