Raindrops On Roses

Posted on May 7, 2017 by jenthinc under Personal, Random Share, Recommended

Hello lovelies. It’s been a hell of a few weeks. It’s been busy, tiring, stressful, emotional and I’ve had this post in the back of my head for probably a month now without doing anything with it. As it happens, a post focusing on a few of my favourite things is just what I need right now. Sometimes it’s good to take a step back from all the busyness and negativity that can wear us down and spend a bit of time recognising those little things that make our days brighter. I’m also coming back to my word for 2017, Nourish, and looking at the things that I invest in (aside from the obvious of spending time with my favourite people) to help me take care of myself.

Before I start my raving I should just clarify that I have no affiliation with any of the products or sites listed, and I’m promoting them purely because I love them all and they make my days brighter!

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my latest loves:

1. Book Subscription Boxes – Illumicrate

Anyone who knows me even a little bit will know of my eternal love for books. Just over a year ago I signed up for my first ever book subscription box and it is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever treated myself to. I signed up with Illumicrate, which is UK based and quarterly – great for my bank balance because a) the delivery is MUCH cheaper than many of the other boxes that are based elsewhere in the world, and b) it’s a 4-times-a-year treat rather than every month (which I would feel less able to justify). I have had one offs of other boxes but Illumicrate is my favourite and my joy. It is the MOST exciting thing to have this bright box appear at my door, stuffed fit to bursting with books and bookish goodies. There have been jewellery items, stationary, tote bags, bookmarks, lip balms, candles, socks, mugs – the list is endless. Every single box has been amazingly curated. There hasn’t been a book included that I haven’t loved. It’s like a little box of sunshine every season. Daphne, who runs the whole things whilst also working full time and looking after a little one (hello Wonder Woman!), is super lovely, interacts with her followers on social media and is really helpful if you need to get in touch about anything. In short, Illumicrate is just fabulous. I can’t recommend it enough. If you want to subscribe (which you should) then pop over to the website and sign on up. (If you head over to Instagram you might also be able to find yourself a discount code from one of their reps!)

2. Nomatic Planners

Every year I get a new planner. I could just put everything in my phone but I’m a sucker for pen and paper so I like having a pretty planner to put my appointments and notes in. I’ve had Moleskines for the past few years but, whilst I still love their notebooks and planners, when I saw the Nomatic I couldn’t resist. I’m terrible for having several notebooks on the go at once, all for different things, but this year I’ve been able to cut that down massively because this planner is so flipping versatile! I love it! The whole thing is undated so it can be started at any point; 12 months of monthly spread calendar pages with 5 week-to-view double spreads between each month; a section of lined pages and a section of plain pages, both of which have some perforated sheets; a pocket in the back with mini whiteboard sheets for erasable notes; space for goal setting each week and month; three page markers; opens to flat lay; two elastic closures to keep everything secure or to hold pages open; lovely quality paper with very little show or bleed through; space between the top page edge and elastic closure for your pen to sit tucked away comfortably.

ALL the things in one place. It’s such a beautifully put together planner and it’s so lovely to use that for the first time ever I have actually filled it in consistently. And when you buy the Nomatic BASICS planner you get a code to give you a 20% discount for LIFE! I am one happy Nomatic customer. It you want to explore their planners and notebooks and buy one for yourself, head over here and treat yourself.

3. Graphik Linemaker Pens

To go right along with my lovely planner are some lovely pens. I have been so pleased with the Graphik Linemakers from Derwent: various nib thicknesses, different colours/sets, perfect for line drawing, doodling, and writing. They’ve been great for the combination of notemaking, writing, doodling, hand lettering, and illustrating that goes on in my planner and can’t recommend them highly enough as a good all-round creative’s pen. Easily picked up from arts and craft stores, amazon, or direct from Derwent.

4. Paperfury – Blog and Bookstagram

Not a favourite thing, rather a favourite place/person. The Paperfury blog, Twitter and Instagram feeds are currently some of my absolute favourite places to spend time on the internet. Cait’s bright and bubbly blog speaks to my bookish soul and never fails to bring a smile to my face. Her bookstagram photos are stunning, her recommendations excellent, and her insights into bookworm/writer life are hilarious and relatable. Her contributions to twitter are also wildly entertaining. She’s super fun to chat to and interact with in her comments or on social media. Perfect if you’re into fantasy (especially of the stabby/dragon based variety), cake (who isn’t into cake?), and world domination. Seriously, go make friends. Or, alternatively, do what I do and lurk in the shadowy corners of her rainbow space, occasionally retweeting and commenting with all caps because you just can’t contain the ME TOO feelings…

5. Literary Pins

I am an absolute sucker for literary accessories and have a particular weakness for literary pins. These are just some of my favourites from my ever growing collection. Some of my favourite shops for literary pins include Nutmeg and Arlo, The Literary Gift Company, and The Literary Emporium. They currently live on my work lanyard and they make me smile every day. Perfect small gifts for book lovers!

6. Polaroid Zip Instant Printer

I have wanted a mini photo printer for ages. One that would link up to my phone so I could quickly and easily print some of my photos to use in my journaling or just for keepsakes. I’d looked at the Polaroid Zip on and off and was a bit wary as it had mixed reviews. I found a second hand one going cheap and decided to give it a shot and I’m so glad I did. I get why it has mixed reviews: the photo quality isn’t amazing, the paper isn’t cheap and the app can be a bit clunky…but for what I was looking for it’s great! The photos print quickly and the quality is good enough for small prints (I like to think of them as having a kind of retro vibe – think Instagram filters!). The printer is a really neat size and I love that the photo papers have sticky backs! Super easy to print off a snap from the weekend and stick it straight into my planner. I was able to put together this mini album spread from our trip to Prague in just a few minutes. I’m really enjoying being able to print some of my favourite photos at the click of a button rather than leaving them sat on my phone.

7. Trollbeads

A few years ago everyone suddenly started wearing charm bracelets with bead style charms rather than the traditional clip on/dangly ones. I was ahead of the game. I’d already had my Trollbeads bracelet which was, and still is, one of my favourite pieces of jewellery. I absolutely adore Trollbeads. They have such original and quirky designs, beautifully made and with a whole host of different metals and stones to choose from, as well as their gorgeous glass beads. After years of collecting (and mostly being bought beads for birthdays and Christmases by my dad) my Trollbeads bracelet really tells a story. There are beads that reflect significant moments in my life, beads that were given with true sentiment, beads I treated myself to in celebration or comiseration. It’s me in charms and I love it. They’ve increased their range and offer other jewellery as well as charm bracelets – I have a beautiful pair of earrings and one of their fantasy necklaces which I also adore. Their service is always excellent – on one occasion I managed to get one of my beads stuck in the clasp (don’t ask me how!) and by sending my bracelet off to them they kindly rectified the problem for me. Their glass and silver beads also start at really reasonable prices. I love wearing my Trollbeads and I honestly think their charms are more beautiful and original in design than those from other charm retailers.

8. Bellabeat Leaf

In an attempt to keep track of how active I was being and encourage myself to do more exercise I had been tracking my steps and activity using apps on my phone. That was fine but I couldn’t always have my phone on me and some of the apps were real batter drainers. So I started looking at fitbits and pedometers. They seemed useful and did what I wanted them to do but they were quite pricey and were just not attractive to look at. I could see myself buying one and not wearing it all the time because it would look too clunky with my outfit. I’m not a fashionista or anything but I do like my accessories to look good and match what I’m wearing. Enter Bellabeat leaf…

I LOVE this fitness tracker. Yes, that beautifully crafted piece of jewellery is in fact a fitness tracker. It counts my steps, I can add other exercise, it measures my sleep, has meditations in the paired app to help you engage with and track mindfulness activities, it will track my menstrual cycle and it looks gorgeous! I most often wear it as a necklace but it can be worn as a bracelet or just clipped to the edge of a top or pair of trousers. It really is a stunning piece of smart jewellery that I am more than happy to show off with my day to day or going out outfits, or if it’s not quite the right piece for what I’m wearing, I can clip it to my waistand or bra so it’s neatly tucked out of sight but still measures all the things I want it to. The app it pairs with is really user friendly and also beautifully designed. It is not really any more expensive than other fitness trackers (especially when you consider you get a versatile piece of jewellery out of it too). You can also customise I with different necklaces, bracelets and even change the metal section so you can choose between silver or rose gold. LOVE. It is one of the best investments I have made for myself and I wear it every. single. day.

9. Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer

You may or may not have picked up but I’m a bit of an aspiring writer. I don’t write as often as I’d like and I can’t really decide if I’m actually any good at it, but I enjoy it and I like to dream that one day I might actually knuckle down and write something that people want to read. I love dipping into different website and books for inspiration, I love finding writing prompts and activities to try. One of my absolute favourite discoveries for writing inspiration and motivation is Jeff Vandermeer’s Wonderbook. This. Book. Is. AMAZING. It is stunningly illustrated, beautifully written, full of interesting insights and anecdotes, unusual writing prompts, and with contributions for writers of varied genres and walks of life. It’s great for dipping into or for sitting and reading in big chunks. Highly recommended for writers (aspiring or otherwise) – a perfect addition to your shelves.

10. Flow Magazine & Flow Specials

I have told of my love for Flow magazine before. In fact, I wrote a whole post gushing about the wonder that is Flow over here. I’m going to gush again. Flow remains the only magazine that I have ever read cover to cover. I eagerly anticipate its quarterly release and still marvel at the beautiful content that the wonderful team at Flow put together. The articles are varied and interesting, layout gorgeously designed, the activities excellent for promoting well being and reflection, the extra freebies perfect for paper lovers and creatives. I’ve also been really impressed by the Flow specials and paper books. The paper books are crammed with paper goodies and I love using their wrapping and writing papers, and have a whole wall covered in Flow posters and postcards next to my desk at work. The Flow specials are relevant and so good for helping refocus, recentre, and live a balanced and meaningful life. I’ve found their mindfulness special great for helping me manage anxious periods and have recently bought their latest special on love and friendships which I can’t wait to dive into. I can’t recommend Flow highly enough and it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Find your me-time in between the pages.
There you have it. Mini-reviews of some of my favourite things. I hope you enjoyed seeing a little of what I chose to spend my time (and money) on and maybe saw something you’d like to try for yourself. What are some of your favourite things?

Giselle: A Triumphant Reimagining

Posted on October 1, 2016 by jenthinc under Recommended

I have just had the pleasure, and the absolute privilege, of watching English National Ballet perform Akram Kahn’s Giselle. I’m not even sure if I can articulate how I feel about this production. Words like phenomenal spring to mind but I’m not sure even that would do it justice.
Every aspect of this reimagined classic has been crafted to perfection. Kahn’s choreography is poignant and eloquent, managing to be both true to the classical ballet style whilst also writhing with an earthy, contemporary edge. The combination of classical motifs, that appear like a breadcrumb trail evoking the original choreography, the bodily contortion and contemporary attack, blended with nods to Kahn’s classical kathak, make for a truly original work of art.
Tamara Rojo is exquisite as Giselle, and carries the complex blend of frantic movement, utter stillness, and expressive gesture with the degree of poise and perfection we come to expect from professional dancers, yet which still manages to astound. Likewise, Stina Quagebuer portrays Myrtha with finesse: exuding other-worldliness and wielding suspense with her every movement.
Along with the incredible performances of the principles and soloists, the artists of the company were truly breathtaking. For me, their portrayal of the Wilis in particular was striking. It was here, in Act 2, where Khan’s incredible conceptual originality shone: through the flawless execution of the artists. Managing to maintain the famous ethereal vision and movement of the classic, Khan brings a raw, underlying tension to the act, the eeriness of which raises the hairs on the back of your neck. The stunning choreography and performance is complimented beautifully by effortlessly flowing costumes; simple yet effective sets and staging; and a haunting use of light.
Circling and weaving through the production is another masterpiece; Vincenzo Lamagna’s score. A perfect blend of symphony and silence, threaded through with industrial sound, Lamanga manages to both enhance the choreography and give it space to breathe and speak for itself. In the music, as with the choreography, there are familiar refrains woven through a new and exciting artistic landscape: I can’t imagine a more successful accompaniment.
As if the artistic virtuosity evident in this production was not enough, this unique retelling carries with it themes both old and new, that resonate with extraordinary power. Love, rejection, betrayal, death, revenge and inequality all have their place in the evidently timeless story, and all are expressed in such a way that invites us to consider the impact of such things in our own communities, and indeed the world.
I congratulate all involved in the planning, production and performance of Giselle; it is truly triumphant.

Back to School Wishlist

Posted on August 31, 2014 by jenthinc under Personal, Random Share, Recommended

Anybody else feeling baffled by the fact that it’s September tomorrow? I mean really how did that happen?

On the plus side it means that it’s time for buying back-to-school supplies. Yay! All that lovely stationary and bags and loveliness. So since I’m currently pining after bouquets of sharpened pencils and all that malarky I though I would share my little back to school wish list with you all…

1. First up is this lovely little mug which oh so accurately describes one of my daily dilemmas.

2. Who wouldn’t want this completely adorable rucksack? I mean it’s a fox. That will carry your books.

3. As summer draws to a close and it starts getting colder and the central heating starts coming on, I think a girl is entitled to some fancy pants facial products, and this silky toner by Decléor is one of my faves.

4. If you have ridiculous hair like me that wants to be a dragon all the time, then cute and funky hair accessories are a must. This gorgeous leather hair pin is just what the wildly-out-of-control hair ordered.

5. I think this smart yet quirky printed skirt is just the sort of thing a new English mentor should be wearing, don’t you? I thought so. That’s going to be my first pay check’s first purchase right there!

6. It should really be compulsory for everyone to have pencils that tell them they are totally magical.

7. This, quite frankly, is genius. A wearable USB stick?! Now that’s handy! You can even get it with different coloured leather cord bracelets, and they do necklaces too.

8. Now I realise I already have a bag on here but this is for those more sophisticated days, you know meetings, training days etc. This beautiful satchel has lots of pockets and compartments, gorgeous herringbone lining, and it’s just the right size for an iPad.

9. I already have an Alice in Wonderland brooch like this one, in the shape of a rabbit, but it is absolutely one of my favourite accessories so I’m looking to add a few more to my collection. This brooch is from Of Mice and Men which is perfect since it’s one of the texts I will be teaching/mentoring on. If you’re a book lover there’s bound to be one of these lovelies just waiting for you.

10. I don’t really need any more notebooks. Except that you can never have too many notebooks. And these beauties just happen to have my favourite poster series on their covers…a couple wouldn’t hurt surely?

11. Bare Minerals makeup became one of my new favourite things after I treated myself to some for my wedding makeup. So so lovely to wear because it feels like you’re not wearing it and looks really natural. So I’m a bit excited by their compact sets in a handy case. Very useful for touch ups before parents evenings!

12. My beloved long black leather boots have died a death after many years of faithful service. So OBVIOUSLY I need some new boots. These ones to be precise. I love love love Reiker boots because it’s like wearing slippers. No really. It is.

So there you have it, my back to school wish list. What are you crushing on for the new term??

Super Easy Sweet Treat

Posted on March 14, 2014 by jenthinc under Personal, Random Share, Recipes, Recommended

We all need a sweet treat every now and again…and now…and also now…anyways this amazingly easy no-cook fudge is great for giving as a gift, for parties and for generally having around when you need that sugar hit. It has become one of my go-to recipes when I’m hosting a party as it’s fairly quick and simple and always goes down a treat.

All you need is butter, vanilla extract, icing sugar, cocoa powder, condensed milk. Basic method is mix-knead-roll-cut-EAT! See here for measurements and proper step by step instructions!

It’s good fun to make especially if you have some cute mini cookie cutters.

You can even try mixing it up with the flavours! I made some minty ones by using mint flavour hot chocolate powder in place of cocoa powder, some white chocolate ones using white chocolate hot chocolate powder and some baileys ones (yum!!) adding in a measure of baileys. Just note if you are doing this or using a different liquid based flavour you’ll need to slightly reduce the amount do condensed milk and get rid of the vanilla extract otherwise it will be too moist and won’t set properly. It’s a bit of a guessing game if you do this! I did the original recipe first to get an idea for how it should be at each stage and then played around. It’s so easy that even when I was guessing measurements it came out yummy scrummy!

So enjoy and impress all your friends by producing a little plate/box/bag of these for your next special event!

Let me know if you try any exciting flavours.

Happy Friday 🙂

A Little Bit of Lovely: indieBerries

Posted on February 26, 2014 by jenthinc under Inspiration, Random Share, Recommended

As I near the end of my first month of blogging (I’m still here…Yay!!) I wanted to take a moment to thank a very lovely lady, who is partially responsible for me deciding to take the leap into the blogosphere…and she doesn’t even know it! In fact she doesn’t even know me! Which is a bit weird but I’m going to keep going anyway…

I’ve been reading her blog for a few years now, lurking in the background and eventually submitting a tentative “I think your bog is awesome”. I even got up the nerve to send her an email in the run up to my wedding, because her own wedding related posts were helping keep me sane and giving me lots of inspiration. And she replied! I was really touched that she took the time to get back to me, I mean she had a thriving blog to manage, probably had THOUSANDS of comments/emails/tweets etc to reply to, and was also all newly married and moving countries and stuff. Yes I did say moving countries. Not house. Countries. She is of course the utterly fabulous Che; AKA indieBerries.

Visit this blog. Now. You won’t regret it.

Che’s blog is an amazing collection of personal stories (hello romantic proposal and kitchen ~~disasters~~ adventures!), crafty ideas (wash tape business cards? YES!), hilarious cartoons (who gets what’s happening in curling?) and more recently adventures in being a creative business type person (let’s talk money!). Che has not only managed to create a massively successful blog but is now also turning those things she loves into her own lovely little business. This is on my “things I would do if I was brave enough” list, so being able to share in Che’s adventures as she builds indieBerries is mega inspiring. Maybe one day…

With all this and sooooo much more going on, indieBerries never fails to inspire and make me smile. It is never restricted to one thing, is varied and interesting and so flippin’ REAL! I just love it and I hope you will too.

So thank you Che for sharing your awesomeness with the world and for being such an inspiration!

Which blogs inspire you?

A Little Bit Of Lovely: Flow Magazine

Posted on February 19, 2014 by jenthinc under Crafty, Inspiration, Random Share, Recommended

A couple of months ago whilst browsing round Magma in Manchester (FYI, fabulous shop which you should visit) I came across a very pretty looking magazine which proclaimed to be “for paper lovers”. Well that is definitely me. I picked up the magazine and flicked through it (soooo pretty!)…and put it back on the shelf (sensible head = not a necessary purchase). I wandered round some more, came back to the pretty magazine, picked it up and repeated the process. Eventually I left the shop. Magazineless.

Then a couple of weeks ago I was back in said awesome shop and repeating the above experience when hubby convinced me I should treat myself (he’s good at that). So I did. I went home the proud owner of Flow Magazine.

Wow.

I devoured EVERY PAGE of this beautiful publication (unheard of for me) in one sitting. And since finishing it I keep going back. It’s THAT good. Gorgeous illustrations and graphics, inspiring stories and insightful articles, each page is a delight. So of course I absolutely had to share it with you.

Here are some of my favourite pages and pieces:

Look at this gorgeous illustrated divider (one of four) which, when I can bring myself to pull them out of the magazine, I intend to put up around my desk and work space to add some colour and cheer up my days. I also love this “how to feel good” prompt page with some thought provoking questions to complete. (I adore interactive pages like this and Flow has some drawing lessons pages as well as this one. Brilliant!)

This fascinating article on creativity in South Sudan shares the stories of some truly inspirational women who are not only creating beautiful things, but beautiful opportunities in difficult circumstances. A fantastic insight into a very different culture, showing the power of creativity in building better lives.

I knew I’d love this one before I’d even started reading it! More good reasons to read a book! We’ve already established my love of reading, so I was thrilled to read about the research which found reading is good for your health and reduces stress levels. Quick, where’s my bookcase?! This whole article is also beautifully presented, as though if I managed to actually sink into the page I would be submerged in calm. Lovely.

Divas from the past provides a tantalising glimpse into the lives of now retired actors, opera singers and directors from Russia. It’s fabulous to see pictures of them now, next to pictures from their hey days, and still see the presence and poise that must have helped make them great!

This “what are you up to?” section provides a snapshot of the lives and projects of three creative entrepreneurs from around the world. If, like me, you are a wannabe creative type then this is definite inspiration and food for thought. Also these lovely folk are definitely ones to look out for.

I actually really struggled to pick which pages to list in this post because it’s all just so good! I love that Flow is divided into four sections: Simplify your life – Feel connected – Live mindfully – Spoil yourself, and each section has a little round up of relevant loveliness. From unique shops to spoil yourself in, to tips for home growing to help you live mindfully, it’s all just so gorgeous you have to see it for yourself. Also there are freebies! Who doesn’t love a good freebie? And as if the magazine wasn’t enough they also have an iPad app with extra lovely stuff (free at the moment so get it quick!). I’m going to shut up now so you can go buy/order/download a bit of Flow.

Enjoy!

Weekend Fun!

Posted on February 16, 2014 by jenthinc under Personal, Recommended

Weekends are the best aren’t they? You can be lazy or busy, go out or stay in, see friends and family, meet lovely new folk, or indulge in some ‘me time’. Today I thought I’d share some of the things that have made my weekend lovely (WARNING: I was spoilt. You may become jealous.)

Two weeks ago today marked six months since I married my fabulous hubby and to mark the occasion he bought me a beautiful pair of earrings and tickets to see Lauren Aquilina play on Valentine’s day. So my weekend kicked off in The Ruby Lounge on friday evening, with a drink in hand listening to awesome music. I’d never been to The Ruby Lounge before but will definitely be going back. It’s a great little venue with comfy leather sofas to relax on whilst the band sets up.

This is the only picture I took all night, I was too busy enjoying myself so I don’t have any pictures of the venue, but I assure you it’s fab. Lauren Aquilina was great (what a gorgeous voice!) and I really enjoyed the support act Gavin James – definitely one to watch.

On Saturday Morning we were up fairly early to go and view some houses. Yep, we are trying to buy a house. If you haven’t had this experience yet, let me warn you now. It. Is. Stressful. But hopefully we will soon have a lovely space to decorate, play with and call our own, and I’m really looking forward to being able to share that journey when it gets underway.

Once we’d done with all our viewings it was off into Manchester for a mooch round the shops and a trip to the cinema to see The Lego Movie, which by the way is ace. SO FUNNY! You should go see it. This wasn’t any old cinema trip though because the hubby had booked our tickets for The Gallery at the Printworks so we got to hang out in the swanky bar and help ourselves to unlimited popcorn, nachos and soft drinks!

Obviously this all costs a bit more than your average cinema experience but it was so much fun and made it feel special. We also went back to the bar after the film for a drink to kill time until our table at Avalanche was ready so we got our money’s worth.

I was mightily impressed that hubby had also booked a table for dinner as our usual trick is to wander round until with find somewhere with a less than 30 minute wait. So we had a delicious meal and a made a crane out of my napkin whilst we waited for our bill.

Tadaaa!

Our fun filled Saturday was followed by a lazy Sunday. Lounging at home in the morning and a wander round IKEA in the afternoon. We’ve chosen our kitchen for the house we haven’t bought yet and I treated myself to a faux flower in a vase and some colourful wash tape (who knew IKEA sold wash tape!?) to add to my collection.

So sadly now the weekend is almost over, but am comforting myself with the thought that after five more work days it is half term! Which means LOTS of crafty/bloggy/me tim, meet ups with friends and a trip to Amsterdam! Yay!

How was your weekend?

My Life in Books

Posted on February 5, 2014 by jenthinc under Personal, Random Share, Recommended

I love books. I mean I really REALLY love books. So including some of that love here and sharing some of my favourite books with you lovely people seemed like a no-brainer.

Now it would be absolutely impossible to name my favourite book. I mean really…one favourite book? One? No.

So I picked nine. And that was very restrained of me. Even now I keep thinking of others I want to add, but I can’t do that because I already finished my book portrait!

Pretty right!? That’s that other thing I love about books, they are not only lovely to read but lovely to look at, to hold, to everything really.

Now for a super quick run down of my nine.

Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is one of my favourite ‘classics’. It’s dark but somehow also full of hope, and I love that Jane strives for herself throughout the story. It has little bit of everything in here; love, mystery, ambition, friendship. If you haven’t read it you definitely should give it a go.

Julie Bertagna’s Exodus is a little miracle of a book that I stumbled across completely by accident. It follows a child forced to grow up too quickly in a world unrecognisable as our own. Imaginative, touching and full of adventure, this story grabs me and moves me every time I read it. And if you struggle to let go once a story is over your in luck with this one as it’s the first in a trilogy! You’re welcome.

Robert Niell’s Mist Over Pendle explores the mystery of the Pendle witches. I love the story and the characters but to be honest it’s the descriptions in this book that do it for me every time. The pictures painted by Niell’s words are so vivid they leap off the page and pull you into story. You feel the atmosphere of the Pendle woods and feel the gorgeous fabrics,bitter winds and mulled wine. Amazing!

Dodi Smith’s I Capture The Castle grabbed my attention after an exercise in my English A Level class involving reading the opening lines of 50 books…”I write this sitting in the kitchen sink”…Do you need any more than that? Nope, I thought not.

Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy… ok. Yes I cheated. This is technically three books. But since I practically inhaled them in one go I count them as one. I love a bit of fantasy and this series was right on the mark. Brilliant characters, imaginative worlds and a gripping plot that definitely isn’t always what you expect. (I also love pretty much everything Brandon Sanderson has written. But be warned he likes to start new series without finishing other ones first. Good job they’re all fab.)

Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a wonderful wonderful book. It’s quirky and thought provoking and moving, and it even has recommendations for other books (and music) all the way through! Double win!

Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus is one my hubby recommended to me whilst we were on honeymoon, and which I then devoured by the pool in the Greek sunshine. This book is magic. It’s about magic. But it also actually IS magic! It’s mysterious, unexpected and reading it is like walking around in a dream. I love it, and kudos to hubby dearest for the recommendation.

A.A. Milne’s Winnie The Pooh. What can I even say about this one? It’s a work of genius quite frankly. Pooh bear and friends have got me through many a difficult time. The wisdom of that bear of very little brain is always so poignant, the courage of Piglet so empowering, the energy of Tigger so infectious, and on those days when everything seems rubbish, the gloom and pessimism of Eeyore weirdly always cheers me up. I’m lucky enough to have an early edition so I also get to enjoy the gorgeous illustrations (which we managed to incorporate into our wedding, yay!) An absolute classic and everyone, young or old or anywhere in between, can take something from these beautiful stories.

Last but not least is Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. The enduring theme revolving around the idea that all the best people are mad is endlessly comforting to me. The characters are so original, the story so unusual and so much of it’s weirdness relatable that it couldn’t not be on this list!

So that’s it! What are your favourite books?

Thrive In Chaos

Still and small in the madness we grow.

Category Archives: Recommended

Giselle: A Triumphant Reimagining

Weekend Fun!