BOOK REVIEW; The One Memory of Flora Banks

The One Memory of Flora Banks

The One Memory of Flora Banks

Flora Banks is a 17-year-old girl, who has spent her entire life living in Penzance, Cornwall. Flora has anterograde amnesia, her mind resets itself several times a day, and has done since she was a little girl, due to a tumor she had removed when she was 10. Thankfully, Flora’s parents had given her a journal, telling her everything she needs to know. Along with this, Flora is accompanied by her best friend, Paige, who has been a helping hand with Flora’s memories.

On an everyday basis, Flora forgets the simplest of things; where she lives, what she last ate…all she remembers is that she must be brave. Until Drake.

Flora kisses her best friend’s boyfriend and she remembers.

Flora sets off on the most fantastic journey of her life – to the land of the midnight sun. Through many highs and lows, Flora discovers who she really is.

I’ve wanted to write a review on this book for a while now, but I haven’t been able to put my thoughts into words. There were so many things I loved about this book, but then so many things I just couldn’t get along with.

Initially, I was very worried this would be overly cliché and follow the pattern of “boy meets girl and inevitably saves girl” but this wasn’t the case…or not in the way you expect. Even though Flora kissed her best friend’s boyfriend, I couldn’t help but feel so much sympathy for her – she knew she had crossed the line, but she remembered. It was one of those situations when you were happy, even though you shouldn’t be.

The One Memory of Flora Banks is a fantastic ‘self-discovery’ book for more than one character, which is only something I have thought about whilst writing a review. Flora, Paige, Flora’s parents – all of them discover something about themselves and the person they need to be, and I think, whether intentional, it’s a fantastic addition to the book.

The one thing that I just couldn’t get along with was the writing style. I understand why it’s written in the way it is, but, I found it incredibly hard to read. Due to Flora’s amnesia she has to remind herself 4 or 5 times in the same day, who she is and she has to remind herself of little aspects in her life – and although, I understand that we have to endure through this information, every several pages – it did frustrate me an awful lot.

The ending of the book was the reason I enjoyed it the most. It was so unexpected and contained to many twists and turns considering the book, at times, was so incredibly slow. Want to know the main twist?? – You’ll have to read the book then…won’t you?

ps... Can we go to Flambards?

hey guys! thanks for taking time out of your day to give my little blog post a read - and if you're here from Bookstagram - a massive hello and a HUGE thank you, you guys are amazing!

See you soon,

Chels x

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BOOK REVIEW; How to Stop Time, Matt Haig.

How many lifetimes does it take to learn how to live?

Merry March! I have decided that throughout the month of March, I will upload as many blog posts as I possibly can (let's see how that goes!). Starting with a book review of How to Stop Time by the incredible Matt Haig.

How to Stop Time, the Sunday Times bestseller is one of the greatest books I have read in a long time. 

Initially, I found the book very hard to get into. Part One; Life Amongst the Mayflies begins with a 400+ year old Tom Hazard (which is only one of his names) explaining the condition he was born with, which means he does not age like most others. I promise not to give any spoilers throughout this review; but for some strange reason, my brain just couldn't process that Tom was born in 1581 and was still alive in 2017 - which is why it took me so long to get into the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the book would take me through one century to the next and then back to present day - giving little insights to his childhood, the many famous people he had met (including F.Scott Fitzgerald and William Shakespeare) and his first love, a young woman named Rose.
Tom begins his 'new' life as a History teacher in the middle of London, where his life begins to change due to students, staff and his dog, Abraham. I think that even though there were so many historic elements, the chapters spent in the present were my favourite parts to read. Although the present chapters gave me constant existential crisis', I enjoyed the thoughts that Tom had about life and all its concepts which really made me think about my own life and has most definitely changed the way I think about a lot of things.

As Tom's new life progresses, his past begins to haunt him. Controlled by the Albatross Society, Tom begins to search for a woman from his past, but not all is as it seems! This book has so many twists and turns - it surprises you, makes you feel every emotion possible - which is why I am giving it a 4 out of 5 stars... (would definitely be 5 out of 5 if I hadn't of lost hours sleep stressing about life and death - but that still doesn't spoil the book!)

I believe the ending, where Tom shows us into his future, is possibly one of my favourite endings - incredibly poetic and thought-provoking. I had initially bought the book as I believed it was a YA Romance - I couldn't be more wrong, but I love it, nonetheless.

"the future is you"

Thank you so much for reading - I hope I didn't give away too much! Let me know whether you've read the book and your thoughts - or whether you now feel you need this book in your life! I've begun to read Cecelia Ahern's Lyrebird - so I'll be sure to update you on my thoughts when I have finished that one too!

See you soon!
Chels x



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✿ 2017 SUMMER FAVOURITES ✿

Hello lovely people! As in every blog post, I begin with an apology for not posting for so long - life has just taken over and for a while, my blog just had to take a back seat, even though I was meant to do an entire month of blog posts...that completely went out the window! 

Though, I am back today with my 2017 Summer Favourites, I hope you enjoy!

COLAB Dry Shampoo - Tropical

My first favourite of the summer would HAVE to be COLAB's dry shampoo. I bought this whilst I was staying at my boyfriends house as my faithful Batiste dry shampoo was back at home, so I walked into Superdrug and thought that I would try something new. I absolutely LOVED this dry shampoo, besides the scent it was CLEAR.The amount of times I had left the house with a little white patch when using Batiste was comical but this dry shampoo is absolutely amazing. It smells like a cocktail and puts you in the greatest summer mood ever!

Unfortunately this product is no longer stocked on The Body Shop's website as I believe it was a summer exclusive, though we all know how incredible The Body Shop's body butters are! They're so thick in consistency and so moisturising without feeling greasy and without feeling like it just sits on top of your skin. It soaks in so well and make you smell absolutely amazing for the entire day! I used the Early-Harvest Raspberry body butter when I went abroad on holiday and now every time I smell it, it takes me straight back to holiday and I have great holiday memories!

Garnier Facial Scrub

The Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy daily energising scrub (wow) has been such a staple in my skincare routine - this being the second time I've purchased it. I'm not really keen on the 'scrub' side of the face wash, but it smells so fresh, it cleans every inch of your skin and feels amazing when you wash it off. 

So...? Watermelon Body Mist

Watermelons. Watermelons in general have been a massive favourite of mine throughout summer. My friend Shannon introduced me to watermelon sweet slices and ever since I have been picking up everything I can that revolves around watermelons... I remember using the "So...?" sprays when I was in Year 7 and 8 and absolutely loving them...10 years later they have reappeared in my life.

I wont say too much about this candle other than, I LOVE IT ...its watermelon scented and I bought it from TXMaxx, so I cannot find it online.

Vitamin C Peel

Again, it seems the Vitamin C Instant Glow Enhancer is no longer stocked in The Body Shop, so linked is the Vitamin C Liquid Peel. I bought this mid-summer when I was sunburning quite badly due to the fact I am light skinned and very "freckly" and it helped so much. The Vitamin C completely moisturised my skin, meaning that my sunburn didn't stay for long and for once in my life - I TANNED! I cannot tell you how much it brightened up my entire face, took away my tiredness and just solved all my problems!

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

I have seen many, many YouTubers and beauty bloggers talking about Baby Skin. Previous to this I was absolutely obsessed with Barry M's Brightening Primer, which I have previously mentioned in a blog post. Though I have to admit that Maybelline beats Barry M. I have never felt a primer so smooth and moisturising than Baby Skin. My foundation has gone on absolutely perfectly since I have been using it, my foundation doesn't cling to dry patches on my skin because of Baby Skin...I absolutely love it. 

Barry M Cosmic Lights

Though I haven't completely abandoned Barry M! I have been using their Cosmic Lights Highlighting Palette since June and although I only use the two powder shades - I love the glow they give me. I am more inclined to use the pink shade as it does suit my skin tone better, as the white one is more of an iridescent purple/blue colour and can sometimes completely wash me out - I have used it when going on nights out and I have received numerous (positive) comments about the "glow on my cheeks" - whats not to love?

NYX Liquid Matte Lip Cream in Cannes

Although I havent owned this shade for long, I have multiple of the NYX Matte Lip Creams and I absolutely love the forumla. They feel so soft and silky, yet they're matte...it is one of the most bizzare things ever but they are so so good! They last all day, they smell absolutely delicious (though I don't reccommend eating nor tasting) and the shade Cannes has been my favourite because its such a natural and wearable shade - I believe it would be perfect for all skin types!

Peel Off Lip Tint - Sexy Red

Now, again, I wont talk too much about this product as the pictures are pretty self explanatory. I bought this a few weeks ago from Urban Outfitters after seeing it everywhere on Instagram and I have been loving it. University began this week (final year, ouch) and this has been so good to just throw on, leave for 10 minutes and then peel and the colour lasts alllll day, which is absolutely fascinating.

Fitbit Alta

I bought myself a Fitbit Alta as a 21st birthday present to myself. I have loved it. Although I have realised since buying that it definitely overpriced and it doesn't do anything overly spectacular. I have loved tracking my steps, logging my meals and seeing how much sleep I get daily - though a lot of these things my phone already did. Though, despite all of that, I still love it and I love when it goes crazy with notifications when I reach my daily step target!

Love, Rosie.

Finally, my film favourite of the entire Summer has to be Love, Rosie. I promise no spoilers. It is an amazing film that keeps you on the edge of your seats for the entire movie, only wanting the best for Rosie - it'll have you crying, laughing and you will most definitely fall in love with Lily Collins' and Sam Caflin's characters. A movie that will speak to so many young and dumb teenagers fishing for love and handing adult life.

There we go! There goes my summer 2017 favourites, beauty, skincare and a few little randoms! I hope you all thoroughly enjoyed and thank you to all those who read right up to this point!

Chels x

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✿ STRATFORD UPON AVON ✿

For as long as I can remember Stratford-Upon-Avon has always been one of my favourite places to visit. Of course, all of the historical links to Shakespeare is a huge reason to why I absolutely adore the place - but I always think there is just something so magical about the little town.

I always begin my adventure with scoping around the town centre where I do a bit of light shopping and more than likely grab myself a Starbucks (or two!) and then I set off for the place that interests me the most. I have always loved exploring the Royal Shakespeare Company ever since I once visited to watch Hamlet, searching through all the costumes and merchandise that revolved around one of my favourite plays and I still don't get bored of walking the same hallways, looking at the different costumes they have on display, appreciating the amount of work that goes into one small building. I have always been a theatre nerd, I love the theatre - attending and performing myself, and I've spent so many hours with friends and alone within the walls of the RSC.

My boyfriend and I then ventured further, seeing Shakespearean nods all around, like the boats that lay along the river named after characters from Shakespeare plays (my personal favourite being Bottom)...we walked along the length of the river, through all the trees and small holes until we eventually reached the church where Shakespeare is actually buried - I have only been in there once (its the sort of place that once you see it once, you've seen it all) but we sat down just beside the graveyard (morbid, I know) for a few hours, where we talked about this, that and the other and just enjoyed each others company!

I thought I would include a few photographs from the day out for you all to enjoy and perhaps to entice you if you have never visited before! Thank you for reading...

 

 

                                   

Chels x

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✿ GARNIER REVIEW ✿

I recently finished my second year of Universtity and I'm finally free for two months - meaning I can do whatever I please to do..though it does mostly consist of travelling back and forth from home to Grimsby to see my boyfriend's family! Despite this, I have decided to up my blogging game and treat you all to a blog post every day in July (exept on Sunday's)

So to kick it all off, I thought I would talk about a few new Garnier products that I bought and have been testing for the last month or so...enjoy!

I  noticed in Boots a few weeks back that Garnier have recently released a "honey" range including four products. I love the scent of honey and I was instantly drawn when I saw them on 3 for 2. Though, I didn't purchase the moisturiser, purely because I have used Garnier moisturisers before and they just haven't agreed with my skin and therefore I thought this time, I would give it a miss!

I start off by using the cleansing milk to take off my make-up (in replacement for my Garnier micellar water)...I just apply it to my dry face and it just removes the majority of my make-up when rinsed off with a wet towel, its so soft and smooth and moisturising for my skin. I've never used a cleansing milk before so I was quite sceptical at first but after trialling it for a few weeks I cannot stop using it!

Once I've washed all the product from my face and I'm left with a very dirty cleansing cloth, so, I then move into the Gel Wash, which foams so well on the skin and feels like it really gets into every pore that the cleansing milk didn't quite reach. Once it's lathered and you wash it all off you're left with silky skin and fresh, open pores.

Finally I use the Toner, which closes off everything and gives my skin almost a new layer for the following day - it's surprisingly very nourishing and leaves you with a nice little shine to your face before you either apply makeup or head off to bed.

I'm not the best with reviews, I haven't really had chance to do many - so hopefully, my month of blog posts will help me progress! Thank you so much to all those who read and I will see you tomorrow!

Chels x

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Secret Santa Gift Ideas

Today I thought I would write a guide of possible gift ideas when you're taking part in Secret Santa...I know from experience Secret Santa can actually be quite hard, especially if you're on a budget! I'm going to find products for males and females under £10 - so if you're seriously struggling or just curious - carry on reading!

FEMALE UNDER £10 

Starbucks Espresso Duo

So, for the first gift, I picked a Starbucks Espresso Duo, because they look so glamorous! Even if you're not a coffee lover, you could use them for a small hot chocolate, or tea - you could even just drink water out of them! I just think they're so lovely and because they're stack-able they'll just look so lovely next to the kettle or something.

Yankee Candle - Christmas Cookie

I personally believe that a Yankee Candle is such a good Christmas present. I actually own this scent and its so sweet...but also it smells like your Mom has just baked in the kitchen (which obviously is what its meant to smell like) but I just think for £6, you can't really go wrong. & they burn for so long that its just a good 'investment'.

Soap and Glory - Take Your Pink

I think this product works for adults, teens and even young teens, especially if you've not even tried Soap and Glory before because this is a nice little starter kit - it has everything you need for the perfect shower. I just think 4 shower products for £10 that I would consider very high quality is just perfect - also, Soap and Glory do different scents, so then you can tailor it to the person you're buying for!

Oh Deer - Get Lost Notebook

So, I thought this would be a good idea if your Secret Santa was a student, or somebody whom you worked with - as its an A4 notebook and obviously its good for notes, lists - anything like that really. I just think they're a good idea because they're easy for someone to just slip in their bag and set off! Also, it could be really cute because you could write "To...from Your Secret Santa" inside and it would just be a constant, sweet, reminder. 

Gold Album Frame

I thought this was so lovely when I scrolled past it on Urban Outfitters. I think there is something so special about a personalised present - so printing off your favourite photo and giving it to your mom, sister, best friend, girlfriend, grandma, a colleague - anyone! Would be so lovely and it would also make a brilliant bedroom/living area/bathroom decorative! or if you don't have any photos together, you could print out a quote the receiver may like and it will be just as special.

MALE UNDER £10 

Satzuma Black Touch Gloves

I, personally think, that men are the worst people to buy for - they give you no indication at all of what they want! and the most annoying things EVER is when they buy themselves items in December! Though...I think these are a good idea - even for females because they're cheap, they're easy and they keep you warm in the festive season. I know they're not exactly a "gift" as such, more a practical item, but for a Secret Santa...I suppose depending on the person, it could be a good present.

Personalised Leather Keyring

When browsing the internet - I saw these keyring's and my initial thought was "my dad would love one of those" and I decided to put it straight into my Secret Santa guide! I just think its a lovely thing for someone to have on their keys - and I always think that a personalised gift is best - because it's something so meaningful. You could have full names, "Dad's Keys" or "Car Keys" anything! If the person you're buying it for could have a name for their car and therefore you could name it after the car - anything you wanted.

Taupe Faux Leather Wallet

Again, men are so hard to buy for and I feel as if I'm just picking stereotypical presents for men, but I genuinely believe they are extremely hard to buy for! So, I saw this wallet on ASOS and I just thought it was really nice, I know my boyfriend would love this if I had bought it for him!

Worlds Smallest Laser Guns

We all know that men are HUGE children - so these would be really good! I know my older brother would love these because he would just tease his own children with them and I know my Dad would play with my younger brother with them...I just think there small and fun and they can even be enjoyed with females - just a bit of fun on Christmas day!

The Little Book of Rude Words

Finally, I think this is a great one! Depending on the actual content of the book it may be suitable for any age. Again, I know my brother, boyfriend and possibly my Dad would like this book - and this may sound very strange but it'll be a good book to sit in the bathroom. Just whilst they're doing their business to keep them preoccupied! I dont know, I think it would be good, as well as funny!

That's all for now! I found it so hard to find mens products that I actually think they'd enjoy! They're so awkward! I hope you enjoyed this little post and I can only hope it helped a few of you! Thanks for reading - it means a lot!

Chels x

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Birmingham German Market

So, I just thought I would do a typical Chelsey blog post where I show you a few photographs (taken by myself and my flatmate Tom)  of the Birmingham German Market. I've been to the market every year since I was about 10? and every year the products they sell are different - which is something I love because every year its like a surprise. I always enjoy my time there - the people are always so lovely and I can guarantee it's always packed full of people! So, here are a few photos of my evening, enjoy!

We didn't really take too many pictures due to the fact it was raining - but I hope you enjoyed the little portion you received and I hope it enticed you to visit the market yourself one day! 

Thank you very much for reading, I can assure you that more Christmassy posts are to come!

Chels x

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