My Bookish Year

This year I completed my 2017 Reading Challenge of 40 Books which I am so proud of as the last few years I have lacked in my reading! With this number, there comes a number of stats which I would like to share.

Books Completed: 40 Books.
Pages Read: 12,759
Authors Read: 41
Series Completed: 2
Most Frequent Genre: YA Fiction
Most Read Author(s): Holly Bourne, Malorie Blackman and David Levithan (4 Books Each)
Shortest Read: Spot The Difference by Juno Dawson
Longest Read: Replica by Lauren Oliver
My Average Rating: 4.1 Stars
Stand Out Reads: Am I Normal Yet by Holly Bourne,
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman and Replica by Lauren Oliver.
Let Downs: Delirium by Lauren Oliver and
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

I personally think this year has been successful for my reading journey and I can't wait to explore more next year allowing my mind to expand!

Happy New Year to All!

Blogmas Day 25 - Merry Christmas

Oh My Goodness, I have made it to the last day of Blogmas 2017!

Firstly Merry Christmas to you and your families!

I hope you have all been treated well.

I have really enjoyed the daily blogs this month but I was starting to run low on daily ideas.

I have 2 more blogs planned for 2017 which will hopefully go up!

If not, I will see you in the New Year where I will be posting Weekly on either a Tuesday or a Sunday! Hopefully, in the next couple of days, I manage to complete my Reading Challenge and will be able to break it next year!

Again, Thank you to anyone who has even read these blogs.

I am not that good but I am learning day by day.

Merry Christmas and Merry Blogmas Day 25!

WE MADE IT!

Blogmas Day 24: My Christmas Eve 2017

Christmas Eve has approached fast and I cannot believe tomorrow is Christmas.

This Christmas Eve is very different compared to those I have had in the past.

I start today by seeing one of my best friends for some gift giving!

This should be fun. 

I also met with Innes yesterday so I'm going to showcase some gifts later in the month with them all!

I then have work.

Christmas Eve is usually a day where I spend lots of time with the family and we do our tradition of watching Scrooge but that's been messed up by work.

I am a 5pm - 10pm meaning I miss the film tradition and Christmas Eve dinner!

The shop shuts at 7pm but due to my department, I am in until 10.

Gutted.

I then will be coming home and going straight to bed with a good book to relax me!

Then Tomorrow is the big day!

I hope you all have a great day and enjoy all your time with family and friends.

Merry Blogmas Day 24!

Blogmas Day 23 - Drive in Movies

Yesterday, Nicole and I set off on an adventure at 8am.

We were going to the Drive-In Movie at Loch Lomond Shores!

We had been anticipating this trip since we booked it back in November and yesterday was finally the day we got to experience it.

We set off by packing our gifts for one another, 2 blankets and 2 hot water bottles. We wanted to be cosy while watching the movie!

We also stopped at Tesco for some chocolate essentials!

The drive was fun as we blasted Christmas Songs down the M8 with our Santa Hats on and it was just fun! Christmas should be fun!

We arrived and had to drive into this massive car park where we were faced with the massive cinema screen. I was gobsmacked as I just didn't know what to expect. We managed to get the second row! 

We had 2 hours to kill before the movie started so we had some chocolate and done some gift giving.

Nicoles presents were great! I got a Stitch Mug, a Christmas Shirt and an Adult Drinking Game called Piss Artist which I imagine will be an experience.

The film finally came on at 12 with a little sing-along before it.

Honestly, this was just so much fun!

As we got warm under our blankets we were ready. 

It was just a day filled with laughter!

Also, I totally got lost on the way home... Ended up heading the complete opposite direction but its all good I am home now and I just want to thank Nicole for her amazing Company!

Merry Blogmas Day 23!

Blogmas Day 22 - My Favourite Vinyls of 2017

This year I have purchased many vinyls and spent many, many wages...

Again I will chose my Top 3 I have Purchased and write some brief comments!

#3 - Video Games Single

This was a quick buy and I did not think about it. It arrived and it was gorgeous. 

This was a Picture Disc single and it is perfect.

One side is video games while the other is Blue Jeans.

These are 2 of my favourite Lana songs and I am glad I am its owner.

#2 - Lust for Life (Limited Edition) Vinyl

This Vinyl was bought when I was in Spain and the Pre-Order list came out.

I managed to get the Cola Bottle edition which is a lovely Clear Green Colour and I am so happy i decided to order this. I love all of the songs on this vinyl and this was defiantly a fantastic buy.

# - reputation Picture Disc Vinyl

This Taylor Swift vinyl is my current most prized possession.

I love every single minute of this vinyl and its probably my most favoured Taylor Swift album to date. Each Disc has 2 pictures and its just perfection.

I love this Vinyl.

Merry Blogmas Day 22!

Blogmas Day 21 - The Spinster Club Series Review

This Year, I managed to complete the entire Spinster Club series by Holly Bourne.

This was 3 Full books with a final novella to wrap the series up.

I am giving no spoilers to the series but I will make a few statements.

1. Out of all the girls, Evie will forever be my favourite girl from the books as I love her personality.

2. Surprisingly Book 2 was my preferred choice as I loved the entire plot.

3. Each book has a strong message which is 1 reason I love this series.

4. Holly Bourne is a fantastic writer.

5. The Novella was the perfect ending to the full series.

6. These books surround the importance of equality for everyone.

These books are amazing and I 100% recommend.

Merry Blogmas Day 21!

Blogmas Day 20 - Pitch Perfect 3 Review

★★★

Today I went to see Pitch Perfect with my Best Friend Innes and I cannot decide whether I liked or disliked the final film from this series.

As always the characters brought their own stories and their own features but I just felt like it was random.

Yes there was so many amazing musical performances including an Acapella version of Cheap Thrills by Sia but I don't know if it hypes up to the other 2 movies.

As always I feel like Kendrick did an amazing job and sounded gorgeous but the storyline was... weird?

I am not spoiling anything for anyone but I just don't think its a good representation of what the previous films were about.

I must say Ruby Rose was fantastic as was Khalids Executive. 

I think for many this film is going to be a hit or a miss.

Merry Blogmas Day 20!

Blogmas Day 19 - My Favourite Memories of 2017

Throughout the year, I have had some really great memories and this is some of my favourites!

I have made a Top 3 and these were just some of the best highlights for me personally.

#3 - Gaining my NC Early Education and Childcare

I am so proud of myself for completing the NC Course! 

It was challenging and required a lot of skills and qualities

which I have developed this year!

I made some great friends through this award

and also was rewarded with a great first year placement.

I am so thankful to my family who fully

supported me throughout the course of the year.

#2 - The Eurovision Party

Honestly did not expect this to be one of the best memories

I have from this year!

This was a night with great people where we just celebrated music.

It included Karaoke, food and just a fantastic laugh.

A Great Memory.

#1 - Lana Del Rey

This should be no surprise!

Lana Del Rey was one of the best nights of my life.

I got to see my all time favourite singer live!

This is something I never thought I would have the chance to do!

It was a fantastic night with some of my best friends 

all together to sing along to her classic and new hits.

I miss it so much.

It has been such a fantastic year.

Merry Blogmas Day 19!

Blogmas Day 18 - My Most Anticipated Releases 2018

I love a good release.

I really do.

YA authors and Pop musicians make my dreams come true.

Next year there is already looking like a lot of fantastic releases on their way.

I cannot wait for 2018.

Books

Meet Cute - YA Anthology - January 

Goodbye Perfect - Sara Barnard - February

Clean - Juno Dawson - April

The Lost Kids - Sara Saedi - April

How Do You Like Me Now - Holly Bourne - June

Floored - YA Anthology - July

Wilde Like Me Sequel - Louise Pentland - August

Music

Now many of these don't have official release dates or album titles, 

so I will just write the musicians.

Jessie J

Camilla Cabello

Bastille

Rita Ora

Ariana Grande

Nicki Minaj

Clean Bandit( if they actually release an album x) 

Selena Gomez

Next Year is already looking amazing and I can't wait to see what surprises are in store.

Merry Blogmas Day 18!

Blogmas Day 17 - Friends: A Letter

Dear Friends,

You all know who you are!

Thank you for all the support you have given me over the year,

I really appreciate all your help through the hard times,

and your laughs during the happy times.

Old Friends or New Friends, 

I appreciate and love you all.

Now time to look back at some memories,

and again I thank you all.

Innes, You've kept me sane through all the troubles,
We have laughed and cried just like best friends should.
I love every single Disney Movie Day,
I even got to see my bae, Lana Del Rey with you.
Also, I miss our sleepovers so we shall be doing more next year.
So yes, Thank You.

Nicole, My future wife (inside joke),
This year I hope I have made up for all the bad moments
others may have caused you,
I do try to make you smile,
to repay you for all the love you have given me.
You are my longest and best friend,
Thank You.

Lulu, You, my friend are amazing,
never let anyone tell you different.
I wish to continue to make you smile when you are in need
of some friends while your idiotic roommate torments you.
I miss you and wish you were here.
Thank you.

Chloe, The girl who has changed my life.
You are beautiful and funny and just a lovely person.
We met because of Dodie and bonded over our love for Lana Del Rey.
I can't wait to see you soon and make this friendship everlasting.
Thank you.

To my college girls,
You've kept me sane this year during my troubles.
I enjoy your company and I am blessed to have you all.
I hope to make more memories with you next year.
Thank You.

Emily and Rachel,
This year we have hardly seen each other.
Partly this is my fault as I have distanced myself from reality.
When together you have made me happy and cry with laughter.
Thank you, my dear friends.

To those who I won't name,
Some of you have been back in contact and I appreciate what we have.
I hope to get closer next year and work out our differences.
Thank You.

To the people who won't talk to me.
Thank you for letting me see your true side
and where our friendship stands.
Also, thank you to those who you dragged away from me
I never needed your friendship and my life is so much better you are gone x

Friends, This year has been amazing,
Ive been lonely and down and I thank you all for
brightening my days and making me see who my real friends are.
Thank you all so much.
May the memories of next year be bigger and better.

Ross.

Merry Blogmas Day 17!

Blogmas Day 16 - Glasgow Christmas Markets

The other day, Innes and I explored the Glasgow Christmas Markets.

It was so festive and bright!

After having a shop in glasgow, We had a wee explore of George Square and Wow! It did not disappoint. The sights were gorgeous and it was an overall amazing day.

We also had Cocktails at Wetherspoons which was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Heere is some photos!

Merry Blogmas Day 16!

Blogmas Day 15 - Happy 50th Mum

50 years have passed since possibly the best woman on this planet was born.

She is Strong. Soft. Shy. Sensitive.

Just a few to mention.

I've never met a more kind hearted soul in my life who seems to just do her best for everyone.

Especially me.

Mum, Happy 50th.

Firstly, You don't look a day over 49.

Jokes. Maybe 48.

You always look your best

and your personality is really great.

You make my heart fill with pride with everything you do,

You make me smile when together 

and when we are separate too.

Thank you for all your support over the years, 

You make me thrive to do my best,

You make me happy when I am down

and most importantly you make my dinner xoxo

So today, try and smile as much as you can,

don't shed any tears,

and enjoy yourself as you only turn 50 once.

Much Love 

Ross

x

Merry Blogmas Day 15.

Blogmas Day 14: Traditions

Traditions are a must at Christmas for myself and my family. This ranges from festive activities and the most important tradition of the year... 

The Christmas Bauble of 2017.

Every Year my sister and I choose a new bauble for the family tree... however Black Friday struck and I managed to buy 2. This year I stayed with the Disney theme and I based it off my most watched Disney Film for 2017. That was Mulan. I became obsessed with Mulan as it was released my year of birth and I absolutely loved all the music in the film.

Bauble #1 - Mulan

I think this is a very elegant bauble and its just looks amazing on the tree.

I love how she sparkles and that she is holding a Christmas present.

Perfect Choice.

Bauble #2 - The Lucky Cricket

This is just so cute. I could not resist when it was 20% off.

I think this is just so cute on the tree and aww i just love it.

Now this is not all my traditions but I have another Blogmas post which will fit in with this so I'm going to leave it here.

Merry Blogmas Day 14!

Blogmas Day 13: A Five Sisters Christmas

On Friday the 8th of December, I went to the 5 Sisters with my Mum, Sister and her friend.

This was due to the illuminations which were set up for the festive period.

There were so many different lights and the place was gorgeous.

Actvities such as Ice Skating were available and I had so much fun as I can not Ice Skate to safe myself.

We also got to see some animals but my camera would not capture them!

The lions were amazing along with the tapir who was my personal favourite.

We also got a wee burger van meal. Honestly, I had to because I needed some warmth in my body!

Overall the evening was amazing and I had the best time with the fam!

If you are close by I highly recommend and tickets can be purchased from their website.

Merry Blooms Day 13!

Blogmas Day 12 - Steps at the SSE Hydro

Setlist

Scared of the Dark

Deeper Shade of Blue

Chain Reaction 

Happy

Stomp

Last Thing on My Mind

Enough is Enough / No More Tears on the Dancefloor

Dancing With a Broken Heart

When I Said Goodbye

5, 6, 7, 8

Better the Devil You Know 

It's the Way You Make Me Feel

Heartbeat

Neon Blue

Love's Got a Hold on My Heart

Summer of Love / Paradise Lost / Despacito

Here and Now

Tragedy

On December 7th, I went to see Steps at the SSE Hydro and it was a lot of fun!

I did not know a lot of the songs but I went as my mum was desperate to see them!

Firstly, we went for some drinks and food at Wetherspoons which was fantastic as Alcohol is my greatest pleasure. 

We then went to the hydro and the support act was on. The Support act was the VengaBoys and surprisingly I knew many of their songs. Great Entertainment.

Steps then appeared on stage and they were amazing. Claire is a fantastic singer and she can hold amazing notes. I knew the classics like 5,6,7,8 and Chain Reaction. Honestly, Fantastic Atmosphere and just an overall great night.

Star Rating: ★★★★

Blogmas Day 11: 2017 Wrapped Up - Spotify

Every year, Spotify wraps up your best songs for the year including your most listened to artist. 

This year, I am not surprised with many of my choices however some choices, I don't quite understand.

It is with no surprise that Lana Del Rey is my top artist of 2017.

I listen to Lana at every possible moment that I can play music! Considering her new album came out this year, I totally agree with Spotify results.

My other top artists were Amy MacDonald which works as i did listen to her a lot when i was going to see her earlier in the year. I then have Miley Cyrus which is also understandable due to Younger Now being released. Lady Gaga is also not a surprise as Joanne is such an amazing album which I listen to a lot. Then you have Halsey. I do not understand this... I only know about 3 of her songs and for me she doesn't deserve to be in my top artists.

Now top songs. I disagree. Yodel It... The Eurovison number from Romania. This should be Lana Del Rey! I then have the Cure by Lady Gaga and It Ain't Me by Selena Gomez and Kygo. These were both in my driving playlist so I completely understand. Look what you made me do by Taylor Swift then made it on to my list. I 100% agree as I listened to it multiple times during the course of the last few months. Then finally Beautiful People Beautiful Problems by Lana Del Rey and Stevie Nicks. Yes, it is a Lana song however, there were so many more Lana songs I enjoyed more. Groupie Love should be on this list along with God Bless America.

Yes, It does reflect on my year but wow there is some weird choices.

Merry Blogmas Day 11!

Blogmas Day 10 - My Favourite Christmas Scents

Christmas is a time when you are filled with different scents.

This is one of the reasons I love the festive period.

Yankee candles are a godsend in December and I have bought so many over the 

years for friends and family.

Some of my favourite scents at christmas are:

Cinnamon Stick - My personal favourite which is now also in my car as I managed to find the Yankee Candle Air Freshener in this scent. I love the spicy smell and It honestly makesme want to just cosy up and drink a cup of tea by the fire.

Candy Cane Lane - For a lover of Spice and everything nice, this sweet smelling candle actually took me by surprise and I love it. I love the minty freshness it bring to the home.

Amazing.

Apple Cider - Such a christmassy smell! It is very spicy almost like cinnamon. Another one which took me by surprise and shocked me when smelling it in the christmas aisle of the local tesco.

Now for some... I dislike:

Sugar Cookie - Boke.

Christmas Eve - No.

Christmas Garland - Not even close to nice.

Of course these are my opinions amd I highly anticipate that most people disagree!

Merry Blogmas Day 10!

Blogmas Day 9 - My Bookish Highlights of 2017

My 2017 Reads did not disappoint me!

Yes, there was some lows but wow there was so many highs this year. 

The books I will go onto name, I highly recommend them all.

In January 2017, I read Replica by Lauren Oliver and was mesmerised by the story. I was hooked and I lived for the format used. The story is sci-fi and the characterisation was amazing.

This was a Fantastic start to the year.

A Quiet Kind of Thunder was another highly rated read of my year. Sara Barnard is a goddess when it comes to writing and the story was inspiring and I thoroughly enjoyed this YA Novel.

My most anticipated book was All About Mia by Lisa Williamson and it was perfection.

 It is everything I wanted from a good book and I loved it. 

I loved her writing style and will continue to read her books overtime.

Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland was another highlight. 

I love Robin Wilde's Life story, romance and her overall characterisation. 

I am so excited to see where Louise takes her story next!

The Full Spinster Club Series by Holly Bourne... Amazing.

Each characters story was inspiring and I had to continue reading.

Thank You Holly Bourne for your Greatness!

Noughts and Crosses also deserves a mention as I am whizzing through the series.

The style is amazing at it was perfect to remove me from my month-long reading block.

(All the titles apart from Am I Normal Yet)

All these titles were amazing and I recommend them all.

Merry Blogmas Day 9!

Blogmas Day 8 - Gift Guide

We are 1 Week into Blogmas and so far I seem to be doing quite well.

I am someone who generally struggles with gifts for others because I panic that they won't like them!

So here is some tips I have that you can use if you are panicking too!

Tip #1 - Set A Theme

By setting a theme it allows you and your friends to buy gifts related to something that you all love and will enjoy. My friends and I decided on the theme of Disney Christmas and for me it truly has worked and I am so thankful for said friend who came up with this!

Tip #2 - Send out a group message with general questions that you and your friends can answer.

Yes, I did this and it helped me so much. For myself, I asked their top 3 Disney films and characters. Some friends were asked about musical theatre. Others with books and I am 100% prepared this year.

Tip #3 - Ask them what they need!

Now I know this seems pretty shallow but I would rather gift my friends something that they really need and will use and enjoy than getting them something totally rubbish. I know this seems like I do not really know my friends but the outcome made me buy something that they are really looking for at the moment. Success.

Tip #4 - Buy a good book.

I am generally a book blog so its only right to recommend this option. Luckily for me all my friends are great readers and they love looking for new content for their reading brains. A great YA book is always a good option. I recommend The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson or Any of Holly Bourne's books.

Tip #5 - They are your friend and you should accept anything.

It says it all in the tip really.

Merry Blogmas Day 8  Everyone!

Blogmas Day 7 - Christmas Film Galore

Christmas is a time where I love to sit down with the family and watch a Christmas film.

There are so many classics to choose from and also the new films which are making appearances are also at a high standard. I have decided to choose my top 5 Christmas Films and we will see who disagrees or agrees with me!

Film 1: The Santa Clause

A Disney Classic staring Tim Allen! This brings fun and laughter to your Christmas Movie night! This has been one of my favourites since I was a little boy and still to this day, I enjoy it all the same.

A definite need for your Christmas Movie night!

Film 2: Arthur Christmas

A fun twist on classic Santa Claus tales. This newer Christmas film is all about Santa's Son who may eventually take over the main role. However he is not very good at any jobs that are thrown at him.

This is a brilliant Christmas Adventure.

Film 3: Scrooge

A 1970 adaption of Dickens A Christmas Carol starring Albert Finney. The Musical numbers combined with the classic story bring this film to life and is a Christmas Tradition in my family.

This is my Dad's personal favourite.

Film 4: Nativity

The Nativity Film is a film which has recently been appreciated by myself. The songs are amazing but the jokes and storyline are outstanding. This is a real treat and is also available on Netflix and I highly recommend.

Film 5: Miracle on 34th Street

What a Classic!!! This is the film my mum always chooses to watch every year and it truly gets you into the holiday mood. I love it and I bet most if you have seen it. If you have not... Get it on your television right now. Go.

Merry Blogmas Day 7 Everyone!

Blogmas Day 6 - Let it Snow Review

Let It Snow

John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle

★★★

My first holiday read of the festive period was Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle and I decided to give it 3 stars.

The book started strong with Johnson's ★★★★ story called The Jubilee Express. this was a mysterious tale which ended up being the most romantic out of all three stories. I also felt a connection to the characters. I liked the character of Jubilee but loved the character of Stuart. I liked how it showed a family taking someone in who had been in trouble as this to me is a true meaning of Christmas as it is the time of caring for others. The overall plot was great and it was a fantastic start to this title.

Then came along John Greens A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle. Now for me, Green is either a hit or a miss and in my opinion, this was a slight miss for me. I gave this story ★★★ as I enjoyed the characters but I just wasn't into the plot. I did love how the two stories connected but I even found it hard trying to relate to the characters. Unfortunately, this wasn't for me.

The book finishes on a mediocre note with Myracle's The Patron Saint of Pigs. I am going to be totally honest. I did not get this story and it did not make me feel any more Christmassy than before. Yes, I loved the good get back together scene but it again was a huge miss. ★★★

Overall this book gained 3 stars and I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be. Yes, it may have been sweet but pigs, waffles and broken down trains did not work for me.

 Advent Day 6

Character: Owl

Blogmas Day 5 - Everyday is Christmas Review

Everyday is Christmas - Sia

★★★★☆

Sia has brought me Christmas Joy with this new album and I am pleased to say that i thought it was an excellent addition to her range  of albums.

I will do a quick run through of the album and give my overall thoughts at the end of the review.

Santa's Coming for Us - The first single that we heard from the album that built up my hopes for the album and she hasn't disappointed me! I love this song! It is an overall bop and its a great tune to dance about to. This is an effective opening to the album.

Candy Cane Lane - Another Fantastic Bop provided by Sia and this is probably my favourite song from the entire album. I love the lyrics and the tune is so catchy and christmassy. Brilliant.

Snowman - The second single Sia provided us. It may be quite slow but i think this shows off her brilliant vocal ability. Its about a snowman melting and how she loves him! I love it!

Snowflake - I love how she sings about the snowflake being unique as they all are different! I just love the lyrics and how she sounds. Loving this one too. 

Ho Ho Ho - I connect on many levels as it starts of with naming various alcohols. This made me love it straight away. Its about christmas parties with friends, families and misfits. Such a catchy tune.

Puppies are Forever - This is receiving so much hate but I love it.  It may be because I love Sia and I also love puppies and its a mixture of feelings! The Chorus is about how puppies aren't just for Christmas .. is this a Dog's Trust advert? 

Sunshine - When I first seen the title I was confused as Christmas is about snowy days and cold weather but this song actually talks about how she can bring happiness to all and be their sunshine which i think is a clever play on words and another bop!

Underneath the Mistletoe - This one isn't for me, I appreciate the vocals but I prefer others from the album. A bit of leet down with this one.

Everyday is Christmas - A fantastic bop but I am not feeling the repetition in the chorus as it is basically the same words over and over again and I'm not really a fan.. well I am. Mixed Feelings.

Underneath the Christmas Lights - Have we just moved away from the mistletoe?  I love Sia but again this isn't one of my favourites. Her Vocals are impressive though. 

Overall, I love it and with only a few songs not taking to my fancy I would of given it a 3 star review however I think Candy Cane Lane, Puppies are Forever and Ho Ho Ho deserve that 4th Star.

Not the best Sia album but I am impressed.

Merry Blogmas Day 5!