Film & Music Reviewed #2

Film // Me Before You

A girl in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a recently-paralyzed man she's taking care of.

A film released in 2016 that was originally a book. I have to say I’ve read the book and preferred the film. In parts the way the story told was problematic but I enjoyed the emotional, heartfelt journey Lou and Will took us on. I think the acting was quite well done and I loved Lou’s fashion choices for example the bumble bee tights.

Rating: 4/5

Music // Man of the Woods by Justin Timberlake

Justified is one of my all-time favourite albums, so I’m always keen to listen to anything new by Justin Timberlake. He took a new direction with this album, which I enjoyed and appreciated. The electronic sound featured on a few of the tracks is really unique. The story telling lyrics and artistry involved in the production is noteworthy. I like most of the songs but my favourites are Filthy, Midnight Summer Jam and Say Something.

Rating: 4/5

What music/films have been your go-to recently?

Do you like to listen to albums or do you make your own playlist? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #23

The Girl With the Lost Smile by Miranda Hart - 5/5

I’m an avid fan of Miranda, both the comedian and TV show so I was curious to see if I would enjoy her first children’s book. Some of her other books have been a bit hit and miss for me but the premise of this book sounded like just my sort of thing.

The girl with the lost smile, is a moving story about a girl called Chloe Long who has lost her smile. She is a courageous, positive spirited and imaginative girl. As we step into her world, we discover why she has lost her smile, and with the help of her imagination, she finds hope.

I suppose you could say this book was classed as magical realism, as we learn about Chloe’s magic land and I thought this aspect was beautifully written. Chloe’s journey through the book, was quite emotional from time to time, and found a special place in my heart. One of my favourite reads of 2020 so far!

The Invincibles: The Hamster Rescue by Caryl Hart - 5/5

In this children’s book we meet Nell and Freddie, who are the best of friends. The story cleverly portrays what school children can be like at that age as Nell is invited to two birthday parties on the same day. While Nell is keen to go to Freddie’s birthday, she makes the mistake of turning up at her much more popular classmate’s party. She soon realises she would much rather be spending time with Freddie and his family.

I absolutely loved this book, the storyline felt very current, and the humour was witty. Each of the side characters added something to the story, in particular Nell’s older brother and his band. The book on the whole was fun, and could appeal to many. The yellow and grey two tone illustrations were done well, but the storyline was outstanding.

Colour Me Younger by Veronique Henderson - 4/5

In this book, we learn how to look younger in your 40’s and above through the power of colour. Follow short quizzes to find what colours in clothes and make-up work best for your complexion. I found the advice, to be very well researched, and insightful in many ways. The photography of everyday women, looking there best through clothes and make-up in the right colours was quite inspirational.

I don’t meet the target audience, I’m a little too young, but appreciated what the book has achieved. There’s another book by the same author called Colour Me Beautiful which I think would be more suited to me that I hope to get to.

Hello, Horse by Vivian French - 5/5

I could tell this was going to be a wonderful read as soon I flicked through. The illustrations, using watercolour and pencil are just so beautiful. The story follows a little boy, as he meets Shannon the horse for the first time; he feels nervous around this big animal, but soon realises Shannon is a gentle giant and they become firm friends. I found the story touching, and I think many children after reading will want to go horse riding for the first time too.

Moods of Hadrian's Wall by Tony Hopkins - 4/5

I picked this book up on impulse at my local library, and was so glad I did. Hadrian’s Wall is a Roman defensive wall across northern England, and we follow its history along with atmospheric photographs at different times of the year. It’s more of a coffee table book really, with an image on each page with a small snippet of information.

I did read it cover to cover, and found it a very enjoyable read. There’s a whole series of these books, in which different places in Britain are photographed in different ways according to the weather and mood. I can see myself continuing, and reading a few more.

Handmade Christmas by Unknown - 5/5

Okay so you may think it’s rather early to be planning my Christmas crafts, but I wanted to get a head start, as I always run out of time for things like this. I was looking for a few simple, yet effective projects, and this book provided me with some really helpful ideas.

The projects range from a large variety of mediums: baking, cards, decorations and gifts. I actually already make handmade cards, and found inspiration from those ideas featured. The projects range in difficulty throughout the book, but I appreciated the easy to recreate ones the most.

I was happy to see many of the projects were environmentally friendly, for example, using recyclable gift wrap, and stamping onto it for decoration. The book is beautifully presented, particularly the festive photography.

Paint Yourself Calm by Jean Haines - 5/5

I previously looked at watercolour as being a hobby for the very skilled, but after reading Haines approach of keeping it simple, enjoying colour and the process; I now really want to get into watercolour. Her philosophy is infectious, and I can see this book being a great source of calm with people of all walks of life.

The book teaches us how to be mindful through simple watercolour exercises and some self-help mantras. I’ve not come across something before in that niche that felt this accomplished. It’s a strong contender for one of my favourite non-fiction reads so far this year.

Do you feel inspired to read any of these books?

Do you have any book recommendations for me? :-) Xx

Stationery & Beauty Haul

Hope my readers are doing okay with everything at the moment. For something light today I have a collective haul of the things I’ve picked up last month in February. I placed an online Superdrug order and bought two stationery items from B&M.

All the Superdrug items I purchased are from their own brand, and also therefore cruelty-free. I haven’t tried any of these items featured yet, but I have to say I’m quite excited to see how I go on with the body sprays, they sound and look so pretty.

I read recently in one of my books, that writing things free-hand can be really good for you. I have some interesting ideas for these notepads, and I’m hoping they will provide a little hobby for me.

Have you tried anything from the Superdrug own brand range? 

Do you have a blog post you would like me to read? :-) Xx

What I Bought

Superdrug

Simply pure calming cleanser 200ml £2.99

Superdrug pro vitamin conditioner with vitamin E 400ml £1.52 (Bought on offer)

Superdrug pro vitamin classic shampoo 400ml £1.52 (Bought on offer)

Superdrug bloom dark berry and jasmine body mist 150ml £3.50 (Bought on offer)

Superdrug bloom driftwood and sea salt body mist 150ml £3.50 (Bought on offer)

B&M

A5 tropical notebook £1.29

B5 neon yellow notebook £3.49

Barry M All Night Long Stick Foundation

Hello to my lovely readers. Today I have a make-up product review to share. For quite a while now my go-to face product has been the Gosh BB cream in sand but I fancied a change, and I’m so glad I stumbled across the Barry M stick foundation. Barry M is one of the best cruelty-free drugstore brands about, so I had a good browse of their products, and this had some excellent reviews. By no means is this a new product, although it’s new to me.

My shade is the lightest, and it’s named milk, which is a particularly great match for my fair skin. The shade range is great, so I’m sure everyone will find a perfect match. This foundation comes in a stick form, so it can be applied directly to the skin. I agree with their comment about it being a medium coverage, as the coverage is really good. The product feels quite concentrated, but it’s fairly easy to blend, and I like the effect on the skin. It retails at £6.99, click here to buy.

Have you tried anything by Barry M before?

What foundation product do you use at the moment? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #22

Happy Christmas Hammy the Wonder Hamster by Poppy Harris - 3/5

Firstly, isn’t this book cover adorable with the festive hamster and graphic type? This was a sweet, engaging book about Hammy the hamster and his owner, Bethany. The idea of a Brainiac, talking hamster was executed quite well, and I particularly like the scene with Hammy venturing out to the snow in Bethany’s garden. I felt because the story was simplistic, it was worth a three star rating.

How to Walk in High Heels by Camilla Morton - 5/5

I was aware of this book for many years, and finally picked it up in a charity shop to read from cover to cover. The basic premise is a practical, yet stylish guide to life for young women, covering things like how to be an art lover, how to understand politics, etc.

The author who is known for working at vogue, and now a columnist in many publications quite rightly showed some flare with her writing. I genuinely found it entertaining and very informative on a range of topics.

Where Are Santa's Pants? by Richard Merritt - 3/5

In a style similar to Where’s Wally, the idea behind this book is to spot Santa’s pants among the detailed Christmassy illustrations on each page. My Mum bought this for a bit of fun for me at Christmas, and I can see the appeal for children to immerse themselves into all the characters and fun things going on in the pictures. It’s nice not to take things too seriously sometimes.

Earth Heroes: 20 Inspiring Stories of People Saving Our World by Lily Dyu - 5/5

While aimed at a slightly younger age than myself I see this book being popular with anyone who has an interest in the current climate crisis. Although I haven’t seen many people mention it online since its release in autumn last year it is a note-worthy read that I recommend you check out.

We follow twenty inspiring stories of people saving our world, each one had a special something that made this the fantastic book it is. Some of the people are well known, while others that are less so are still making significant change. I shed a few tears on a some of the more emotional stories.

The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify by Francine Jay - 5/5

I asked for this book for Christmas last year, and read it over the New Year period. It was one of my most anticipated reads going into 2020, and luckily I wasn't disappointed. The joy of less is an important topic that I wanted to explore further, and I found the book covered lots of bases. 

It’s split into sections, first we cover philosophy which in my mind was the most fascinating, and later the author takes us through how to streamline, then room by room and finally lifestyle. The author made some very insightful observations that inspired me and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this read to others.

Paper Girls, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan - 5/5

I’m thoroughly enjoying the Paper Girls series so far, and volume three did not disappoint. It was nice to see the each of the characters personalities become more developed while the plot remained fast paced and interesting. If you are not familiar with the Paper Girls series, I recommend you give book one a go. Expect to meet a group of head-strong paper girls, within a dystopian time-travelling world.

Grandmas from Mars by Michelle Robinson - 5/5

This was a really strong, well-executed children’s picture book. There’s lots of great stories about Grandmas out there, and this was one of my favourites. We follow Fred, and Nell along with other children in the village who are usually babysitted by their dearest Grandmas. The children soon notice, after an alien invasion that their Grandmas seem a bit off and quickly realise they are imposters. Written in rhyme, and with striking illustrations, children everywhere can learn to appreciate their Grandmas.

What genre of books do you gravitate towards?

Do you read mostly fiction or non-fiction? :-) Xx

Morrison's Cocoa Butter Moisturising Lotion

I’ve treated myself to quite a few beauty related essentials lately. I used to buy body butters/moisturisers quite a bit although not as frequently now. I was looking on the Morrison’s website a little while ago at their own brand beauty products, and this popped up with lots of great reviews. It retails at £1.00 which is pretty extraordinary for 400ml.

The cocoa scent is absolutely stunning, and reminds me a little of the discontinued Boots Extracts cocoa butter range. The packaging is pretty standard, with its orange and brown design. The lotion sinks into the skin well, and the cocoa scent lingers on. This product is cruelty-free, and features the leaping bunny logo which I always look out for. View product online here.

I really recommend this product!

Do you have any skincare recommendations to share with me? :-) Xx

Beauty Haul (+ Eco-Friendly Item)

Welcome back and hope my readers are well. I have a beauty haul to share today, with mostly cruelty-free items, and an additional eco-friendly purchase. If you are looking to buy reusable make-up pads yourself, Gracie Goes Green ebay page is a lovely place to go. I bought a few make-up essentials, which are nearly all new to me, so I’m looking forward to sharing a few reviews here on my blog.

What I Purchased:

Ebay

Gracie Goes Green washable make-up remover pads. £5.25 (Buy here)

Morrisons

Morrison’s own brand cocoa butter body lotion. £1.00 Cruelty-free.

Superdrug

Barry M All Night Long medium cover foundation in milk. £5.59 Cruelty-free.

MUA Amplify mascara in black. £3.00 Cruelty-free.

Rimmel Hide The Blemish concealer in ivory 1. £4.49

Home Bargains

Carmex lipbalm. £1.69

Do any of these items interest you?

Do you have any related recommendations to share with me? :-) Xx

Recent Reads Reviewed #21

Billie’s Big Audition (World Elite Dance Academy) by Kimberly Wyatt – 4/5

Although this book was a gift, and not normally something I would pick up, I found myself enjoying it. The first in the series, we follow Billie who has aspirations to be a successful dancer. She has gone through some hardships, but applies to a world-famous dance school, with the support of her mother.

I found the characters were written well, each adding something extra to the story. The theme of friendship, tied the book together in a lovely way. The element of dance, was interesting to read about, and because of this I would like to continue with the series.

Jane Blonde Sensational Spylet by Jill Marshall – 4/5

The first in the Jane Blonde series. In this hilarious and often bizarre story, we meet Jane who feels invisible at school but then this larger than life woman shows up claiming to be her godmother. According to her godmother, 'G-Mamma' Jane is something special, and in fact a sensational spylet.

It was nice to read about such powerful, and go-getting female characters. It did take a while for me to get into the story but I found it to be unique, and engaging overall.

The Twelve Days of Christmas [Correspondence] by John Julius Norwich – 3/5

A young women writes daily thank you notes to a secret admirer that sends things from The Twelve Days of Christmas. At first she is pleased with her pear tree, but more and more strange things turn up and she ends up having to seek legal assistance.

This is a beautifully presented book, perfect to gift someone around Christmas time. The illustrations by Quentin Blake are as always fabulous. The story was above average but it wasn’t one of my favourites.

Paper Girls #2 by Brian K. Vaughan – 5/5

This is a wacky, sci-fi story about a group of teenage paper girls. The plot tends to veer off into random directions, so I’ve learnt to just go with it and enjoy it for that reason. The illustrations are fabulous, particularly the colour palette and the unique characters.

I’m thoroughly enjoying the Paper Girls series so far. It’s one of those times the internet made me get into it and who can resist those vivid, ombre covers? This series has inspired me to read more graphic novels. 

Monster Cake by Damian Harvey – 3/5

This was a short and sweet rhyming book for children. The story follows a baker, who makes a monster cake, and puts all kinds of bugs and things in it. I could imagine the very young thoroughly enjoying it and it made me smile!

The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees – 5/5

I was a little late to the party with the hype of this book, but last year I asked for The Curated Closet for my birthday. I found the book highly informative, and it has inspired me to elevate my current wardrobe.

The book has a technical method to finding your style, which I found refreshing and interesting. Fashion is one of my main passions, and while reading, I gained a new perspective.

I can see a wide range of people, benefiting from reading this book, whether you know a lot about personal style or not. It’s a beautifully presented book too, with minimal, photographs and text that’s easy to follow.

Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi – 5/5

This was probably my favourite book of 2019. The topic of social media, technology and the psychology of how it affects us is an important one that has interested me for a while. The author reflects on her experiences, including how time doing nothing can lead to new ideas. 

The writing was highly engaging, informative, and insightful. I wish I could more eloquently review this marvellous book, instead, I’m going to let you pick this title up, and find out for yourself.  

Out of these books, which have you heard of before?

Are you currently reading anything at the moment? :-) Xx

Original Source Water Infusions Range

Hope my blog readers are doing well. Today I’m excited to share my thoughts on some new to me Original Source shower gels. I think the water infusions range has been in the shops a little while now, and I’ve been wanting to give them a go. I treated myself to some for Christmas, and have been pleased with using them in the shower since.

Original Source is one of my favourite brands for shower gels, particularly for the scents along with the fact they are vegan. I find the branding really eye-catching too, so the products are easy to spot on the shop shelves. I wasn’t sure whether the water infusions were going to be as good as the standard range, I was worried the consistency would be a bit runny, but it’s actually a bit jelly/gel like, and easy to use.

Again I figured the scent wouldn’t be as strong, but both the raspberry and rose as well as apple and melon have a prominent scent, that is so fresh, and beautiful. I don’t have a favourite of these, I love them both! The retail for about £1 each for 250ml, which is extremely affordable.

Let me know if you are going to try these!

What shower gel do you currently have on the go? :-) Xx

Sophellie's Café Review & Tour

I’ve visited Sophellie's café a good number of times now so I thought it was about time I shared my review of it. It’s part of an open area with other things like Kirkleatham museum, a bird sanctuary, a playground and so on which makes it a good place to take families. I visit with my parents, and we tend to have a walk about on the grounds, visit the art exhibitions and go for a coffee in the café.

The café is fairly spacious, with big glass windows, letting a lot of natural light in. The staff are keen to assist and the prices are reasonable. We all ordered a very scrummy, enormous toasted teacake with a hot drink, and I went for a decaffe cappuccino. The coffee is always very good here. They do a nice selection of cakes too if you are after something indulgent. They also serve a range of tempting meals.

Do you enjoy going to cafes too?

Does this look like somewhere you might like to try? :-) Xx