Book Review: Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill

Working in a library I am constantly finding new books to read but it has been awhile since I have read a book that has really gripped me! One that has made me feel every emotion under the sun including annoyance, frustration, even awe!

I just knew once I had finished this book I would have to review it! For those of you who haven't read it the synopsis is:

'Freida and Isabel have been best friends their whole lives. Now, aged sixteen and in their final year at the School, they expect to be selected as companions - wives to wealthy and powerful men. The alternative - life as a concubine - is too horrible to contemplate. But as the intensity of the final year takes hold, the pressure to be perfect mounts. Isabel starts to self-destruct, putting her beauty - her only asset - in peril. And then into this sealed female environment, the boys arrive, eager to choose a bride. Freida must fight for her future - even if it means betraying the only friend, the only love, she has ever known..'

Flamingo Candles: The Melt Crowd January Box

The January box for Flamingo Candles: The Melt Crowd is here! For those of you that don't know The Melt Crowd is a monthly subscription box where you get 8 different scent melts all for the low low price of £10.

My Eye-shadow Palette Collection

It's true I have an addiction with make up especially the Eye-shadow palettes!

I thought I would share with you all the eye shadow palettes I own and what I think of them.

My Skincare Saviours

I'm sure we all have those days where our skin decides to fight back from all the products we use on it!

Or those times a mini breakout occurs when we're stressed, it's that time of the month or if we dare eat too much chocolate!

For me it can happen on all of the above and I've spent years trying different products to combat this and I FINALLY feel I've cracked it.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Free Sample

I got a surprise the other day in the post in the form of a free sample of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb perfume.

I practically happy danced!

Before Christmas I had been eyeing up this perfume but could not bring myself to buy it when I was supposed to be saving money.

Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins with a Chicken Concoction

If I had more time on my hands cooking is the one thing I think I would really enjoy! I love experimenting and trying different things especially food wise! If any of you follow my instagram it is mostly all pictures of food (and the occasional selfie.)

This evening I decided to be creative and attempt a somewhat healthy but reasonably quick meal.

This ended up being Sweet Potatoes stuffed with bacon and cheese with chicken, carrots and parsnips with tinned tomatoes.

I have to say I impressed myself with how everything turned out - I'm sure stuffed potatoes are an easy feat but having never cooked them before I was expecting some sort of kitchen disaster.

The New Makeup Products in my Daily Routine

This month I have added a lot of new products to my daily make up routine - I have even found a new make up brand obsession!!

I figured I would share these with you all!

Mixed Martial Arts for Beginners First Impressions

Before Christmas me and my friend took part in a self defence course which lasted six weeks. It was fun, challenging and a good way to start keeping fit.
So after all the fuss of Christmas and the endless amount of food as part of my resolutions I decided to continue with the exercise in an aim to get fit in 2016.

Restaurant Review: The Handmade Burger Co.

The other day while shopping in Birmingham me and my friend had lunch at the Handmade Burger Co. (In advance I apologise for the lack of quality in the pictures I currently have a stand in phone while my one is being fixed.)

Victoria's Secret Haul

I went shopping in Birmingham after Christmas which could only mean one thing heading into Victoria's Secret!

I am obsessed if I could afford their underwear it would be the only underwear I'd buy - unfortunately it's not to be.

I do however have an obsession with their scents and body creams - yes they sell stuff besides underwear.

642 Things To Draw

If you have read many of my blog posts you will know that last year I took part in a Drawing for Beginners course.

I loved it the idea of having two hours each week with nothing else to do but draw was bliss! Each week was something different a new challenge to conquer and skills to learn - I do love a challenge! Sadly it was only 6 weeks and ended far too quickly.

2015 Recap and 2016 Resolutions

2016 is upon us did 2015 really happen that quickly!? It doesn't seem that long ago that it was January 2015 and I was planning my trip to California.

This year has had ups and downs in many different forms and while I will not be carrying the negatives with me into 2016 I have learnt alot about myself as a person and will be taking this strength on with me.

My Favourite Christmas Gifts 2015

I ummed and ahhed about creating this post as it could be perceived as bragging. However being the nosey person that I am I have loved seeing the gifts everyone received for Christmas so figured sharing some of the things that I received wouldn't be a bad thing.

A box of white chocolate twix's this has to be my favourite gift! I love these things!

The Books I Want to Read in 2016

Happy New Year Blog readers!!! Hope everyone had a fantastic New Years Eve!

I thought I would kick off 2016 with a blog post on the books I want to read this year:

Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.