Without sounding cliché it's crazy how fast 2015 is going and spring is already approaching, bring on the sunshine, pastel colours and chocolate as we approach easter. I won't ramble so here's what I've been loving this month
The Accident Season – Moira Fowley-Doyle
So this book isn't actually out til July, but after I devoured it in one sitting I couldn't not include it in this months favourites. During my work experience at Random House Children's division in September I remember hearing a lot about this debut YA book about a family who every October have 'the accident season' full of bruises, cuts and broken bones and the mystery that surrounds it. Whilst I was at Penguin this month I was lucky enough to acquire a copy from the free books shelf and was so excited to start reading it, I don't want to say anymore with the fear of giving away plot details but I'd definitely recommend pre-ordering.
The Rosie Effect – Graeme Simsion
I loved the Rosie Project and was naturally pretty excited to hear what disasters Don would encounter in the next chapter of his and Rosie's life now they're married with a baby on the way. This was a sequel that didn't disappoint as it included all the characteristic charm and humour that made me fall in love with the first book.
T.V Shows:
The Voice
I'm not usually a fan of talent competition shows, the XFactor and Britain's Got Talent have for me just lost any excitement and are boring and predictable. So of course I assumed I would hate The Voice, but clearly I have been proven wrong. Yes, the spinning chairs are really tacky and in this day and age we should judge people on their talent regardless of their appearance anyway but that still doesn't stop me loving it. Unlike other talent shows I feel we are spared of the sob stories and acts who are lacking in talent and are able to enjoy people's unique interpretations of songs. Plus Ricky is just such a charmer I enjoy watching him convince all the contestants to join his team.
Broadchurch
I know this is a show that everyone raves about but it is honestly so much better than I expected. Initially I never watched the first series when it was aired on tv, but when I saw it on Sky on Demand before the second series started I thought why not give into the hype and see what it's all about. Within two days I had finished the first series and was eagerly anticipating the second series, but it's such a great drama as it constantly keeps you guessing and everyone is a suspect in the investigation. I feel the second series didn't quite live up to the first, but maybe that's where I had to wait a week between each episode instead, but I look forward to seeing what series three brings when it returns next year.
Music:
Ed Sheeran – X
After months I've finally given in and bought this album and I don't know what has been holding me back. It has definitely reignited my love for Ed Sheeran with its mixture of chilled and catchy tunes was perfect for listening to on my commute into London
Gabrielle Aplin
I feel with music I go through stages where I'll be hooked to an artist or album for a month or two then will go about a year before rediscovering them on my iTunes and this is what has happened with Gabrielle Aplin. Listening to these songs just take me back to Glastonbury last year and the relaxing chilled tone was perfect for my way home from London over the past few weeks as I could feel as if I was escaping the chaos and was back in a field again instead.
Food and Drink:
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels
I am known for being a bit of a salted caramel fiend, without a doubt its my favourite food (or at least one of them) so I decided to treat myself for valentines day and for successfully completely two weeks of work experience in London, with some from Hotel Chocolat and they were most definitely worth it.
Tanya Burr: Cookie Recipes (http://www.tanyaburr.co.uk/?blog=blogs/archive/2013/10/31/chocolate.cookies.recipe.aspx. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GsUzi4x9m-E )
My sister has been begging me to make these for quite some time and with the cold drizzly weather this february has brought I thought I'd finally make them as a comforting treat. I'm so glad I gave in because they are honestly the best cookies I have ever made, the result gives that perfectly texture of a slight crunch on the outside but still being soft and gooey in the middle. Its a testament to how good these are that I made them 3 weeks in a row, although by the third week I had to swap from the double chocolate to the chocolate and milk instead to cut back on the chocolate but they were still delicious. The most unfortunate thing is they definitely didn't last much further than the weekend before everyone had devoured them.
Beauty:
Lush Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar
It has been years since I set foot in a Lush store, but after seeing so many hauls on Youtube I finally gave in. Firstly what I loved about this (aside from the great name) is the beautiful colours of the bubble bar. Secondly the scent, lavender is always one of those smells that I associate with feeling calm and relaxed, which is exactly what I associate with bath time. Thirdly I only used half of this and it was definitely more than enough bubbles for my bath so that made me glad for my choice of bubble bar over bath bomb and even though this was limited edition I will definitely be making a trip back to Lush soon!
Tanya Burr Lipgloss Aurora
I've actually had this for quite sometime, but lip products are something I go through phases with where I'll be hooked to one colour for a while and then swap onto something different and so on. Now I know these have received a lot of praise everywhere else so I won't go on too much about them, but I just love the natural colour and subtle shine it gives to your lips without being too sticky. These glosses have definitely converted me back into a lipgloss fan.
Miscellaneous:
Charades (Iphone/pod/pad App)
Again another thing that isn't so new but I love it. Charades is a game I usually dread having to play but me and my sister play this all the time and just end up in fits of laughter as we find ridiculous ways to try and explain or describe things.
I usually watch a lot of beauty videos or daily vloggers on Youtube, but sometimes its nice to watch something different. As someone who is obsessed with books I am in love with Sanne's videos and always feel so inspired after watching them to go read more.
-Cloee xoxo
