What I got for Christmas 2016

Hello lovelies!

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas yesterday filled with lots of joy. I had a lovely day of being with my family, eating and watching various Christmas TV Specials.

I am very lucky and I was spoilt by my lovely family, so I decided to share with you all what I got for Christmas!

Beauty

Vera Wang Princess perfume: I’ve wanted this perfume for over a year now so I was very happy to receive this as a present off my godmother. It’s got a lovely sweet scent and I can’t wait to wear it! I’m not going to say too much about this product as I shall write a review later.

Soap & Glory The Whole Glam Lot gift set: I always enjoy receiving a Soap & Glory gift set, as I’m a massive fan of their products! The Whole Glam Lot set contains 10 full sized products, including makeup, skincare and body care products. This year’s gift set includes my favourite Sugar Crush body wash (the scent reminds me of ice cream floats!).

Ted Baker London gift set: One of my lovely friends gave me this a present. I’ve never owned any Ted Baker beauty products before. However I’ve already fallen in love with the body spray and I can’t wait to try out the other mini products.

White Grace gift set: I received this gift set off another lovely friend for Christmas. I thing I love most about this product is the friend who gave me this product is actually called grace (thanks Grace!). I’ve never tried White Grace products before, but I look forward to trying them out. 

Real Techniques Hollywood Icons Brush and DVD set: I own make up brushes but this is my first Real Techniques brush! They seem to be every bloggers favourite brand of brushes, so I shall be trying mine out and seeing whether they are worth the type. The brush also comes with a DVD which has makeup tutorials on how to do your makeup like famous Hollywood icons, including Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. I can’t wait to try this out as Audrey Hepburn is one of my biggest icons.

Clothes

Unicorn Slippers: I always love having fluffy slippers and this year I got a pair of unicorn slippers. These are my favourite pair of slippers I’ve ever owned because I love unicorns and they are pink (my favourite colour!)

Brown Fur Boots: I needed a new pair of winter boots so I asked for a pair for Christmas. I love brown colour boots and these ones are perfect, especially with the fur (its fake!) trim along the outside.

Fluffy Owl PJ’s: In winter I always get really cold so I always wear fluffy PJ’s and I can never own too many pairs of fluffy PJ’s. Plus what’s Christmas without receiving a pair of fluffy PJ’s? These ones are really cute as they have little owls on them, and they are pink as well.

PJ’s: When it becomes slightly warmer I then progress to long sleeved PJ’s. With growing, I’ve needed a new pair of long sleeved PJ’s. I really like this pair, especially the tartan trouser bottoms!

Books

The Bell Jar: This book has been on my reading list for a while, as I’ve always wanted to read this book! It’s supposed to be a really good book so I can’t wait to read it.

Holding up the universe: After reading All the bright places I was keen to read Jennifer Niven’s latest book. I’ve read the blurb of this book and I don’t think it’s a sequel to All the bright places (however I could be wrong!). However this book seems to follow a similar concept to All the bright places so I look forward to reading it.

The White Rose: The White Rose is the sequel to The Jewel, which I read over a year ago. I loved reading The Jewel, as the story was so interesting, so I can’t wait to begin the sequel.

I also received lots of other small gifts off my family, including what feels like a lifetime supply of chocolate! (although me being me, I’ll be lucky if it lasts a week into the New Year!) and a bracelet off my brother which says Worlds Best Sister!

My lovely blogger friend Alice also did a Christmas Haul on her blog (I really enjoyed reading what Alice got for Christmas!), which you can read all about HERE

What did you receive for Christmas this year?

3 books that accurately represent mental health

Hola!

Mental health is so important in today’s society, yet it still remains a taboo subject. It certainly isn’t helped when the media inaccurately portray mental health issues, leading to stigma and stereotypes for those who do suffer from mental health problems.
However, mental health is slowly becoming more recognised and slowly the media is starting to accurately portray mental health. With being a bookworm I have discovered 3 books which accurately show what it’s like for people to suffer from mental health issues.

Finding Audrey- Sophie Kinsella

Plot: Audrey, a teenage girl, suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder and, as a result, she won’t leave her house. She soon meets Linus, her brother’s friend, and as they become friends, Audrey starts to feel like she can do things again.

This was the first book I read that I thought did a really good job of showing what it’s like living with a mental health issue. Through Audrey we see what it’s like for someone to suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and how it can affect their lives on a daily basis. This book also shows what the journey of recovery is like for someone who is battling a mental health problem. Overall I really enjoyed this book and its definitely worth the read.

It’s kind of a funny story- Ned Vizzini

Plot: Craig gets into his dream high school but the pressure soon becomes too much for him and ends up nearly killing himself. He ends up in a psychiatric hospital where we meet his new neighbours, who are all trying to overcome their mental health problems. Craig eventually learns to control the sources of his anxiety.

For me, there is so much stigma and negativity surrounded by those who have to go to a mental hospital. I like how this book truthfully shows what it’s like to be a patient at a mental hospital. Also this book shows what that the other patients in the hospital are just people, with their own lives, issues and back stories as too often we only think of a patient at a mental health hospital in terms of their illness rather than them as a person. Whilst the book does deal with a sensitive topic, it is enjoyable and I found it funny in places.

All the bright places- Jennifer Niven

Plot: Finch is battling depression and is having suicidal thoughts, Violet is struggling to get over her sister’s death. Finch and Violet meet for the first time on the ledge of the school bell tower and end up working together on a school project. It’s through this that Finch helps Violet to overcome her grief even though his struggle with his own mental health is getting worse.

Firstly I thought the book was beautifully written and I like how it’s split into Finch’s and Violet’s version of the story. This book deals with mental health problems such as grief, depression and suicide. The book does a very good job of showing what it’s like for someone to be dealing with grief. It also has a realistic representation of what it’s like for someone to be having suicidal thoughts and what it’s like to lose someone through suicide.

Not only do all this books accurately represent mental health but they also have really good plots as well, I recommend you give these books a read. Are there any books you think represent mental health accurately?

My Recent Reads

Hello!
     Today I'm going to be sharing with you what I have been reading recently.

The wrong boy: Suzi Zail

Background:(This book isn't based on a true story) A Jewish girl named Hanna is sent to Auschwitz with her family. She, her mother and her sister, Erkia, are seperated from her father. Hanna can play the piano and is chosen to play for the camp commander. However its not long before she falls in love with 

the commander's son, Karl. 

Comment: Although the book is called the wrong boy, Hanna falling in love with Karl isn't the main story line. The story line is all the hardships she has to suffer while at Auschwitz and what it was like being at Auschwitz. Although I already knew quite about about the Holocaust this book really opened my eyes and gave me much more depth to what actually went on. I found it really sad and although the book had a happy ending it still left me sad as it's still quite sad.

Days of blood and starlight: Laini Taylor

Background: This is the sequel to Daughter of smoke and bone. Karou decides to stay in the chimera and seraphim world, Erezt. Here she takes up the job of resurrection from her adopted father, Brimstone. However these newly resurrected chimera are being used as soldiers to fight the seraphim and a war is on the brink of brewing. Her lover, Akiva, is a seraphim and is trying to save the chimera and show that fighting is not the way forward. 

Comment: Almost a year ago I read daughter of smoke and bone and I loved it. I loved reading this one as well. The plot really develops as with the relationships with the characters. There were a few surprises in this book and it leaves you on a cliff hanger.

The Perfectionists: Sara Shepard

Background: 5 girls are sick of rich bully Nolan. At his party they play a prank on him that goes horribly wrong. They are trying to keep quite about what they did and there secrets of their past. However its not long before it starts to come out.

Comment: I really enjoyed this book and it jumps about from each girls story. You think the girls are responsible for Nolan's accident but there not, it's someone else and the book ends on a cliff hanger. I enjoyed how the plot develops and you find out the girls secrets and why they wanted to prank Nolan.

Opal Plumstead: Jaqueline Wilson

Background: Opal Plumstead is a bright girl with a scholarship who dreams of attending Oxford. When her dad is put in prison she is forced to leave school and begins to work in Fairy Glens sweet factory. Here she meets Mrs Roberts who is a suffragette and Opal becomes one as well. Also Opal begins to fall for Mrs Roberts son, Morgan

Comment: I don't care how old I am, I still love Jacqueline Wilson (she is my favourite author of my childhood). I loved reading her new book. The story line is very interesting with lots of little sub plots develop. I also like how the book talks about the context in which the book is set in as well. I found the ending a little sad as there is a sudden shocker towards the end of the book.

Well those are my recent reads. I hope you give them a try!

  

Recent Reads

Hi!
   In my spare time I love to read as it winds me down, so here is what I have been reading recently!

Undone: Cat Clarke

Background: Jem and Kai (her gay best friend) have been friends forever. After one night at a party Kai goes and commits suicide. 1 month later Jem receives a package from Kai filled with letters to be opened every month for a year. During this year she goes on a journey of love, friendship and revenge.

Comment: I really enjoyed this book despite it being quite sad. The plot was really catchy and I just loved the drama that unfolded throughout the book.

A Kiss In The Dark: Cat Clarke

Background: Alex and Kate meet at a concert and fall in love instantly. The only problem is Alex is a girl and its not long before Kate finds out.

Comment: Every time I read bits of this book, I just couldn't put it down. I was very eager to find out what happened. I really liked how the book was split into 2 parts, Alex's and Kate's side of the story.

Sailor Moon 2

This is the 2nd book in the Sailor Moon series. Its different from all my other recent reads as this one is a manga novel. I love Sailor Moon and this book is fantastic. It left me on a cliffhanger and I'm desperate to read the 3rd book to find out what happens.

Pink: Lili Wilkinson

Background: Lesbian Ava (who is a goth) is going to a new school and wants a new image. She wears girly clothes and gets rid of the black dye from her hair. Ava soon makes friends with the popular girl, Alexis, and joins her pastel crew. However when she fails an audition she also becomes friends with the Screws. Ava is soon left confused of who is wants to be and which group she fits in with.

Comment: Another book I really enjoyed. I love all the typical teenage drama that unfolds in the book. I also liked the choices Ava makes.

I hope you enjoyed reading my reviews on these books and that you will give them a go. What have you been reading recently?

Whats in my school bag?

Hello lovelies,
              I hope you have had a lovely first week back at school. Since we are on the topic of school I thought I would do a whats in my school bag post.

This is my new school bag which I bought on holiday this year. The bag pack has multi pockets so it makes putting stuff in my bag so much easier. On either side there are holders for the drinks. Also on the back of the bag pack there is extra padding to prevent my back from hurting. My favourite part of the bag, however, is the design. Its all bright colours and has funky patterns which I love.

Contents of my school bag

1. Calculator- Okay I haven't used my calculator yet but one of my a-levels I'm doing is geography so it might become useful then.

2. Pencil Case 1- I use this pencil case to store my colouring pencils and fineliner pens

3. Pencil case 2- This is my favourite pencil case of the 2. It contains: pens, pencils, highlighters, ruler, rubber, protractor and a pencil sharpener.

4. Hairbrush- My hair can get messy during the day so I take my hairbrush to tidy up my hair.

5. School Planner- For me this is the equivalent of the bible. Inside my planner it has my timetable with all my lessons and what room's I need to be in. It has a map of the school so I can find those rooms (although I'm pretty used to the school by now). Also it has places to record homework and important notes.

6. Ring binders- I have different ones for different subjects and I use them to store sheets that we get handed out in the lesson.

7. Sociology Notebook- The only subject I didn't get an exercise book was Sociology so I bought one for the lesson. I use it for notes I make during the lesson.

8. Exercise Books (yes i'm aware there is only 1 shown in the photo)- These books I use in lessons to jot down important notes that I will need later for revision.

9. Book- When I have a free and I have no work or none of my other friends have a free I like to read. Therefore I make sure I take a book into school with me to keep my company and I like to read anyway

10. Soap and Glory mini mist you madly spray- This mini bottle is perfect for school! I use this for when I want to freshen up during the day and I just love the scent.

11. Mobile Phone 1- This is the phone I use to text and ring people

12. Mobile Phone 2 with headphones- This phone is my main one. I use it to listen to my music, take photo's ect.

13. Purse- There is a canteen at school, I take the bus to and from school and sometimes I nip to the shops so I need my purse everyday.

14. Cosmetic Case:

In my cosmetic case I keep: Mints, Hand gel, Hand cream, tissues, hair grips, hair bobbles and hair clips- all very handy for a day at school.

Well that's whats in my school bag. Whats in yours?

Book Review: John Green

Hello everyone I'm officially back!!!

An Apology
Firstly I would like to apologize for being inactive for so long, I was sitting my GCSE'S so I really needed to concentrate on them. However I have sat them all (wooo) and I now have loads of free time so I will be able to blog.

The Fault In Our Stars

Just before Christmas practically every teenage girl was reading this and everyone said it was really good so I wanted to give it a go. It was my very first John Green book I ever read and I loved it!!! As a result I started to read more of his books.

Background Information:

Diagnosed with Thyroid cancer,Hazel Grace has been attending Support Groups which she detests. That soon changes when the gorgeous Augustus Waters arrives and they fall in love. Hazel and Augustus go on a love journey of their lifetime.

What I say: I loved the plot of this book it was amazing. Also I loved the chemistry that builds up between Hazel and 'Gus and my heart practically melts when Augustus says "I'm in love with you Hazel Grace". This book is very moving and I almost cried in certain parts (especially at the plot twist). I fully recommend this book to any teenage girl and you will love it!!!

On a different note I'm extremely excited that The Fault In Our Stars is being turned into a movie and I'm dying to see it. I think I will definitely cry if I watch it (I've seen the trailer and that nearly had me in tears).

Paper Towns 

This is my favourite John Green book by far!!!

Background Information: Margo Roth Spiegelman invites Quentin on an all night road trip of revenge and then the next day she has disappeared. She leaves clues for Quentin to go and find her and Quentin soon sets out on a road trip to find Margo once and for all.

What I Say: The story line of this book is just fabulous and it's one of the reasons I love this book so much.It was so easy to get sucked in. Throughout the whole book I'm just sat praying Quentin will eventually find Margo. I love how the story builds of of Quentin finding the clues and eventually, after graduating, going to find Margo.

Looking For Alaska

Background: Miles is sent to boarding school and when he arrives he falls for Alaska Young. Then one night tragedy strikes... Miles is left to work out exactly what happened and learn to live with the pain.

What I say: Wow!!! This was such a good book to read and I love how its splits into 2 parts of counting down the days til the tragedy strikes and then counting the days after the tragedy has struck. The chemistry between Miles and Alaska is just amazing and its soooo sad when its torn apart. This book made me laugh in places but also cry.

An Abundance of Katherines:

Background: After being dumped for the nineteenth time by a Katherine Colin sets out on a road trip with his best friend Hassan. He soon ends up in Gutshot where he meets Lindsay and works on his Theorem of relationships.

What I say: This was't one of my favourites and if in honest I found it a bit boring. I found it really hard to get absorbed into the story line and it was also quite difficult to follow.

However once I got going I slowly started to enjoy the book and Colin's adventure. I also like how Colin tried to make a theory up all about relationships and predict who would be the "Dumper" and who would end up as the "Dumpee". I also I enjoyed the ending even if it was sort of predictable.

Well these are all the John Green books I have read so far and my opinions on them. What are your favourite John Green books???

Manga!!!

Hiya, as you all know I'm addicted to the Japanese Culture. One of the first things that made me grow to love the Japanese Culture was Manga. I fell in love with manga at the age of 11 when I read my 1st manga novel.

Manga originates from Japan and was first discovered in the late 19th Century. Manga is a Japanese word for "comics" or "cartoons".

Stereotypical Manga Character

The above picture is what a typical manga character looks like. One of the biggest typical features of a manga character is their big,cute eyes. Also manga characters tend to have small noses and mouths.

Manga Novels:

Dragon Ball Z:

I have read the first 2 volumes of this series and the books are just funny and interesting Dragon Ball Z is about a boy named Goku (who is on the cover in the picture above) and his friends. They are on a quest to find the legendary seven dragon balls. Legend has it that if you find all seven dragon balls you can summon the dragon master and he will grant you one wish. After the wish has been made the dragon balls disappear and spread out around Earth. I found this book series very funny and I just loved the quests Goku and his friends go on (However the books can be quite sexual in places). So if you are a fan of action and adventure I strongly suggest reading the Dragon Ball Z series.

Jiu Jiu

This is by far one of the saddest manga novels I have ever read. Jiu Jiu is all about a 16 year old girl named Takamichi. Her job is to hunt demons and slay them. Tragically,while out on one of these missions, her twin brother dies trying to protect her. Then one day Takamichi receives a pair of "jiu jui". They are half human, half wolf and are called Snow and Night. At first Takamichi treats Snow and White badly as she was treated badly. However she gradually accepts them. The story is a little hard to get into at first but once your sucked in the stories are really good.

Books, Books, Books

Hello

From a young age I have loved reading books!!! I own a load of books ( my bookshelf is collapsing to due to how many I have!!). As I'm a Teenager I'm addicted to Teen Fiction so here are some of my top reads:

Paper Aeroplanes By Dawn O'Porter

Background: It is set in 1994 with 2 Tudor Falls girls, Renee and Flo. Flo is a goody, goody, lives in the shadow of her controlling best friend and her Mum refuses to look after her and her younger Sister. Renee is rebellious, lives with her strict grandparents and her 2 best friends dont even care about her. When Renee and Flo meet a very extraordinary friendship forms.

My Opinion: I loved reading this book and just couldn't put it down. Its very realistic and relates to teenage life very well. Also you really feel for Renee and Flo.

Torn: Cat Clarke

Background: Alice goes on a school trip to the Scottish wilderness. She shares a room with her best friend Cass, Emo Rae, Socially Rejected Polly and popular Tara. One of these girls is killed in man slaughter and the rest of the book is about living with the guilt

My Opinion: Wow, wow, wow!!! This is one of the best books I have ever read. I love the main storyline and all the sub plots that unfold. Again I couldn't put this book down and I strongly recommend to read this book, NOW!!!

Confessions of a Teenage drama queen: Dyan Sheldon

Background: Kooky Lola (Mary) moves from New York to New Jersy (AKA deadwood). Lola dreams of becoming an actress. At her new school she becomes best friends with Ella, battles with the Great Santini eg Carla and gets the lead role in the school play.

My Opinion: Dyan Sheldon is one of my favorite authors and this is the best book I have read of hers ( Its my favorite as well so double points) I also own all of her books she has written. I could strongly relate with Lola ( I feel I am like Lola)