BLOGMAS Days 13 and 14: Not very exciting facts about me...

Okay so I have been slacking on the blog posts lately, So the next couple are going to be joint days. Sorry. No excuses just how things have happened. So have some not very exciting things about me! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

1. My favourite book is Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern also known as Love Rosie.
2. I am slightly addicted to The Sims 4, not playing the game, more building the houses and killing my sims in weird ways.... you all do it! 
3. I love to cook and bake. Love finding new recipes. 
4. Marvel over DC any day. X-men in particular 
5. The Phoenix is my favourite mutant ever! (seriously she can control all matter!!!)
6. I am slightly addicted to candles. I can't resist buying them. 
7. I rewatch comedy shows all the time, and still laugh at them even though I know the jokes. Yeah I'm that person. 
8. My music taste is something to be desired. I love anything cheesey! Give me anything from the 80's and 90's. Who doesn't love ABBA? But I also love Punk and soft rock. I just like to sing badly to songs. 
9. I don't like cheese okay. I'm sorry but its horrid. It makes me sick and smells horrid. Say no to cheese. 
10. I'm single! Like really single HA.
11. I'm still learning to drive. I can drive, just haven't done my driving test. 
12. I know most of the words to the album Curtain Call by Eminem. Also 8 mile is one of my favourite films.
13. I am really untidy. Not dirty just really untidy. 
14. Cider is a glorious drink... I cannot drink vodka it never ends well for me. 

So, yeah sorry haha. 14 random facts about me, as this is day 13 and 14... 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

Positive Post

There is a lot of negativity around lately, and I was going to jump on the band wagon. I even started writing 4 posts about how crap things are at the moment, But no! It's nearly December, time for happiness and good times. A few things that make me happy and remain positive. 

Tea and a good book. 

You may or may not be aware that I love to read. Like LOVE to read. My bedroom is dedicated to my books and love of reading. Lately I have loved nothing more than sitting in front of the open fire, with a book in one hand a cup of tea in the other. Of course with a fluffy blanket and pjs. This month I have been reading All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, recommended to me by my very best friend Jenny (so thanks girl). I am thoroughly enjoying the book and nearly at the end. 

Being happy. 

It is properly an obvious one, in order to be positive it to stay happy. Lately, there have been a few good/bad reasons why I might not be happy. And I have literally decided to take that thrown, and turn it upside down. Push that bad energy out of my life and enjoy the little things. I simply do not have time to spend wasting it on negativity. It doesn't make me feel good therefore it does not need to be part of my life. So thank you and good by negativity. 

Surround yourself with good people.

I have this month pushed people out of my life who do nothing but bring me down. Those people who always have an opinion on what I should or shouldn't be doing. I do not need the constant nagging and judging. This is my life and I will live it the way I feel fit. If that makes me a bad person, then good, let that be! 

Being myself, ALWAYS!

I will never ever change myself for anyone. What you see is what you get. And that should be enough. Please never change for anyone. I love ME! And that will not change. The most important thing is to be yourself, and if you are truly yourself, I already love you. 

I hope this has helped spread a little positivity. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

What's been going on?

I know I've been terrible again, it's been way to long since I wrote :( it’s just been manic.

New job

I started training for my new job, and safe to say it’s been hard work. 4 weeks of intense training not going to lie it has been really hard work. And I've wanted to quit a few times. But I've met some wonderful people who have kept me going through it all. THANKS GUYS <3 So, the new job, is a care assistant job for the elderly, residential, dementia and nursing. It is a fantastic job very rewarding. It has its ups and downs but mainly ups. The training has been crazy and really intense, a lot to take in. It's a brand new care home as well, we are all new. Which is great, all of us starting together all in the same boat. It just means there is a lot to iron out and figure out how everyone works. But with this jobs, means I can develop and quite quickly. I do permanent nights which is quote tough. I'm currently working 6 12-hour night shifts in a row which is tiring but manageable. Anyway, I am taking the responsibility of a senior at night, which is great. I am proving to them that I want to be a senior and I will have the extra training and be a fully qualified senior care assistant which is great. I cannot wait to see what my future holds.

Books

Honestly I haven't read that much lately. But I did read Giovanna Fletcher's new book Always with Love, which honestly I was left a little disappointed, it was okay just nothing compared to her other books which all make it onto my favourite book list. I also read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling and you know, I was pleasantly surprised I actually really enjoyed it, I was a bit vary of it being in a play format but after a few pages I got used to it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am currently reading All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, I haven’t read much but that’s my plan for this evening, so in my next update hopefully I would have finished it.

Films

Once again I have found myself reaching for my favourites, I’ve watched the Devil wears Prada and Zombieland, my go to films when I need a bit of cheering up or when I’m feeling a bit stressed out. But my favourite at the moment has to be The Fundamentals of Caring starring Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts. Great acting all round, great message, hilarious and heart-warming. A must watch :D.

TV Series

There have been a few series I have enjoyed this month, I finally finished Jessica Jones which was great, not sure why it took me so long to finish it, but I am so glad I did, it was so worth it. The ending annoyed me a little bit not going to lie I wanted more, but never the less a great show, and top acting all round. The second is another Marvel show which of course is Luke Cage! This has to be my favourite out of all them so far (Daredevil and Jessica Jones) it just had everything in it for me, great story and it all crossed over which I enjoyed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I am looking forward to the next series and what they bring.

Dating

And finally dating… I’ve been on a few dates this month and honestly they haven’t gone well… I don’t know if I’m just being picky or what but I guess I’m looking for someone or something in particular and I haven’t found it yet. Any advice is welcome haha.

I will try not to be so bad at writing, I need to get back into the swing of thing again. So here is me signing off for now.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring 

August 19th 2016

Currently loving...
Band: Scouting for Girls
Film: We bought a Zoo
Book: The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
Product: Dove, Summer Revived
Game: Pokemon (obvs)
Drink: Almond Dark Chocolate milk (Alpro)
Food: Couscous

This month I have been revisiting old loves of mine, and the biggest one is the band Scouting for Girls. I honestly forgot how much I loved them, and quickly found myself singing, if not a little out of tune (okay a lot out of tune) to the songs. It took me right back to when I was in year 10, (some 7 if not 8 years ago), Elvis isn't dead, the heartbeat song and of course She's so lovely. And yes I ended up watching Angus, Things and Perfect Snogging. I also found out that they are touring!!! So, I might have to get me some tickets.

Little update. 
As you guys know I am on a health kick. Out with the old and in with the new and all that jazz. This week I have thoroughly enjoyed trying new healthy foods and found my love for couscous, this stuff is a life saver, some boiling water is all you need and boom healthy meal, I add chicken and loads of veg to mine. I can never finish it all which is great, because when I undoubtedly get a little hungry later on I can finish off my lunch. In my first week I lost a total of 6lb which I was over the moon about, and the second week a total of 9lb. So, as you can imagine I am a very happy girlie right now.

I also purchased a new bike and I love it. It is so pretty and beautiful. (see below) I was lucky my local Halfords have a deal at the moment on bikes and accessories 20% off all bicycles and 3 for 2 on accessories. I couldn't resist, it is beautiful :).  I am of course going to get matching basket and saddle bag, I'd be silly not to.

Also, this month I got a new tattoo, by the wonderfully talented Sophie of Skin Wizard in Thatcham. I am beyond happy with the tattoo, it means a lot to me. The photo does not do this beauty justice. 

That has been my month so far, I hope you liked my little update. Until next time..

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring 

HELLO lovely people.

I've been procrastinating! Now there's a surprise HA.

It's been a while and I have attempted to write a new post a fair few times. I have deleted 14 drafts of posts because I just didn't like them or want to finish them. So hopefully I will actually finish this one.

I thought I'd show you my latest plus size clothing order, this time it was from Forever21, the UK website. My first ever order consisted of 3 dresses and 1 playsuit. I love 3 out of the 4 I love, 1 of the dressed was a bit meh only because it was a little bit tight. However it only cost me £5ish so the best thing to do is for me to lose weight. Which I am still doing by the way! The picture below shows you what items I got, all from the Forever21 plus size range. I did do a bit of research into what the sizes were like and what the equivalent size from USA to UK sizes were and found it very useful. In the UK I wear sizes 16, 18 ad 20, depending on garment, fabric and shop. For Forever21 I went for the 2X or 3X depending on the style of garment and fabric.

I am in love with the floral smocked playsuit which cost £19, and worth every penny. It is so comfy and has surprise pockets! Always a bonus. I got this in a size 2X,  I am so glad I went for the 2X for this playsuit as it fits perfectly, very flattering and comfy, any bigger would ruin this piece.
The black and white stripey smock dress was £15, also a 2X, fits lovely, floaty and flattering, just a warning, wear a white or nude bra with this dress! Anything else you will be able to see.
Matelasse floral bodycon dress was £5.99 3X., ironically this is the only item I got in the bigger size, but the only item that didn't fit. It was to tight. However, I reckon with some good pants that suck everything in, this dress would be lovely. Time to invest in some sucky in pants.
Plus size floral dress was £13 2X, this dress also has surprise pockets! I do love a good pocket. Loely light material and perfect length, I do not feel the need to wear leggings with this, I normally do with all dresses.

Books 
I finished a few books in the time I have been gone, The Martian by Andy Weir (started and finished whilst on holiday in Thailand) I am in love with this books and film. PLEASE READ IT! Also a couple of easy chick-lit books, On the Fence and The Distance Between Us both by Kasie West, lovely little books, vry easy to read and I thoroughly enjoyed them, good little summer reads.

TV series
FRINGE! I am obsessed with Fringe, in 2 weeks I have watched 4 seasons, nearly onto the 5th and final season. I have been gripped from the start, so many twists and turns and Walter Bishop, I love him. He is spectacular and always has something witty to say, his one liners re amazing.

Food 
I am right in there with my salads at the moment, a cheeky tuna and quinoa salad goes down a treat now that the sun is here. Also, iced coffee, I discovered this marvelous invention thanks to my mum, and I can safely say I am addicted. I now make my own iced coffee, its a hell of a lot cheaper and so SO easy to make. Also, a little shout out to Graze who have got me through the munchies lately, I get a box every Thursday/Friday and its full of lovely little snacks.

Sorry for taking so long to post again. And for this post being all over the place. I hope to post more regularly from now on. Fingers crossed

Love yah
IsThataReddHerring

January wrap-up!

That's right I thought I'd jump on the band wagon and start doing monthly wrap ups. It is also nice for me to look back on each month and see what I've done and things I want to achieve next month and so on.

Fitness
Let's start with fitness. A lot of people in January make it their resolution to lose weight and get fitter, but I started my journey back in October and its going well. But in January I stepped it up a whole new level. More determined than ever to better myself. Of course I've had my ups and downs, slipped up a few times (had the odd one too many biscuits) but I didn't let that deter me. As soon as I felt myself slipping I did something to change that and distract myself.
If I did slip I didn't then force myself to do a 5K run or anything drastic, i simply told myself that 'I am human after all, and there will be times when I've had a really bad day at work, or just don't feel like exercising and you know what that is perfectly fine. I am not going to give up things that I like and enjoy. Restricting myself completely of the things that I love, yes I'm talking about those KitKats, is a silly idea. I tend to crave it more and give in and go on a binge. Whereas letting myself have a little treat every now and then stops me from binging on the bad stuff. In the long run for me it is better. Instead of having 3 or 4 biscuits I only have 1, filling the craving but not causing to much damage. I'm always on the look out for healthier options of my favourite foods. But sometimes I need a little fix!
My biggest achievement this month though is a 10lb weight lose. I am extremely happy with myself and feel a lot more confident. It's nice that people are noticing as well.

Book Haul
As usual I have brought way to many books this month, but my top picks are Deathnote books 1 to 4, which if you haven't read or heard of you must give them ago. Deathnote is a Manga series based in Japan. I will be doing a separate blog on Deathnote and why more people need to know about it. I got a great deal in Forbidden Planet it was 3 for the price of 2 on most books. So I picked up books 1,2, and 4 they were missing 3 :( but went into hmv and there it was so I picked up 3 as well. Each book has two volumes and to be honest they are such an easy read I will finish the 4 books by the end of the week. I got the black editions and they are amazing, so beautiful!

Other books I am really looking forward to reading are The art of being normal by Lisa Williamson , Cinder the first book in the lunar chronicles by Marissa Meyer, The Martian by Andy Weir, and The Reunion of Ghosts by Judith Mitchell. I will be doing reviews for each as and when I read them. 

Clothing 
I may have done a little clothing haul or 3! I brought some very boring things like new socks and underwear, trousers for work... But I did buy some new running shoes well actually two pairs oops. In my defense my old trainers are horrid, they are the typical style you see kids running around in at school for P.E. it was time for a change. I got a good deal on a pair of Sketchers Flex Appeal on Amazon and they are amazing (see picture below) I got mine for £41 and worth every penny. I did a fair amount of research into which trainers to get and time after time these popped up. I cannot wait to try them out properly later on this week at the gym.

I also brought a basic black pair of running shoes. I got these on a whim and honestly they are amazing. Myself and my boyfriend were shopping in Southampton and came across a sports shop I hadn't heard of before called Decathalon. We went in on the off chance there will be something we want. And to my surprise they did a lot of great sports gear for a very good price. So I brought myself a pair of Kalenji (see picture below) running shoes for only £12.99. I cannot stop wearing them.

Favourite Film of January 

Straight Outta Compton. This film was amazing. Contains very strong language but based on the true story of N.W.A, safe to say it doesn't hold back any details or swearing! A must watch, one of my favourite all time films. 

Favourite TV Series of January 

Mr. Robot, Amazon Prime original, it's really good. Very quirky and has everything a good series needs. Highly recommend. 

Favourite Book of January 

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simison, the second book in the duo-logy, follows Rosie and Don after their marriage and a surprise baby on the way. (Not really a spoiler as its all over the cover) 

Favourite Song of January 

Dessert by Dawin, I love this because it keeps me motivated in the gym :D 

Overall January has been a very good month, a great start to 2016 :D roll on February

Love Yah
IsThataRedHerring

UPDATE on everything. Fitness, books, goals and more

This is a much needed update (sorry). As the title suggests it is time for a big update on well my life. I know a lot of people are going to be doing New Years resolutions but this year I only have one big goal, which is being broken down to the following:

Fitness
Back in November I pledged to get fit and with every pound I lose I will donate to charity. Since then I have lost 14 pound so yes that is £14 towards a charity. In December I joined the gym and hired a personal trainer. When I sat down and talked to her (personal trainer, thank you Carrie) she reminded me that muscle weighs more than fat, so although it's a good idea in theory I will be losing fat and gaining muscle and my routine consists of a lot of weight lifting to shift the fat. So, I have decided with every dress size I drop I will donate £50 to a chosen charity (still need to be chosen) and when I get to my target dress size of a size 12 I will donate a further £100.

This year 2016! I want to do a few charity runs, particularly Cancer Research Race for Life and a few others which I need I to research more into. If you have any suggestions for charity runs then please let me know... also any suggestions you have for the charity in which the money I raise with my weight-loss, then please let me know.

Work
I started a new job in October, quitting my job as a care assistant in a care home due to a few reasons, but the main issue is that I didn't see myself furthering my career there which at the age of 21 is very important to me. So, I got a new job at a school for autistic children, it's an amazing job, very rewarding and I am part of a great team. Unlike my old job the hours are consistent and the money is a lot better, and the best thing is there are many opportunities to further myself. At some point this year I will be starting my health and social diploma. Exciting times, this also means a pay rise!

Books
Well its 2016 so there are many amazing books being released but I already have a ton of books I need to read. So after my last Waterstones voucher is spent I am going to STOP buying new books! It's going to be so hard, but my To Be Read list is so big is frightening!
The books I am looking forward to reading most this year are :-

• Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs 
• Illuminae by Amie Kaufman 
• The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer 
• The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion 
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma 
• The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner 

I know a lot of these books are old (not really but so last year ;) ) but I really wanted to read them and this year I will be getting to them. I am particularly excited about the Lunar Chronicles and Illuminae. I have heard a lot of good things about these books so I am very excited to pick them up and give them a read. 

I also aim to reread a couple of my favourite books, for defiant I will be rereading Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky because it is one of my favourites and I love it. I need to reread it so badly. I think it will be my first book of 2016. Also, at some point this year I will read Life and Death by Stephanie Meyer, the reverse version of Twilight. I have heard very mixed things about this book so I need to give it a go myself. 

Blog
The main aim for my blog this year is to blog regularly, pre-write blog posts and post twice a week. It's not that hard really but I have become very lazy with my blog and well a lot of things to be honest (sorry). So, I have started a fresh notebook full of ideas for posts and I am going to start writing them as soon as I've finished this one. I want to get regular views which would be nice and hopefully make a little name for myself. But that is an ongoing goal. I hope my writing will develop.

LIFE
Just the small topic of life. But to be honest I just want to be happy and healthy and I will achieve this. I am making positive changes to my life. I am determined not to give up on anything.
A few other little things is:

• travel more
• even if it's to the next town over, or to London more. Just to discover new places... I am also going to Thailand for 10 days which is AMAZINGLY EXCITING. 
• Use my time wisely- not to waste my precious time. Because if 2015 has taught me anything it's that time does not wait around for you. 
• Appreciate the little things. 
• LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Sorry for such a long blog post but I felt that it was needed. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

My latest book purchases and why...

My latest book purchases are:

I have recently brought a lot of books, mainly because I work nights at work and they can go a little slow when there is no work to do I am able to read. I've been flying through books which is amazing. Here is a list of books so far, and a little bit about the ones I am looking forward to the most.

• The Time keeper by Mitch Albom 
• The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom 
• The Quiet Game by Greg Iles (series, including The Bone Tree) 
• Look Who's Back by Timur Vermes 
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 
• The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan 
• Department 19 by Will Hill
• You Don't Have To Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning
• Just A Girl Standing In Front Of A Boy by Lucy-Anne Holmes 
• Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 

The Quiet Game by Greg Iles...
this is also a book by Iles, I have been recommended this book by several people and thought I'd give it a go, it is the first book of a series and I haven't read a series in a while so I am going to try this one and see how it goes.

Look Who's Back by Timur Vermes 
This book is based on Hitler coming back from the dead, he becomes a YouTube star and follows Hitler as a YouTubing and staring in his own TV show, I have mixed views of this book, but I am looking forward to reading it.

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan 
From the reviews this book is heartwarming and very emotional. The book is a collection of essays written by Marina, sadly Marina died in a car accident 3 days after graduating from university. She had a very bright future ahead of her, which sadly was taken from her in a freak accident. I am looking forward to reading it but feel that I am going to need a lot of tissues at the ready.

The Girl of the Train by Paula Hawkins
This book was eagerly recommended to me by the staff of Waterstones, I was lucky enough to be given a voucher from my wonderful friend Vikki for my birthday so thought I'd give it ago. I am about to start the book and from what I've read (reviews) I will not be putting it down.

Love yah
IsThataRedHerring

P.S
You can also follow/add me on GoodReads: Gemma Herring

I have a cunning plan!

Recently I have purchased yet another pile of books. I have a ridiculous amount of books but that will not stop me reading them. But the trouble it, I am finding it really hard to decide which book to read next. I have so many fantastic books, that picking one to read seems impossible. So I have decided to let my decision be made by fate. Much like Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory did for an episode... although mine will not be dice I roll rather putting my hand into a jar and seeing what book title I pull out.

picture courtesy of Google Images 

I have started to write the tittles of the books on pieces of paper, and putting them into a jar. Today I finished the Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, which I shall review in the next few days, I was pleasantly surprised by this book and how lovely it was. So I am currently book free and looking for something new to read and I shall leave that to the jar to decide.

I am now calling my jar, the Jar of Destiny... so from my magical mystery jar, I chose The Quiet Game by Greg Iles which I was very happy about, because it is one of the new books I have recently purchased and is a genre of book I rarely read. It's a crime novel, I've never read any crime before so this is going to be a big change for me. It is also a rather large book, so may take me a little longer than usual to read, so far I am 50 or so pages in and I am loving it. It is beautifully written, and as it is a series I am already looking forward to reading the rest.

As I was writing this blog I couldn't help but buy 3 more books... I try to buy the majority of my books from book shops, unfortunately my trusted Waterstones is currently shut as they are refurbishing, so I brought these 3 new books online. I try to avoid this because slowly the beloved book shops are closing down because they cannot keep up with amazon. So, whenever I can I try to buy direct from the bookshop, and its always good to talk to the staff who are always enthusiastic about reading, and always recommend books.

I am pretty sure my book buying habit is a problem, but hey my parents always knew what to get me for my birthday and Christmas... BOOKS! or book vouchers I'm not fussy.

Love yah
IsThataRedHerring

1 hour of reading everyday.

You may remember that at the start of this year I decided to read 21 books because I turn 21 this year. And well it isn't going great, I've only finished one book so far which was Paper Towns by John Green. I feel like I do not prioritise reading enough. So I have decided to start reading for at least an hour a day. It is most likely to be before I go to bed, but I feel like if I can just fit in an hour a day it will make it a lot easier and more enjoyable to read. I do not want it too seem like a task because its not, I just do not prioritise reading as much as I should. Therefore instead of watching videos on Youtube before I sleep or watching one more episode on Netflix I am going to read. Get all cosy in bed with my book and maybe a cup of tea and read, and enjoy it.


The book I read first was Paper Towns, I think this was a wrong choice for me to read because I disliked this book immensely. (I will be posting a review) I just feel this book had so much potential but failed at a lot of hurdles, and so much waffling about nothing. So, this I guess put me off a little to continue my 21 book challenge, but I have just started my new book and it is by a different author and is good so far, I am only 20 pages in therefore I cannot really comment about it, but the style of writing and layout is a lot different than what I normally read so I am excited to continue. The book is called The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer. Hopefully I will finish the book by Sunday the 16th, I also have a longish trip back home so I can read for the 3/4 hour journey I hope.

This was a short post so I can motivate myself to read more, and I hope you guys are somewhat motivated to pick up a book and read more, something you've been meaning to read or you've been recommended to read but never did, this is your opportunity to do so! Just 1 hour each day that's all it takes and you will fly through books.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

I am quite British...

There is a tag currently on YouTube about how British do you think you are, and you know what I am proud to be typically British and this is why:

How many cups of tea do you have in a day?
I think I drink between 3-4 cups of tea a day, normally I drink Earl Grey Tea as it is my favourite flavour, Although I drink more if my housemate happens to be making tea as well, it's just rude not to have one if she is.

What is your favourite part of a roast?
I think I have to say either roast potatoes (especially if my mum has made them) or stuffing. They always make a good roast... Also just a note, I have to have a roast at least once a week.

Favourite dunking biscuit? 
I think mine has to be a dark chocolate digestive biscuit, classic and perfect for dunking.

Favourite quintessentially British pass-time? 
Is is either Doctor Who because I am a massive DW fan or sitting down and watching all the soaps with my mum such as Corrie, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.

Favourite typical British word?
I think Blimey or Gosh are amazingly British words, I often say 'Oh Blimey' which means I don't believe it or shocked (if you didn't already know), gosh also means shocked.

Favourite British phrase or saying?
I use the phrase 'Not to be funny but...' or 'I don't mean to be rude...' I don't know why I use them all the time, its basically to make a less direct insult. (sorry)

Favourite sweet?
I love pear drops or jelly tots that are typically British, childhood right there.

What would your pub be called?
I reckon I would choose a classic British phrase, which would be 'let's have a knee's up'. Which in England means let's get drunk or have a few drinks, ideal for a pub I reckon.

Number one British person?
I cannot choose between Stephen Fry and Ian McKellen, they are both wonderful men, that have brought such joy into my life. Through acting and love, they are amazing role models and great people, wonderful people to admire.

Favourite shop or restaurant?
Favourite shop is Waterstones, because of my love for books, I can spend hours just looking at books, I do love that new book smell.
Favourite restaurant is Nandos and I am not ashamed at all to admit that, I am a Nandos addict.

What British song pops into your head? 
Steps, 5,6,7,8.. my favourite childhood band.

I know this blog wasn't the most exciting but this week has been a bit of a roller-coaster for me, I will be posting another this weekend.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

ps
I tag Chelsey in my post to do the 'How British are you?' tag

I really like to read books: part 1

I always have my head in a book, it has led to the nickname of book worm among my family, a nickname I love and continue to support. Whilst at school I adored reading, however I often struggled reading age appropriate books, this has never stopped me from reading and trying new books.

When entering GCSE years, I was put into top set English, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the work and the amount of reading, however with help from teachers and close friends they gave me the confidence to read bigger and longer books. I went through the usual crazes of books, Jacqueline Wilson, Harry Potter and yes the Twilight series. These books helped me develop a greater passion for books and broaden my horizon. Although I still often struggle with pronouncing and spelling words, I am a much more confident person when it comes to reading aloud and taking control in class.

Anyway, I thought I would reveal some of my personal favourite books.
My favourite author of all time has to be Cecila Ahern. She has written some amazing heartfelt books. P.S. I love you was the first book I read of Ahern's, and I was hooked from then, However,  Ahern's book titled Where Rainbows End or now titled Love Rosie, is my favourite of her books,  I loved this book because of how it was set out, it starts with seven year old Rosie and Alex who are sat in class together discussing Alex's party plans. The book is set out in letter, email and text form, it follows the life of Rosie and Alex, Alex moves away suddenly with his parents to America, leaving Ireland and leaving Rosie behind. Rosie falls pregnant when she is 16 and Alex blames himself, saying if he was there Rosie would have gone with him. It follows their lives and ever changing relationship between the both of them and other relationships. Throughout the book the question always lingers: were they meant to be? Were they destined to be together? Without spoiling the book, the ending for me was perfect in every way. The book has now be turned into a film called Love Rosie, I have yet to see the film because I do not want one of my favourite books to be ruined.

The trailer for Love Rosie: 

That is just one of my many favourite books, which I will write more about later on. If you like romance books this is for you. I adore Ahern's writing its wonderful, I have read the majority of her work and still love her writing.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

21 books because I am 21.

I got the idea whilst watching a Youtube video, and thought hey that's not a bad idea, I love to read so why not read 21 books, each year of my life. So I had a think and wasn't sure what books to read, but I have a few ideas. After searching the internet for a few ideas as well, I came up with my list... I have come with with a list of 21 books (Okay some are series but I've counted them as 1). This list is not final and most certainly is not all of the books I hope to read this year, but these are the ones I am hoping to read. Even if I do not like the book I will make sure I get through it. I will do a book review of each book as well and will warn you if their will be a spoiler of two but I am hoping there will not be. I hope you like this idea as much as I do and I hope it inspires you to do the same. Reading is so important and it can be fun. So here is my choice for now:

1. A book I have been meaning to read, which never got round to. 
2. A book I have borrowed from a friend
• Daughter by Jane Shemilt
3. An auto biography, I have never read an autobiography before!
• More Fool Me by Stephen Fry
4. The Year I met you and How to fall in love by Cecilia Ahern
5. A book I started but never finished 
• Paper Towns by John Green 
6. My favourite childhood book, 
• Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler 
7. How to be a Women by Catlin Moran 
8. A book I had to read at school
• Of mice and Men by John Steinbeck
9. A book I didn't like and never finished
• Dracula 
10. A new series
• Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant by Veronica Roth  
11. Looking for Alaska by John Green
12. A book recommended by a close friend The shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
13. A book that has been recommended by Youtubers Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown 
14. This book is the second book int he The Rosie series The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion 
15. You're the one that I want by Giovanna Flectcher 
16. The Hobbit by J.R.R  Tolkien 
17. A book that I have been meaning to finish 
• Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick 
18. The beginning of a series you are unsure about
• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld 
19. Elanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell 
20. A heart warmer book
• One Million Lovely Letters by Jodi Ann Bickley 
21. A book that was made into a film 
• Philomena by Martin Sixsmith 

I am currently reading Paper Towns by John Green and aim to finish it this week, I should easily do it, and that will be book one done already.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

No matter what life throws at you, always get back up.

All of my life I have felt a bit left out or to some extent worthless. But as I grew up and developed my own style, got good close friends I realised screw the people that don't like me, who call me weird and think that, that is going to be an insult to me. I don't need them in my life, I stopped thinking about them and concentrated on who I am and living my life.

I think it is so important to always be yourself and never stop being who you are. I know that sounds so clique but I think it is so important to remember. You only have one life, and you have no time to worry about what other people think. I have learnt this the hard way. I was bullied so much when I was younger because I was not a 'normal' child and let's be honest I'm not, but why would I want to be 'normal'? What is so fun about being 'normal'? 

So what made me stand out so much? 

I always have been someone who has always stood out, I've never followed fashion and always chosen my own path, I most definitely have my own unique style. I often wear as many colours as possible, often wear odd shoes and have countless different unique t-shirts. I like to express myself through my clothing and hair styles. (From previous posts you may see my many different hair colours and styles just in the last year, Bright hair, I have also changed my hair again since writing this blog). I will never blend into the crowd and quit frankly  never want to. I will always choose outrageous clothing and styles, and if you don't like it then you do not have to hang around with me.

A small book that is aimed at children has really helped me develop who I am, and realise that no matter my age, my gender, my religious views or even my class, everyone has ups and downs, highs and lows. No matter how wealthy or how poor you are we all have problems. Something that may seem small to you may seem like the end of the word to another person. We must remember that if something frightens someone so much or causes them to be anxious we should respect that and help them through it, because one day that may be you, you maybe in need of help. I have learnt that it is good to let some people into your life, and have a handful of great close friends, that you know you can rely on no matter what. When you are down and see no way of being happy again and I know I have had this a few times, it makes all the difference to have those close friends with you every step of the way. Even if they are able to make you smile just a little. You know you have good friend because no matter how low you get they are able to make you laugh, they may not always say the right thing but they are there fore you when at 2 am you want to sing concrete angel as loud as you can because a boy has been a dick (thank you Chelsey, you beautiful women <3 ). In my darkest moments I always have someone to turn to and even that thought of having someone to talk to about everything and anything means the world to me.

I mentioned a children's book that myself and few friends now call our Bible. It is a simple book that many people have read, often as a child and it is called Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss. In all seriousness this book is pure genius and helps me keep me together on many occasion. The book is an easy read, full of rhyming words and bright illustrations, but it is also full of such great advice and reminds you that sometimes you will take the wrong path, but you need to remember that just round the corner could be the next path, and that we should keep going. Dr Seuss reminds us all that no one is perfect and helps us remember that we are in control of our own lives even if sometimes we do not quite believe it, because lets honest life on more than one occasion is a massive heartless bitch.

So I hope you like my little rant/let's be honest I am not normal speech. I am going to start putting out blogs every Wednesday and Sunday, and little blogs in-between. 

Thank you for the support you all have given me.

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring

Not a new me, but a better me.

Inspired by the wonderful blog by Lovelychubly I have decided to rid myself of 2014 and the things that sucked, and better myself.

2014 did not start off well for me, my late Aunt Pauline passed away, I hit rock bottom, some friendships fizzled out. However, others were gained, thanks to a mutual drunken experience, lost in Amsterdam, myself and Jess met the wonderful Vikkay and Danni. Thank goodness we met them, otherwise we might still be lost in Amsterdam now, and plus they are fantastic loyal friends. Despite having an amazing time in Amsterdam my struggle with depression continued, I took a month from uni to clear my head that seemed to do the trick.

A lot of things happened throughout 2014, I turned 20, I got drunk a lot, I moved uni houses,end of second year, got a well paid job, met awesome people, made new friends. Discovered new things, had adventurers, started this blog, summer ball. Third year started;  Joined the gym, got ill (mumps, abscess, infection, flu, depression, flu) you no the usual, quite gym.. 2014 summed up, could have been better but I don't want to change anything because it is part of my life.

But here it is my small goals, things that I want to aspire to do. Some are easier than others, so here goes:

Section one, University:

1. Hand in all assignments by the deadline, by at least one hour!
2. Finish my degree (May the 5th DEADLINE DAY)
3. Enjoy last part of third year

Section two, healthy body, healthy mind:

1. Have breakfast everyday, without fail!
2. Which you lazy person, getting up early!
3. Hey guess what!.... EXERCISE... no more 11 hour naps followed by binge eating
4. And of course, eating healthy... mmmm salads! 

Section three, because why the hell not?!:

1. This year I celebrate my 21st Birthday, and I want to read 21 books this year. (separate blog too follow) 
2. Be more organised! 
3. Let's ease up on spending the money and try and save
4. By the end of 2015.... I want to be able to drive! I aim too take my driving test by Christmas 2015!
5. Run the race for life again, and actually run/jog it!

So those are my goals, not resolutions for one year, but my life goals, some are short and easy but others are ones I plan on continuing my whole life. It takes 21 days to create a new habit so here goes! A new step towards a new me.

Happy New Year , you beauties.

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring

P.S 

        Without the help of my friends and family this year, I would not have survived, so thank you <3 forever