What I've been reading

Now we all have a lot more time on our hands, I have been able to do things that I would normally not have time to do.  One thing I have LOVED doing over the past 4 weeks is reading. I have always enjoyed reading, however I only really got the chance to properly immerse myself into a good book was when on holiday which was about 2 weeks a year! I was very lucky to be given a Kindle from my parents for Christmas and thank god I did as it has come in very handy during this time.  During these crazy times, I have reading to be a good escape from the world as I dive into another and it has helped me relax as I turn away from my phone for a few minutes or hours a day. 

So, this week I thought I would share with you some of the books I have been reading in the hope that it gives you some inspiration or ideas for your next read. 

Book 1 - The Wives by Lauren Weisberger

I had been wanting to read this book for AGES as it is the sequel to 'A Devil Wears Prada' which although I have not read the book, it is one of my all time favourite movies.  I can not express how much I loved this book.  It was a funny and uplifting which is great for the current times to lift your mood.  It shows how strong friendship and women who work together can achieve anything!  I also like how it follows three different women all going through something, proving it doesn't matter how much money or power you have, we all face similar fears and troubles in life. It had chapters taking the point of view from each character which sometimes can be confusing, but Lauren made it seamless and it was a nice easy read which I couldn't put down!  Would defiantly recommend if you are looking for a funny and encouraging read. 

Book 2 - Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger 

I loved Lauren's style of writing so much, I had to explore her other books and I came across this one.  Again, a nice lighthearted and funny read great to boost your mood in current times.  We follow Bette as she leaves her horrible job, faces the question of 'what are you going to do with your life' and soon steps into a completely different world of parties and VIPs.  It did remind me of the Devil Wears Prada which is probably why I loved it.  It shows the life of celebrities isn't all that and how important the friends and family you had before the glitz and glam really is. Although I didn't find I was as hooked on this one as The Wives, I would still recommend it as a good easy read if you are looking for a funny chick flick with a hint of romance!

Book 3 - Found by Eric Kinsley 

This was a completely different book to the first two I have read as it follows the story of a family whose little boy was taken. As much as love a upbeat comedy book, I am a sucker for a gripping thriller and that is exactly what this was.  Another book I could not put down as the first chapter drew me in.  This was not quite what I had expected when I first read the title as it follows the different relationships between the family and focuses on the healing process just as much as the detective who took him process. The characters and their movements where so well written in a sensitive way and the relationship between grandad and grandson in particular was beautiful to read.  As much as this was a great thriller, this book is great in showing how families who stay together and support each other during difficult times are stronger. 

Book 4 - Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

I have only really just started this book, however I thought I would tell you what I think so far.  After a bit more of a heavier read with 'Found' I wanted a change of scenery with another lighthearted read and this was describes as Sunday Times best seller so I thought I would check it out.  A story that follows the holiday antics of a large family, we get to see the troubles and thoughts of a big family all with different ages, characteristics and opinions. Each chapter follows a different character which can work well, however with it being such as large family I have found this confusing at times as I forget who is married to who or who is related to who. But, I think as I read more, I will remember haha! So far, it is an upbeat and humorous read which I have found easy to pick up and put down as I feel. I will let you know when I have finished it and my thought - so keep an eye out on my insta! 

I hope you found this helpful when looking at what books you might enjoy. I would love to know what you have been reading and which books you would recommend, so leave a comment below!

Stay safe!

2018 Rewind

I always find that the month of January is a month of reflection on the past year. Last year on my uni blog, I looked back on 2017 with my 2017 rewind and got some really good feedback on it. This year, I want to do the same and look back on 2018. So, grab a cuppa tea, a cheeky biscuit, get comfy and ready to look back on what I can only describe as a roller coaster of a year!

The first word that comes to mind when I think of 2018 is horrendous! This sounds awful I know and I’m sure many of you are thinking it couldn’t have been that bad surely? But for me, it really felt like a tough year. I don’t like to be negative, however I want to be honest in these posts and so I am going to share the good, bad and ugly and for me, 2018 wasn’t great and I couldn’t wait for it to end.

One of the hardest things I learnt in 2018 is that friendship isn’t always plain sailing. People change, and with that, so does friendship. When this happens it doesn’t always mean you lose a friend completely, but you may not be as close. Sadly, this happened to me and it was tough. It was totally unexpected, hit me hard and left me feeling rather alone. Looking back, I found myself trying to get things back to how they were and feeling rather upset when it didn’t. As a result of these actions, I lost the closeness of other relationships and was so worried of missing out with certain friendships, I missed out on others. But, during the hard times of 2018 I learnt who my true friends really were as it showed who was actually bothered and cared for me. Despite it being a tough time that heightened other challenges such as anxiety and panic attacks, I learnt a very important lesson. As we grow older, we don’t lose friends, we learn who the real ones are. I now know I should just be who I want to be, do what I want to do and if they are true friends they will always be there for me.

February was what I can only describe as the worst month I have ever had. I know it sounds very dramatic, but it was a time where I kept saying it can’t get any worse and it did. I was very stressed with a particular piece of uni work, cheerleading competitions were just around the corner and I was 2 months into doing crazy hours at a new job working in the wedding industry (my dream!). I had just bought a new car especially for work and so was also under a bit of financial pressure as most of my savings went into this. On top of all of this, I had other uni modules, was trying to volunteer and have some sort of social life! Little things soon turned to bigger things...

I had an allergic reaction and ended up in A&E and I had a car crash resulting in insurance stress, whiplash and buying a new car for work, putting me under greater financial stress. Two weeks after my crash and a week after buying a new car for work, I was let go due to being too committed to university. But it can’t get any worse can it? Apparently it can, and I lost a member of my family.

If I’m being completely honest, all of this hitting me at once broke me. With anxiety and stress at an all-time high as I was still attending all of my lectures and more, cheerleading and preparing for competition, I went home and didn’t want to come back. I had a good pep talk with my parents and friends from home, I decided I wasn’t going to let this beat me. Yes, university stress continued and I did feel lonely, anxious and lost at some times. But I kept going, met all my deadlines and made some amazing memories.

I volunteered at the IAAF Championships where I met some amazing people and saw some great athletes compete.

I competed with my favourite cakes, won some trophies and had a blast at the summer ball!

Had some crazy nights out with my housemates filled with laughter, dancing, cocktails and even went to Leicester for the first time! 

Had a lovely holiday with my mum in the Canary Islands where we relaxed by the pool, did a bit of shopping, topped up the summer tan and of course watch the football!

I had some great time with family. Surprising my cousins, seeing the little ones, watching Little Mix and having a great Christmas and New Year filled with laughter and games.

One big thing I did in 2018 was get a good hair cut which saw it go from my waist, to my shoulders. I was so nervous, but given everything, I wanted a something fresh to show a new start. Never would I ever think I would have gone for short hair, as I have wanted Rapunzel hair since I was little. But now, having even more off, I absolutely love it!

September brought about the start of my final year and things began to look up more. I got a new job working with some amazing people. I have had some amazing nights with my housemates, booked a girly summer holiday and got my first first of third year! I also started my own blog, worked with an amazing events planner on some incredible events and had an amazing 21^st birthday!

So, looking back on it all, I can say that the start of this year was hard. I learnt some tough lessons and met my breaking point. I would never want to do it again, but I can hold my head up, say not only did I get through it, but I didn’t let it beat me and was very happy with my overall uni percentage for my 2^nd year.

No matter how hard it gets, keep your head up and know that it will get better. It may not be straight away, but give it time.