Favourites of 2013

Hey happy last day of 2013

Seeing how today is the last day of 2013, like seriously where did this year go. I thought it was fitting to do a post on all my favourite things throughout 2013. There isn't that many but we shall jump in all the same.

Book

I've read tons of books this year and I've had a good think of what book is my favourite for the year and it was seriously hard to pick just one but I did and drum roll please......

I loved this book, it was totally different from anything I had read before and would highly recommend it. If you want to see my full review on this book then click here :)

Film

I haven't watched that many films this year, mostly because there hasn't been that many good ones but one film has stuck with me and I've watched it many times since it came out.

TV

Now this was a hard one to pick seeing as I watch a ton of programmes which you can see here & here. But of course one programme stood out more than the others it was refreshing and had me hooked from the start.

Music

There hasn't been a great deal of music that I have liked this year nor one set album so I thought I would just list some songs that I've liked throughout the year

Katy Perry - Roar & Unconditionally

One Direction - Story of my Life

Lorde - Royals

Passenger - Let Her Go

Demi Lovato - Heart Attack & Party In The USA

One Republic - Counting Stars

I'm sure there was more songs that I liked but my mind is having a snooze so I can't think of anymore.

Beauty

The last half of the year I started getting into make-up and wanting to try new things, which lead me to try out beauty boxes and my favourite is....

Glossy box. There's something about receiving a box full of goodies every month. I really enjoyed getting these boxes and will be signing back up in the new year.

Everything else

Coat

Since I brought this coat in the summer I've worn it non stop since September and I love it.

YouTube

Obsessed is probably the word that best desribes how I am about YouTube. As well as getting to watch awesome videos it is also a good source for information, you can literally find anything and I mean anything.

My Blog

Of course I'm going to mention my blog. I've had such fun doing this blog since July it's given me something to focus on & I've loved talking to a few of you.

Bloglovin

I read a ton of blogs (20 so far) and it's a great way to keep all the blogs you love to read in one place & allows you to discover new blogs (like mine :p) 

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Well that pretty much sums up my favourites for the year. It's been a roller coaster of a year but I'm hoping 2014 will be better. Just want to thank all of you who have read my blog and follow me, your support is touching. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve & if you're celebrating then stay safe and I'll see you all next year :)

XOXO

Debbie

FTC: All pictures are from Google.com

What I got for Christmas Haul 2013

Hiya

I am sad that Christmas is over with already, but I'm holding onto the Christmas spirit for as long as possible and thought I would do a Haul before Christmas is truly over with for another year. I am in no way bragging by showing what I got. I know there are a lot of people that enjoy these posts and I enjoy them just as much. So without further ado...

Clothes

This year I got quite a few items of clothing, most of them being cardigans or jumpers. The first two I got was these long stripy cardigans in the colours Blue & Grey. 

For the jumpers I got a Pink one with the word Geek on it and an baggy jumper that will keep me warm on those cold nights.

Books

I always get a ton of books for Christmas and this year was no different. First off I got Melissa Explains It All By Melissa Joan Hart, Teardrop By Lauren Kate, The Fault In Our Stars by John Green and The House of Hades By Rick Riordan. Super excited to begin reading these. I've done a seperate post on these books which you can read here :)

Candles

I'm literally obsessed with Candles at the moment that it's getting ridiculous lol I have so many that I need to burn. But I got a Yankee Candle in the scent Black Coconut which smells more like Christmas Cookie then it does Coconut. I also got a candle by Tempatations in the scent spiced wreath & cassis mistletoe which smells lovely.

Make Up

Seeing as I got into make up this year I got a set of eyeliner pencils in some gorgeous colours that I can't wait to try them out. They are by the brand Beauty Box and they are from Debenhams

Miscellaneous

I got an IPad cover that stands up in this pretty design which was from Ebay

I'm always stealing my mums umbrella so she decided to get me my own and I love it. It's got a star design as I love stars (I also have a star tattoo on my wrist) 

I got a drinking cup with a lid and straw as glasses don't hold that much juice so I'm forever refilling it so this is handy as it holds more. (It can hold a can & a half of 7up) I believe this one was from Matalan.

I also got a storage box with butterfly's on it, which allows me to store (duh) some things in it, which I am now storing my scarves in. The box is from Tescos

Both my parents got me a stuff toy as stocking fillers. From my mum got me the Otter which is called Mack & my dad got me the tiger one which I just named tiger (you can tell a lot of thought went into picking that name). The tiger one is from Tescos and I'm unsure where the Otter one came from.

From my Sister-in-law I got the latest Jack Dee DVD.

From my brother I got a perfume and this year I got DNA by Police which smells pretty damn nice, it also stays on your skin for a loooong time.

Sort of a stocking filler I got a 2014 diary which I'm sure I could fill with useless information. Also from Tescos.

AND

I also got some gift cards for Primark which is my favourite shop ever. And also money but I haven't taken pictures of them as I'm sure you all know what it looks like. I will also do another haul once I've spent them.

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I hope you enjoyed this post. I'm extremely thankful for everything I received and am in no way showing off.

What did you get for Christmas?

Till next time

XOXO

Debbie.

Sunday Books #14

Today's post is going to be a tiny bit different, while im still going to be recommending you all some lovely books to read, it will be books I received for Christmas rather than what the paper recommends. Happy with that? Ah I'm sure you are. Also it gives you a sneak peak into what I got for Christmas. 

The Fault In Our Stars

John Green

Published: 2012

318 Pages

Description

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that had bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten

Teardrop

Lauren Kate

Published: 2013

441 Pages

Description

Never, ever cry....Seventeen-year-old Eureka won't let anyone close enough to feel her pain. After her mother was killed in a freak accident, the things she used to love hold no meaning. She wants to escape, but one thing holds her back: Ander, the boy who is everywhere she goes, whose turquoise eyes are like the ocean. And then Eureka uncovers an ancient tale of romance and heartbreak, about a girl who cried an entire continent into the sea. Suddenly her mother'a death and Ander's appearance seem connected, and her life takes on dark undercurrents that don't make sense. Can everything you love be washed away?

Melissa Explains It All

Melissa Joan Hart

Published: 2013

288 Pages

Description

Melissa Joan Hart explained it all - from dating to bullies - in her groundbreaking role as Clarissa Darling on Clarissa Explains It All. She cast a spell on millions more viewers as Sabrina The Teenage Witch. Now, in Melissa Explains It All, Melissa tells the frank and funny behind-the-scenes stories from her extraordinary past and her refreshingly normal present.

From her first commercial to her current starring role in ABC Family's hit Melissa and Joey, Hart never let fame go to her head. She always had one foot in Hollywood and one foot in reality - and still does. Melissa makes us laugh along with her.

Melissa Joan Hart explains all that she's learned along the way - what's kept her grounded, normal and working when others have not been so fortunate - and that she's the approachable, hilarious girl-next-door her fans have always thought she'd be.

The House Of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4)

Rick Riordan

Published: 2013

597 Pages

Description

Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

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What books did you get this Christmas? If you are a fan of reading or are looking to join a book club then check out my Read & Ramble post for more information.

XOXO

Debbie

FTC: All descriptions are from Goodreads & all books were given to me as gifts.

Saturday Pinterest #9

Hey

Can you believe that this time next week it will be 2014?? It's crazy to think has fast 2013 went, hopefully the new year won't go as fast.

Top Tip

Use left over buttons & paper clips to create unique bookmarks.

Outfit

Ideas for New Years Eve

Make-up

Hair

Nails

Funny

Aww

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I hope you enjoyed this post.

Till next time

XOXO

Debbie

Merry Christmas

Ho ho ho

It's Christmas Eve, ahhhhhhhhhhh!! I figured for today's post I would just do a chat type post.

Here goes....

I finally finished work on Friday for the next two weeks and since then, it has been crazy busy. I've been ill for the past couple of weeks I can't seem to shake off this cold so I spent the past couple of days in bed resting and finally yesterday I felt much better..yay!! 

I spent the majority of yesterday out shopping getting any other bits I needed and the shops were mental and totally packed, currently here in the UK we are having major storms with gale force winds and heavy rain, so it probably wasn't the best day to go shopping lol but I managed to finish my shopping including getting the turkey and veggies.

I spent the evening wrapping up the rest of the presents that needed wrapping and my dad treated me and my mum to a takeaway Chinese, which went down rather nicely.

Now today I am spending part of the day doing any chores that need doing which is mostly cleaning and tidying up. Then the rest of the day I am looking after my niece which I always love doing and it's nice to see her on Christmas Eve as I won't be seeing her till Boxing Day :)

And finally I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read, comment and follow my blog. I'm extremely grateful for all your support and I hope you enjoy what I post & if you have any request then just let me know. I won't be back till the 27th December and the post will be 'What I Got For Christmas'

So until then have a very merry Christmas, I hope you all have a lovely day and I will see you all on the 27th :)

'Tis the season to be jolly

XOXO

Debbie

The Mortal Instruments: Movie Vs Book Review

Hey friend

I recently watched the new Mortal Instruments film and as it's based on a book I thought I would compare them.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Cassandra Clare

Published: 2009

Pages 448

Description

Review

I only gave this book a go as I knew a film was being produced and wanted to read the book before seeing the film. I really enjoyed this book I didn't think I would, there's nothing special about it, it's your average YA book but still worth the read, it's funny in places and the characters really come to life in the book.

My Rating: 7/10

Would I Recommend?: Yes.

The Mortal Instruments

2013

Description

Review:

If you read my review on Beautiful Creatures then you know that in my opinion most film that are made based on books are normally rubbish and just don't match up to the books with the few exceptions (Harry potter & LOTR) but this film was actually decent. I found some things wrong with it which I am going to list below and there will be spoilers, so if you don't want to know anything then go and watch the film first and then come back and read this :)

1) Some of the characters are not who I pictured - Jace, Valentine, Simon, Bane & Hodge. Without sounding mean Jace is not good looking in the slightest in the book he appears as if he should be good looking.

Valentine - Johnanthon Rhys Meyers just isn't evil enough and far to good looking to be playing him.

Bane - I think he  isn't gay enough in the film. I pictured him to wear bright colours and make up.

Hodge - I pictured Hodge to be wearing some type of robe a bit like Dumbledore instead he wears a suit.

Simon - He doesn't pull off being funny in the slightest.

2) Clary's first encounter with Izzy & Jace was different in the movie then in the book which is a shame as I felt that scene in the book sets the whole story in finding out that Clary is different.

3) They added certain scenes in the movie that were not in the book i.e the fight with Clary's mother, in the book the fight happens before Clary arrives home.

4) I feel that the insistute seemed a bit Harry Potterish i.e the locking door.

5) Certain parts from the second book features in the film like with Clary being able to draw runes.

But despite all that it's a well made film and I did enjoy watching it.

My rating: 6/10

Would I recommend?: Yes.

Overall: I think the book is far better than the movie.

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That's it for this review, have you seen the movie? If so what did you think of it. You can let me know in the comments below :)

Till next time

XOXO

Debbie 

Sunday Books: Christmas Edition #4

Hey

Unfortunately this is the last Christmas Edition Sunday book post of this year :( this month has literally flown by and seeing how it is the last one, I had better make it a good'un.

A Cinderella Story

Holly Kingston

Published: Nov 2013

101 Pages

Description

This year's Cinderella pantomime is the hottest production in town. What's more, Lucy is starring alongside Ryan Aspall: famous TV actor, sex symbol and potential love of her entire life. One teeny problem - Lucy is tripping the light fantastic as... the back end of the comedy cow. Surely nothing kills a flirty moment quite like wearing a massive set of udders?

At least she has the support of glamorous Charmaine; a reality star diva of a Cinderella, who Lucy is completely fascinated by. But behind the fame and beauty, Charmaine is not all she seems.

With more drama off the stage than in it, and everyone wanting to be star of the show, will Lucy find the confidence to make it out of the cow suit and into the spotlight this Christmas?

Guess Who's Coming to Christmas Dinner

Laura Lockington

Published: Nov 2013

106 Pages

Description

Last Christmas had been a disaster for Sophoe and her daughter Bella. On Christmas morning Sophie discovered a present, which turned out to be for her husband Archie's mistress Bertha.

Sophie was determind that this year was going to be different. If only she could shake this cold and it would stop snowing.

With Bella still away at her Dads, Susi, her lively best friend, persuades Sophie to host a party on Christmas Eve. With a menu consisting of simply 'Booze and nibbles' what could possibly go wrong?

Sophie is about to find out.

With Love At Christmas

Carole Matthews

Published: Oct 2012

496 Pages

Description

Juliet Joyce adores Christmas. She loves the presents, the tree, the turkey, the tinsel, everything. Already the festive spirit is upon her, which is just as well as this Christmas things are starting to get out of hand.

Her sob Tom is out of work and bringing home a slew of unsuitar partners; pregnant daughter Chloe and her little boy have moved back in; Juliet's father, Frank, is getting over a heartbreak of his own and Rita, her eccentric mother, is behaving more erratically each day. And has the chaos got too much for Juliet's husband Rick?

With the big day fast approaching, Juliet hopes that she can stop everything spiralling out of control, because the only thing she wants is her family all around her and her home to be filled.

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That's it for today's post. I hope you have found something to read over the festive break from these post.

Till next time

XOXO

Debbie

FTC: All book descriptions are from Amazon and all images are from Google.

Christmas Pinterest #4

Ho ho ho

I'm sad this is the last Christmas Pinterest of this year :( but on the plus side only 4 days till Xmas. I'm so excited I'm like a big kid lol.

Top Tip

Decoration

Christmas Outfit Idea

Make Up

Hair

Nails

Gift Ideas

For all those people that love to sleep

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That's if for this Pinterest. I hope I've given you some ideas for this festive period. 

Till next time

XOXO

Debbie