BLOGMAS Day 12: My favourite books and why!

I have done it! That's right.. my top 5 books EVER! In no particular order at all...

The Martian by Andy Weir

FanGirl by Rainbow Rowell 

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion 

Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon 

But why these books in particular? Each of these books mean something different to me. I read them all at different times in my life. I have reread Where Rainbows End aka Love, Rosie dozens of times. I adore it, simply adore it. It was one of the first 'bigger books' I have ever read. It's set out in such a way that I had not read before. It is constructed via emails, letters and texts. It's great. We jump from conversation to conversation and follows two best friends of the same age but at very different stages in their lives. Based in Ireland, one best friend moves away to America and the other remains in Ireland. It's a lovely book and a very easy read, and for me the ending is perfect. It has been made into a film, called Love, Rosie, and honestly I love the film as much as the book. I was hesitant at first with the film, and I didn't actually watch it until about 6 months after it was out, however I can hand on heart say I loved it. I have watched it over and over again. Although some parts are different, I feel like it works for the film. Highly recommend both film and book... let's face it I am going to highly recommend all of these books haha. 

Time to move onto my most recent read which is The Martian by Andy Weir,  I watched the film before I read the book which sometimes is a mistake, but I think for me it helped, because some of th stuff is technical in this book! But OMG this book is amazing, and really well written, And as for the film they are basically the same. I loved every word of this book, and it hit me right in the feels. I felt like I was with him, stranded. Such a good book. I haven't read anything like this before and I am really glad I did.

Everything, Everything was a really, really quick read for me, and it was great. It follows a girl who is allergic to everything and hasn't been outside her house ever. She has a full time carer for when her mum is at work. She is talented and is home schooled. Everything is fine and she doesn't miss the outside world until a new family moves in next door and she befriends the son. She begins questioning everything her mum has told her... is she really allergic to everything? Read the book to find out. I love quick easy YA novels like this. I love these types of books for the summer. Got to love a romance novel.

Thank gawd for Rainbow Rowell for bringing me this book FanGirl,  I adore this book, it follows a set of twins who could not be any different on their journey to college. Cath an introvert who loses herself to fanfiction and her sister Wren who wants to experience college and all it has to offer. Cath wants everything to stay the same between her ans her sister but Wren wants some distance. It follows the journey of these two girls, does Cath get out her comfort zone and does Wren push things to far? Cath writes fanfiction of her favourite film/book series which is very poplar, but how will it all end? This book has everything for me, adventure and romance, a really cute read that I want more of.

And finally The Rosie Project, this book follows a young man who is ready to find a wife, Don is a scientist through and through and sits somewhere on the Asperger scale and takes everything literally. His brain is very much wired in a way that everything can become an experiment including his love life. Don creates a questionnaire, and when on dates uses the questionnaire to determine if the women in question is a suitable candidate. In comes Rosie, she ticks non of the boxes but yet Don is drawn towards her. She is the opposite of what Don wants, and seeks to change Rosie in every way. But does he succeed or does Rosie change him? There is a sequel to The Rosie Project called the Rosie Effect, and I didn't feel that, that book lived up to the first one, it painted both Don and Rosie in very bad ways, and took me quite some time to finish.

Well those are just some of my favourite books, I could add loads more to the list, but for now I am happy with those. If you have any suggestions for me, please comment them below as I love reading.

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

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

I finally finished Paper Towns by John Green

This post will not contain any spoilers!

WARNING! This is my opinion of the book and my personal review, please do not take this as fact, make your own mind up of the book.

I have tried to write this post at least a dozen times, and each time I end up deleting what I have written, because for me this book had so much potential, I started this book with excitement as I really liked The Fault in our Stars by John Green; however as I neared the end of this book I predicted the ending and I was correct. As I read the last few pages I was so disappointed and honestly felt the last chapter was pointless,

So what is the book about?
The book is set around Quentin.
Quentin is a normal teenager and is in his last year of high school, he has normal friends Radar and Ben. Quentin loves his next door neighbour Margo and always has done since they were little. Margo is not a typical teenage girl; Margo tends to run away often, she disappears for 2 or 3 days at a time and tries to leave clues for her parents and friends to follow so they know where she is, however the clues aren't always great and often get ignored. Margo's parents do not worry about her because she does this all the time. One night Margo knocks of Quentin's video and they explore the city, causing a bit of mischief and the next day Margo is gone. Quentin doesn't think this is a normal disappearance, so he sets out to find her. 4 days pass and she is still no where to be seen, so Quentin gets his friends and Margo's closest friend involved in finding her. The book follows Quentin and the group follow clues that Margo has left all over the city. Quentin believes Margo has left this clues personally from him.

I think this is a safe place to stop and let you read what happens... But I will say is that I was so disappointed and annoyed with the ending of this book. It had so much potential to be so amazing but for me it failed at every obstacle and corner. I just don't know why it had to end so stupidly. The whole book was leading up to finding Margo and then this twist, a stupid pointless twist. That made the majority of the book pointless. it could have ended within a few chapters and have been a better ending.

I am not sure if I have given this book a bad review because I really just wanted to finish it because i wasn't gripped from the beginning. I know I have given this book a bad review, but I want you to make up your own mind, we all have different tastes in books, films, music etc. So do not let my review dishearten you. I am just given my own opinion,

The film for Paper Towns comes out sometime this year and I will be seeing it, mainly because a new upcoming actor that I like is playing Quentin, I hope the film adaptation is good, I do have high hopes because the Fault in our stars was great. I do have one more John Green book to read which is Looking for Alaska and I am hoping I will enjoy it.

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

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