Book
Impostors by Scott Westerfeld.
I'm going to be honest - a huge part of my love for this book was the nostalgia. Uglies was one of my favourite series growing up and I'm so excited that it's continuing. You don't need to have read any of the other books first as this is set in a future timeline.
I thought it was fantastic, especially the ways in which the characters changed so much throughout the story. I love stories of secrets and betrayal and this definitely ticked those boxes.
I'm going to be honest - a huge part of my love for this book was the nostalgia. Uglies was one of my favourite series growing up and I'm so excited that it's continuing. You don't need to have read any of the other books first as this is set in a future timeline.
I thought it was fantastic, especially the ways in which the characters changed so much throughout the story. I love stories of secrets and betrayal and this definitely ticked those boxes.
Audiobook
Divergent by Veronica Roth, narrated by Emma Galvin.
I am very late to the Divergent party, which is a surprise even to myself. It's dystopia, a genre I can't get enough of. And I absolutely adore the film. I'm glad I listened to this as even with the differences I love Tris and Four and their chemistry. Oh man, the chemistry.
I am very late to the Divergent party, which is a surprise even to myself. It's dystopia, a genre I can't get enough of. And I absolutely adore the film. I'm glad I listened to this as even with the differences I love Tris and Four and their chemistry. Oh man, the chemistry.
Quote
“I thought when he learned my secret, he would understand the ally I could be. But instead, he doesn't even know who I am.”― Scott Westerfeld, Impostors
On the Telly
Killing Eve, BBC
I thought that Killing Eve was absolutely stunning, and Jodie Comer was nothing less than outstanding as Villanelle. And Sandra Oh was back on my screen! As soon as this became available on BBC iPlayer I watched it all in three days. It's definitely compulsive viewing, and the ending was explosive. I can't wait for series two.
Vanity Fair, ITV
Vanity Fair has been filling the period drama-shaped hole in my soul this past month, and I've been loving it. Olivia Cooke's Becky Sharp is an absolute delight, and I love how the fourth wall is broken by Becky, like she's letting the audience in on her snark and her secrets. I also love the soundtrack, it makes the series feel so fresh.
I thought that Killing Eve was absolutely stunning, and Jodie Comer was nothing less than outstanding as Villanelle. And Sandra Oh was back on my screen! As soon as this became available on BBC iPlayer I watched it all in three days. It's definitely compulsive viewing, and the ending was explosive. I can't wait for series two.
Vanity Fair, ITV
Vanity Fair has been filling the period drama-shaped hole in my soul this past month, and I've been loving it. Olivia Cooke's Becky Sharp is an absolute delight, and I love how the fourth wall is broken by Becky, like she's letting the audience in on her snark and her secrets. I also love the soundtrack, it makes the series feel so fresh.
On Netflix
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Yep, I know it's a kids program. But OH MAN the chemistry between the two main characters! I can't get enough of it. It's like butterflies-in-your-stomach cute. I love that they don't know each others secret identity, I love their banter, I love how well they work together. I love how cocky Adrien is too, and how Marinette is so relatable.
Yep, I know it's a kids program. But OH MAN the chemistry between the two main characters! I can't get enough of it. It's like butterflies-in-your-stomach cute. I love that they don't know each others secret identity, I love their banter, I love how well they work together. I love how cocky Adrien is too, and how Marinette is so relatable.
Music
Clare Bowen by Clare Bowen
I got Clare Bowen's debut album on release day on 31st August and I've basically been listening non-stop. Warrior is my favourite track and I cry every time I hear it. I got to see her on the 4th September at the Sage Gateshead and she was wonderful. And yes, I cried.
I got Clare Bowen's debut album on release day on 31st August and I've basically been listening non-stop. Warrior is my favourite track and I cry every time I hear it. I got to see her on the 4th September at the Sage Gateshead and she was wonderful. And yes, I cried.
Tea
William Wordsworth, Rosie Lea Tea UK
I have been loving Rosie Lea Tea UK's William Wordsworth Inspired Tea. It's a naturally caffiene free blend and I've been drinking it on an evening to unwind. It's packed with chamomile flowers and lavender against South African rooibos and is very soothing.
I have been loving Rosie Lea Tea UK's William Wordsworth Inspired Tea. It's a naturally caffiene free blend and I've been drinking it on an evening to unwind. It's packed with chamomile flowers and lavender against South African rooibos and is very soothing.
Beauty Purchase
Jewel of the Sea Princess Face Mask, Primark
As part of my Primark Haul, I picked up a Jewel of the Sea Princess Face Mask for £3. It contained green tea to help refresh and revitalise skin, and it smelled amazing on. I have to say that the mask did wonders for my skin after all of the win we've been having, but being printed with Ariel's face it looked terrifying on!
As part of my Primark Haul, I picked up a Jewel of the Sea Princess Face Mask for £3. It contained green tea to help refresh and revitalise skin, and it smelled amazing on. I have to say that the mask did wonders for my skin after all of the win we've been having, but being printed with Ariel's face it looked terrifying on!
Fashion Purchase
Tartan Skirt, George at Asda
I love me a bit of tartan and I've been after a tartan skirt ever since the temperature first hinted at dropping down for autumn. The skirt I actually liked the look of most was a tartan pleated skirt, but it was far too short (and this is from someone who's just 5'2"!) but I dug around some more and found a gorgeous dark red tartan a-line skirt. It sits just about my knee and swishes as I walk.
I love me a bit of tartan and I've been after a tartan skirt ever since the temperature first hinted at dropping down for autumn. The skirt I actually liked the look of most was a tartan pleated skirt, but it was far too short (and this is from someone who's just 5'2"!) but I dug around some more and found a gorgeous dark red tartan a-line skirt. It sits just about my knee and swishes as I walk.
Days Out
Autumn Picnics
I have already managed to squeeze in two autumn picnics! Cue the tea, hot chocolate, sandwiches, and sausage rolls. And a sneaky bit of reading because I would hate to not be on brand. The first one was super windy and a bit colder than anticipated and I'm not going to lie I regretted only wearing a jacket haha. Thank goodness for the flask of tea! The second one I was better prepares and wore a coat, only for it to be a bright and windless sunny day so I was too warm.
I have already managed to squeeze in two autumn picnics! Cue the tea, hot chocolate, sandwiches, and sausage rolls. And a sneaky bit of reading because I would hate to not be on brand. The first one was super windy and a bit colder than anticipated and I'm not going to lie I regretted only wearing a jacket haha. Thank goodness for the flask of tea! The second one I was better prepares and wore a coat, only for it to be a bright and windless sunny day so I was too warm.
Blog Post
September 2018 Primark Haul
My favourite post this month has been my Primark Haul. It's the first time for me truly stepping out of my book blogging niche and it was so much fun. I can't wait to do more similar posts, and Friday's September Empties post was another chance to stretch my wings and go back to my blogging roots of anything and everything.
My favourite post this month has been my Primark Haul. It's the first time for me truly stepping out of my book blogging niche and it was so much fun. I can't wait to do more similar posts, and Friday's September Empties post was another chance to stretch my wings and go back to my blogging roots of anything and everything.
Five Favourite Blog Posts
from Other People
I spend at least an hour each day reading blogs, and these are just five of my favourite posts from the past month. Not gonna lie, I have read some excellent posts this month, these just absolutely shone through and are the ones I came back to more than once. Because yeah, I'm that person who rereads blog posts as well as books.
- Being The Ugly DucklingAbbey honestly hit the nail on the head with this post, and how impostor syndrome strikes. It always gets to me the most at events too and I feel out of place, but Abbey's post really got me thinking
- What I Love About Book Blogging When you're feeling a little down about blogging, posts like this are great - they remind you on why you do it. Because blogging is awesome and fun and a way to share your passion, and Aoife pointed out so many good things about it.
- Book Blogger Stats Survey Results: 2018I took part in this survey so I was super interested to see the results. After reading them I'm actually really pleased with how my blog is doing, it's put things into perspective in terms of how far I've come.
- Why I’m Obsessed with Trashy NovelsSarah's post about trashy novels really resonated with me. I love trash. I read it often and I read it for Me, because it's entertaining and makes me feel good. And Sarah is totally right in that we need to stop putting down entertainment for entertainment's sake.
- October Bullet Journal Set Up
Does anyone else love having a nosy at bullet journal set ups? I'm terrible at sticking to a bujo myself, but I can't get enough of seeing what everyone else is doing with theirs. Shirley has gone all out for October and the spreads are gorgeous!
How has your September been?