Spring/Summer Literary Wish list

As much as I’d love to recreate the perfect image of curling up in front of the fire with a good book and a hot chocolate, all I want to do in winter is watch movies. My reading time is spring/summer. For me, there’s no better way to spend a summer’s day than outside with a book and a mojito- lemonade, I mean with a lemonade…

1.    The Cursed Child, JK Rowling. This is not a sequel. I repeat this is NOT a Harry Potter sequel. JK Rowling can try, but it doesn’t make me any less excited about this play. (But reading a play is never the same, it’s like reading sheet music amirite?)

2.    Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert. I’m an Eat Pray Love gal through and through so I’m dying to know what pieces of wisdom Gilbert has lined up for us in her latest best seller. This has been out for a while but better late than never eh?

3.  All Too Human: A Political Education, George Stephanopoulos. I’m a sucker for a good political book. This was released in the late 90’s and is a glimpse into the early days of the Clinton administration, when it was ambitious, hopeful and optimistic. Written by George, who served as Clinton’s communications director, I’ve heard it’s an amazing insight into what it’s really like to work with politicians behind the scenes at the highest level.

4.    Cook Happy, Cook Healthy by Fearne Cotton is a gem I’ve been waiting for all my life. I am obsessed with Fearne’s Instagram predominantly for her amazing recipes, some of which I hope she’ll share with us in this book! It’s due to be published on 2^nd June.

5.    My Life on the Road, Gloria Steinem. If Emma Watson recommends a book, you read it. This memoir promises to steal my heart. Gloria Steinem has been through it all, literally, including the last 2 waves of feminism. I have a feeling this will be one I don’t put down.

PS, I can’t emphasis enough how this is just a shortlist; I have a constant list of books to read on my iphone notes! So these really are the chosen ones.

What do you prefer reading? Non- fiction, novels, memoir, graphic novels?

What books are on your shortlist right now? I would love to know!

10 Loves #4

1.    My colouring book for adults has been fulfilling all my therapeutic needs recently (seriously considering starting a Therapist of the month series).

2.    I haven’t stopped listening to Van Morrison. Moondance is my favourite album of his.

3.    The Memory Palace, by Nate DiMeo. If you’ve never treated yourself to a podcast before, here’s your guy. Each 30 minute episode is a beautifully told tale about an unknown historical figure and makes for delightful listening. I was ill a couple of weeks ago and really struggled to sleep; these stories were all that did the trick.

4.    Coming back to the West Wing after years apart. Don’t ask why I waited so long between my 1^st and 2^nd binges. Don’t worry, my love for Josh, CJ and the gang is stronger than ever.

5.    The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

6.    Kiehl’s Crème de Corps has produced the goods all winter long in the form of soft, glowing skin. Don’t believe the hype? It’s rumoured to be slapped on the models before the Victoria Secret show

7.    If you’ve seen me this month the chances are I was wearing this Madewell jumper. I wouldn’t take this baby off for Ryan Gosling.

8.    Pancakes for days

9.    My niece does baby ballet! I look forward to my sister’s updates every Friday. She’s the best in the class! #proudaunty

10. Hot chocolate. I’m cutting down on my sugar intake after being very indulgent for longer than I care to admit over Christmas. Hot chocolate is my one treat right now and I enjoy it so much more.

5 Things: 2015 Reads

Here are the 5 books I couldn't stop thinking about in 2015, along with mini reviews...enjoy!

·         The Martian, Andy Weir

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to love this book. The first couple of pages are a bit overwhelming as you’re thrown right into the plot, and begin wondering how the hell Weir is going to get you from here to the last page. I’m far from scientifically minded, but I found myself getting whisked away by maths and complex engineering (I was as surprised as you are), and it was those details I really missed from the movie. Above all, it’s just a really funny book, and if all else fails the wit of the main character will carry you through.

·         The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery

This is the one book in 2015 which I devoured. I think I read it over 3 days during my final Uni semester, so it was read between seminars, stints in the library, and before bed. Like all good art, the writer finds beauty and delicacy in the mundane. I could have easily read it without plot. But alas, the plot is beautiful also, and you’ll find yourself feeling attached to all the characters in strange ways.

·         Not that kind of Girl, Lena Dunham

I love reading memoirs of women I admire and Lena’s definitely didn’t disappoint. I was so impressed, it’s crazy to think this lady’s not yet 30. It’s best read slowly, in no rush, just picking it up when you need it. I found the reading experience similar to having a close friend pour their heart out to you, and I couldn’t help wanting to respond with things I needed to get off my chest. If you love Lena, you’ll love her book.

·         The Queen of the Tearling, Erika Johansen

This is an amazing book if you just want to switch off your brain for an hour, and let the writer do the work. Johansen has created a unique universe which raises so many questions I still wonder about them to this day. It’s so easy to get lost in the character and story, but there are more interesting layers waiting to be found if you’re looking.

·         Yes Please, Amy Poehler

Before I read this, a book had never brought tears of laughter to my eyes before. Amy Poehler is the comic genius that finally had me rolling around in fits of laughter. She has the power to make everything funny, while also giving out solid lady advice from her own experience. Whether you already love Amy, just want some SNL behind- the- scenes gossip, or if you know nothing about her, the very least her book will do is cheer you up.

10 Loves #3

1.    Cookbooks…something I wanted for Christmas was cookery books, and it’s safe to say my family delivered. My favourites are A Modern Way to Cook which is full of simple, vegetarian recipes and The Kitchy Kitchen for the classics. Am I the only one who loves going through cook books and bookmarking my favourite recipes?

2.    Rosianna’s vlogmas…Rosianna was essentially my therapist for the month of December. Her videos were so insightful, creative and simple, covering issues from mental health to Hermione Granger. I thoroughly recommend watching them in the morning to get your brain going *but maybe skip the festive bits if you’re sad Christmas is over*

      3.   Madewell...I am obsessed. In awe. Itching to get to grips with their sale. Have no more words. Just love.

     4.   Netflix…did good. I was so impressed and in love with Aziz Ansari’s series Master of None, and heartbroken and enraged by Making a Murderer. Like, seriously. Wtf, Wisconsin’s criminal justice system?

     5.  Girls…both in the sense of ma girls, and the HBO show. My friends, Hannah’s friends and Lena herself basically got me through the month. BITCHES GET SHIT DONE.

      6.  Running…after an exercise hiatus, I am back in the game. There’s something about running that just makes me happy. Between the wind in my hair and the sun (sometimes) on my face, it makes me feel physically, and mentally strong. Win win.

  7.    Jaoquin Pheonix…no explanation required.

  8.    Yoga with Adrienne…this lady is amazing. Her youtube videos first got me into yoga, and she has a sequence for every occasion, ache, or pain. Sometimes she freaks me out because she knows how my body is feeling better than I do. It’s like she’s in the room. Her mantra, 'find what feels good' is universally appealing'.

9.    The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion…do yourself a favour and read this book, okay?

10. Holiday planning…because the prospect of the sun is all that gets us through January right? And I’m not gonna lie, the planning of the holiday is sometimes the best bit. 

10 Loves #1

1.    Moth (not to be confused with the flying, furry devils)

2.    Whether she’s the ambitious Leslie Knope in my beloved Parks and Recreation, heroically playing Hilary Clinton on SNL or just being her hilarious self in her memoir, Yes Please, Amy Poehler is my queen.

3.    The ability to walk…give it up for legs! They’re underrated. Never have I appreciated walking everywhere as much as this month. I never want to sit still again, and I can’t wait to start running again.

4.    This amazing soup recipe

5.    Casey Niestat’s vlog

6.    This Into the Gloss article will be a godsend if, like me, just the thought of describing how you’d like your hair to the hairdresser sends shivers down your spine. Who knew what I wanted all along had a name other than ‘longish, with short bits here and there and a sweepy fringe etc’ 

7.    Rainy summer days

8.    The Martian by Andy Weir

9.   A Single Man. Tom Ford’s greatest creation yet, this beautiful film will bring a tear to your eye, make you fall in love with Colin Firth (in case you hadn’t already) and make you feel ugly because everyone in it is an Italian model. It’s a good’n.

10. This wonderful video by the brilliant Rosianna.