12 months, 12 books!

Hi guys!

I LOVE to read, I would even go as far as to say it is my favourite hobby. So, I thought I would share this hobby with you guys.

So this is basically my guide to a good read. All of these books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed! Its one book for each month of the year. As I’ll explain along the way, I have put certain books and months together just to make it a bit more tailored to those months and to myself (It is my guide after all haha)

I hope you guys find this useful and are drawn to a few of these brilliant books, maybe you could pop them onto your Christmas list! You may even know someone who would enjoy one of these, or failing that they would make great stocking fillers,

Lets take a look at the books I’ve chosen…

Bridget Jones Diary By Helen Fielding.

Because we all need a bit of cheering up in January! & Bridget is a very endearing character. January is probably when most people would start writing a new diary, a new year, a new chapter.

Billy & Me By Giovanna Fletcher.

A brilliant and cosy love story, wonderfully written. You will fall in love with the setting, its characters and the story of a young couple in love.

Blood sisters by Jane Corry.

I really enjoyed this book and found the twists really keep you on your toes.

After I’ve gone By Linda Green.

This book is SO gripping. With social media being at the forefront of todays culture this novel really makes you think. (+ its full of Harry Potter references!!)

Is it just me? By Miranda Hart.

May is my birthday month and I received this book for my birthday a few years ago. It is full of laughs. Miranda Hart is my favourite comedian and this hilarious book of anecdotes and stories is just fab! Sure to put a smile on your face. Almost halfway!

The Notebook By Nicholas Sparks.

“Every great love starts with a story.” This book is beautiful, true love personified, it made me cry!! (All the feels!!) and during what is a special month for me and my husband I thought this was a rather apt choice.

“I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough..”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Lying about last summer by Sue Wallman.

Since July is the start of the summer I thought that this would make a good choice. This one is a teenage read (technically, but don’t let that put you off adults!!) It is super easy to get into and is just a lovely story about overcoming fears and letting go of guilt.

Change of heart By Jodi Picoult.

I was on holiday when I read this, hence the choice of months! and this is by far one of my favourites of all of Jodi Picoults books. It is SO gripping you honestly won’t be able to put it down, 10/10.

Harry Potter and the Philosphers Stone By J.K Rowling

Because was I ever going to do a book review without getting a Harry Potter book in there?? (NO, No I was not) This book is so MAGICAL and if your anything like me you’ll be dreaming of boarding that train to Hogwarts on September the 1st.

The Ice cream girls By Dorothy Koomson.

Take yourself back to Summer time with this seaside set novel. Heart breaking but brilliantly written by another one of my favourite authors.

Mince pies and mistletoe at the Christmas market By Heidi Swann.

This is a lovely easy reader with an awesome festive feel to it. If this doesn’t get you into the festive spirit I don’t know what will!!

Tanya’s Christmas By Tanya Burr

This is a fantastic book to get you feeling super festive, but also prepared for all the merriment. Its not a story, its more of a guide to Christmas and Christmas prep. Its full of brilliant crafty ideas, tantalizing recipes that will make your mouth water and make up, gifting and wrapping ideas to get those festive juices flowing, perfect.

 

These books are all quite different so I’m hoping there’s something in there for all of you guys to get your teeth stuck into,

What’s your favourite book? Favourite Author? Any recommendations?

 

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

Blogmas 2017! ITS HAPPENING!!

Hi guys!

This is just a brief post to remind you that I will indeed be embarking on Blogmas again this year.

Yup, that’s a blog a day, everyday throughout the month of December, up until the big day on the 25th.

I bloody LOVE Christmas so expect some super festive and fun ideas, craft, recipes, make up, party looks, gifting, food and SO MUCH MORE!!

Its tough but I am so excited to get stuck in and document my festivities, as well as hopefully spreading the festive fun and inspiring you guys to make the best of this time of year, because it really is the most wonderful time of the year. 

So watch out December 1st, I’m coming for you!

 

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

My top 5 ways to relax!

Here are my 5 simple steps to having a relaxing evening.

I know this is personal preference but its just my favourite way to unwind and relax after a busy week and I thought that I would share it with you guys.

Enjoy!

Step 1:

Treat yourself!

After work on Friday I walked into town and treated myself by getting my nails done. I have only had them professionally done a handful of times and its been ages, So I thought why not!

I went to a little salon where we got our nails done ready for my sisters wedding in 2015. I really wanted an Autumnal colour as I am loving those shades at the moment.

Here’s what I went for …

IMG_20171110_191147_033A full set of acrylics in this lovely dark browny, bronzy colour.

Step 2:

Pamper yourself!

As soon as I got home I ran myself a nice hot bath. I love baths and find them super relaxing. I picked out my favourite LUSH products to add to my bath because the only thing better than a regular bath is a LUSH bath!!

One of my favourite LUSH products is the ‘Comforter’ bubble bar. I also used the Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin shower gel, from their Autumn range, which I am loving at the mo! The bubble bar creates super bubbles and the smell of the shower gel is DI-VINE.

Step 3:

Get cosy!

I popped on some cosy, festive (I know its early, apologies but at least it is November!!) PJS and grabbed a cosy throw and snuggled down on the sofa.

…and don’t forget the cosy socks.

Step 4:

Entertainment!

Its really important to take the time to do things that you love but usually don’t have time for, read a book, catch up on your fav shows, do a puzzle, write, anything.

IMG_20171111_145241_516.jpgI opted for my current book because reading is by far one of my favourite hobbies. I also had the remote in order to catch up with a couple of the soaps that I watch.

Step 5:

Food!

Because come on, no relaxing and cosy blog post of mine is complete without it (in fact I can think of many times that are incomplete without it haha)

I made myself some indulgent loaded fries for dinner and a nice cold drink too. Time to tuck in!

 

I felt so much better taking some time to myself and relaxing after a busy week.

Enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing.

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

 

Halloween fun 🎃👻

So, as we all know yesterday was Halloween! Good ‘ol October 31st 🎃

I did a few different things this year to enjoy this festival, It’s not something I particularly celebrate as such but it’s quite a fun festival to take part in, it’s a good excuse to get together/dress up etc and I love the spooky, dark atmosphere too.

On Saturday we had a family Halloween party…

Party food, spooky music, costumes, decorations, family, fun & pumpkin carvings too! 

The kiddies loved it (the adults too) and it’s a nice reason to all get together.

On Sunday, Me, my sister Sarah & her friend went to a Halloween event in one of our local parks. Its a paid for event but all proceeds go to a local charity. It was called ‘Whose scared of the park? After dark. For thr even they had volunteers hiding around the park ready to scare you.

The volunteers were dotted around a planned 5k walking course and they were dressed in brilliant costumes from creepy brides, chainsaw wielding madmen, nuns, clowns and more. It was a fun walk (cold🤤, but fun) and everybody dressed up and got into the Halloween spirit.

We decorated our faces to look like creepy, cracked faced dolls… 

This was so much fun to do and super effective. 

The final Halloween activity that I did this year was a trip to the cinema on Halloween night to watch a horror film, one of my fave genres of film.

We (Me & Sarah) went to our local cinema, as monthly cinema card holders its one of our favourite things to do and there are a few good horror films out atm, be rude not to see one on Halloween.

We went to see the latest film from the ‘Saw’ franchise called Jigsaw. I really enjoyed the film, it had a really good twist to the plot and aside from the gore (what did I really expect from a Saw film!!) it was easy to watch too.

I hope you enjoyed your spooky Halloween celebrations, whatever they were!

How do you celebrate Halloween? 

Until next time, 

Roseanne 🙂