Saturday 29 December 2018

End Of Year Wrap Up

Hey guys! I hope you had a great Christmas and that your New Year's is even better! This post is going to be a wrap up with my favourite books of 2018, the best opportunities I've had this year and my goals for the new year ahead.

Before I start, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has shared and commented on my blog posts. It means the world to me and I've made so many friends along the way. Thank you to the authors who send me free books and to the people who are always there for me.


My Top Ten Books Of 2018


1. Sasquatch, Love and Other Imaginary Things
2. Floored
3. Emergency Contact
4. Eliza and Her Monsters
5. Attachments
6. My Mum Tracy Beaker
7. Another Day
8. Someday
9. Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow
10. Turtles All The Way Down


What are your top ten books of the year? You can read all my reviews of these books by going to my "Book Review" section.

What I'm Thankful For This Year


I'm thankful for my partner and the family I've created through blogging. I have met so many amazing and kind people. This year has been one of the hardest I've had and you all showing your support to me has made me remember that nice things can happen.

I'm thankful for all the adventures I've had this year. My partner Oli and I have been to France, Amsterdam and Croatia this year. I have tasted amazing food, swam (okay, stood) in the clear blue sea, been on a swing that hangs off a building and went on a cable car to look over the Old Town in Dubrovnik.


I'm thankful for how my blog has grown and how hard I've worked on making my dream a reality. I'm proud of myself even if I know I quit things quickly. This is who I am and I'm learning to accept I can't stand still for too long otherwise I go stir crazy.

I'm thankful for the authors, such as Alex Owumi and Lisa Williamson, who let me have such big opportunities to collab on blog posts and book tours. Without these people's help, my blog wouldn't have grown.


My Goals For 2019


I don't like New Year's resolutions because I never stick to them. But I will create some goals for myself.

1. I'd like to work more on my blog and create more content for you guys. I'd love to get to 40,000 views next year, which is a HUGE goal for me.

2. I want to travel to as many places as possible!

3. I want to try things I've never done before, even if they scare me.

4. I want to build up my business and get clients!!! (SCARY)

5. I want to live more in the present than the past or future.

6. I want to save up for our own little place.

7. I would love to have a blogger's meet up!

8. I would like to read 30 books next year.

9. I'd love to make money through my blog and collab with brands.

10. I want to take better care of my mental health and learn to accept who I've become.

What are your goals for the new year?

Well, I'd like to end this post with another massive thank you and I hope your 2019 is the best year yet. Keep being you and stay strong; all your hard work is going to pay off. See you in the New Year! Love, Vee x

Saturday 22 December 2018

Book Review: My Mum Tracy Beaker

This week's post is a book review on one of my childhood favourite author's brand new book, My Mum Tracy Beaker. We all grew up watching the TV show or reading the books, and in this latest installment, Jacqueline Wilson mixes children's books with adult in this beautiful story about life, struggles and true family.


Blurb


Tracy has returned, hand in hand with her daughter Jess, she’s ready to make her childhood dreams come true.

Jess and Tracy Beaker are the perfect team. They do everything together.

Jess thinks Tracy is the best mum ever, even when she shouts at her teachers! Tracy has made the perfect home for Jess, leaving The Dumping Ground far behind her. Yes, their flat’s a bit mouldy. It’s only just big enough for two. And the Duke Estate is a bit scary. But it's their happy home.

Until Sean Godfrey, Tracy’s rich boyfriend, whisks them away to his mansion, life of fast cars and celebrity stardom.

Will Jess’s brilliant mum turn into a new person altogether?

And will Tracy realise that her childhood dream might not be what she needs after all?


Review


I didn't know I needed this book until I realised it was a thing! I loved reading Jacqueline Wilson's books when I was younger and I watched a lot of Tracy Beaker on TV. I loved the show and the books, but was always worried about what Tracy would grow up like.

Yes, she has her issues, but Tracy is herself. And when Sean Godfrey (Football) comes into the picture, she seems to change her persona to please, because a fancy life is all that she's ever wanted and all that she made up to tell other people. It doesn't come as a surprise that she behaves this way and I can completely understand why she is behaving the way she is, even though Jess doesn't. But in the end, Tracy will always be herself and stick up for her and Jess.

It's actually a very witty book because all Tracy wants is a flash house and an amazing car and someone to pay attention to her; she is willing to be with someone who doesn't really love her in order to give her child the life she always wanted. She thinks she's doing what's best for Jess when really, she is only doing what she's doing because of her upbringing.

What I loved about this book was how I was reading it yet I didn't feel like a child at all. I felt like it was right to be reading about Tracy and because I'm the age I am now, I feel like I can relate to both Tracy and Jess.

Wilson is extremely clever with how she writes and markets her books. I don't by any means agree with how she spews out books every five minutes, but she writes about taboo subjects in a way that children can relate to. When I was young, I found comfort in her books about child abuse and abandonment because it's something I could relate to. Her books gave me hope.

Now, let's talk about character development. Tracy hasn't changed a bit, except for the fact she has a child to care for, someone else to think about other than herself. Jess is so sweet and the complete opposite of Tracy. But my favourite character will always be Cam. She's the loving mum in the background cheering you on, giving you the space you need to make mistakes but comforting you with open arms when it all goes wrong. I love the fact Wilson has confirmed that Cam is gay, even without mentioning it, like it's the norm - which it should be!!

If you loved Jacqueline Wilson books when you were little, then you'll love this book because it seems to grow with the reader. Happy reading folks!

Until next time, love, Vee x


Saturday 15 December 2018

Blogmas: Gifts for Readers

Hey guys! I can't believe it's so close to Christmas! I wanted to write a post on what to get the reader in your family. If you have any ideas, please share them in the comments!


Gifts for Readers


  • Bookmarks (you can never have enough)
  • Bookish candles, these can be found on Etsy 
  • Bookish subscription box (you can google where to find these but popular ones include Fairyloot, Owlcrate and Once Upon a Book Club) 
  • Reading light
  • Book sleeves - these can also be found on Etsy
  • Book Review notebook - I have one from Fable and Black that I can write my reviews of books in 
  • Bookish pins
  • Bookish necklaces - I have a Fault in Our Stars one
  • Bookish iron-on patches
  • Bookish coasters
  • A tour of their favourite author's house/book settings (such as Beatrix Potter's house)
  • Prints of their favourite quotes from books/authors 
  • Bookish mugs
  • A book bag - not just handy for books but also shopping
  • Literary tea bags - yes they do exist!
  • Beanbag chair. Us bookworms love our comfy spaces
  • A kindle for easy portability 
I hope this list was helpful for you! Until next time. Love, Vee x

Saturday 8 December 2018

Blogmas: Christmas on a Budget

Hi everyone! I was thinking up Blogmas ideas and I thought that because Christmas is such an expensive time for so many, that I would create a budget post to help you at this time of year! I've struggled over the years and have managed to do Christmas on a very tight, apprenticeship wage. I know, magic. But this is how you can do Christmas on a budget, too.


Christmas on a Budget

  • Make things instead of spending a fortune - such as Christmas cards (if you have children, get them to do some artsy drawings for you), tags, gifts and even wrapping paper. Pinterest has some great ideas on what to make at Christmas time.
  • Save pennies up in your money box throughout the year - it all adds up!
  • Make a list (yes, I know I love a list) of who you're going to buy for and what you want to buy for them. Work out how much you want to spend on each person and break down the costs.
  • Avoid going out to shop; do as much online shopping as possible to avoid impulse buys.
  • Shop second hand - buy from CEX, eBay etc. You can find some great bargains on electronics and games.
  • Avoid buying decorations for the table such as candles, napkins or paper plates - ask yourself if you really need them.
  • If you're looking for a Christmas tree, shop around locally but I recommend investing in a fake otherwise you'll have to keep buying trees for £60-100 each year when that money could be spent on gifts.
  • Pick up gifts in the after Christmas sale for next year - you'll be glad you bought those cards half price. If you can remember where you stored them!
I hope this post was helpful to you and if you have any Christmas budget tips yourself, please share them in the comments! Until next time, love Vee x

Saturday 1 December 2018

Blogmas: Gift Ideas for Travelers

Do you find it extremely difficult to buy for your family at Christmas? I know I do! If you know someone who likes to travel, then you've come to the right place; this post is a list of gifts for that travel addict we all have in the family.

Let me know some of the travel gifts you've bought for your friends or family in the past!

Adventure Fund


Do you have that one friend who always says they don't have the funds to go away? Why not buy them an adventure fund to save all their loose pennies for holidays?

This cute little adventure fund is from Lisa Angel and is only £7! You can get it here.


World Scratch Map


Does your loved one lose track of all the amazing places they've been? At only £20, this Scratch-off Map from Urban Outfitters is perfect for anyone with a travel bucket list!


Travel Journal


If you know someone who likes to document everything they do, then this Travel Journal is ideal for anyone wishing to remember everything they did on their holiday; from favourite foods to flight details, they'll never forget anything! I was bought this for my birthday and it's so cute! You can purchase it here for £10.


Travel Pillows


Know a unicorn lover or someone who frequently travels on long-haul flights? Then look no further than novelty travel pillows! This unicorn neck pillow from Urban Gifts is only £13.99. They also have a range of other animals including sloths, swans and narwals to choose from!


Travel Trivia


Looking for a fun game to play at Christmas? Travel Trivia is perfect to get the whole family involved and to test your knowledge of the world. You can find it at Find Me A Gift for only £5.99.


Pool Floats


There are so many pool floats to choose from depending on your recipient's preference! There are so many places to buy pool floats, including Find Me A Gift, The Works, Argos and Amazon. There are various foods and animals to choose from, such as Avocados, watermelons, pineapples, swans, unicorns or even a cactus.


Power Banks


Do you know someone who needs a power bank for a long haul flight or for general travel? Why not spice things up a bit and buy a novelty power bank that will have the family in fits of laughter?! This Poop Emoji Power Bank from Argos is only £12.99.


I hope this list has given you some ideas for presents! Until next time, love Vee x