What I Read On Holiday

So, I'm a bit of a bookworm especially when it comes to holidays as allllll I do is read. This year I went away for 10 days and got through 8 books, pretty impressive huh? So the last of my summer posts brings to you my 'what I read on holiday' list. Most of these aren't summery books, and will be as equally enjoyable when you're curled up on the sofa, wrapped up in a blanket, sipping on a milky hot chocolate, sounds dreamy doesn't it? 

1. Dream A Little Dream- Giovanna Fletcher
It's no secret that I'm a huuuuuge fan of the Fletcher family. I have been to 3 McFly concerts and obsess over all of their #futuregoals vlogs, so it's only right I work my way through Gi's books. I read You're the One That I Want on my city break to Barcelona, so for this trip I ordered Dream A Little Dream, partly because the front cover screamed summer at me. I loved this book, and was genuinely sad when I finished it. If you're someone that loves a romantic story then this'll be right up your street. It's funny and super relatable, and I have the Christmas novella in my Amazon basket ready to be ordered!

 2 Just One Year- Gayle Forman
This book follows on from Just One Day, and has taught me one thing- always, always, always have the sequel(s) to hand. There is nothing worse then a book ending on a cliffhanger, and you not having the next one on in the series. Unfortunately, this book also finished on a cliff hanger, and I'm yet to purchase the next, but it did answer some unfinished questions. As a classic lost love kinda tale, you get to see things from a different perspective, and you'll find yourself wanting to skip to the end, to find out some answers.   

3. The Rosie Effect- Don Tillman
This book follows on from The Rosie Project, and lived up to my expectations. I struggled to get into the first book as it wasn't my typical romantic narrative that I was used to. It follows the thought process of a guy named Don, who is one of the most socially awkward characters I've ever come across, but also becomes one of the funniest characters I've ever read about. Without giving away any spoilers, The Rosie Effect continues to follow his journey into a milestone you'd never think he'd get to, with an ending that leaves you warm and fuzzy inside. 

4. Me Before You- JoJo Moyes
Beware, you will need tissues. After all the hype surrounding this book, I couldn't not get it and boy oh boy, it didn't disappoint. I was captivated after the first page, and just couldn't put it down. This story isn't your conventional boy meet girl novel, no no. It'll make you laugh, it'll make you angry and it'll make you cry. I was left sobbing by the pool, feeling emotionally lost, now you've gotta be a damn good author to have that effect on your readers. 

5. After You- JoJo Moyes
I'd learnt from my previous mistakes, and also bought the sequel to Me Before You with me, so I could continue reading about the characters I'd dedicated so much time to. If you're as invested in the first book as I was, then this one is a no brainer. This story follow the journey over unexpected bumps, and twisty bends, but you'll be guaranteed some closure. 

6. Beautiful Broken Things- Sara Barnard
I'm not going to lie, part of the reason I bought this book was because of the front cover, it's all gold and shiny. I did read the blurb too though, and was quite intrigued by it not being a romance novel. It tells a story of teenage friendships, which took me back to my teenage days, in a good and bad way. It left me feeling pretty nostalgic, and was a breath of fresh air in comparison to my usual romantic stories. 

7. Watermelon- Marian Keyes
Still to this day, I have no idea why this book was called Watermelon, not a clue, but it was a gooden none the less. This was a, 'I've got one book left for the flight home and one more day in the sun' book that I picked out of our apartment's bookshelf, but it didn't disappoint. It focuses on one of five sisters, each of whom have their own book, and will have you belly-laughing in no time. It's written in first person, which took a little getting used to, but it definitely brought the story to life. I'm now on the hunt for the next sister to read about. 

My amazon basket is filling up pretty damn quickly!

Relaxation Run Down

Happy Pancake Day! If you're reading this it means we did it, we got through January and we're a good way into the second month of the year. It was a tough one, doing everything to avoid eating the cupboards full of chocolates and pulling yourself away from the now-empty Christmas tree spot. Hopefully, stress levels have finally resumed to their normal level however, fear not if that isn't the case. February for me brings a new job which of course will bring new stresses so I've put together a how to guide on what best relaxes me, which may work for you too!

1. Have a bath
This is always the top of my list for everything. Cold? Have a bath. Feeling icky? Have a bath. Stressed? Have a bath. It's the perfect excuse to get using those bath bombs you received for Christmas so then you can go and buy some more. I tend to light a few candles and either take in my book or catch up on some TV, something that lets my mind switch off. (If I'm really lucky I'll occasionally get a hot chocolate made for me which makes it 100 times better!)

2. Read a book
There's nothing better than switching off from the real world and entering someone else's world. Put your phone on silent, get comfy with a blanket and start from the beginning. If you struggle with getting into reading then re-read a book you loved, there's no right or wrong book. I always find this great to do just before bed as it really helps me to unwind and prepare me for a good nights sleep.

3. Colouring
If you haven't noticed already then 'adult' colouring has taken the world by storm. There's no shame in sitting there, concentrating on keeping in the lines. You'd be surprised as to how stress-relieving this activity is and with a whole range of colouring books now available there's one for everyone. (Next on my list is Alice in Wonderland, surprise, and Benedict Cumberbatch)

4. Watch a movie
Put on your favourite movie and settle down on the sofa. You may have seen it 6789854 million times before but that will just make it an easier watch and a good way to unwind. You're not having to concentrate on who's who and what story line is what, and for me those films that relax me are obviously Disney ones. 

5. Paint your nails
I'm an awful nail painter. It'll end up half my arm and I have no idea how, but I love having freshly painted nails. It can be a perfect activity to do whilst you have your number one movie on the TV and a cup of tea by your side. 

6. Have a clear out
A cluttered space = a cluttered mind. Go through your wardrobe and get rid of those tops you haven't worn for two years but are saving for that just in case day. It will make you feel better, and give you more space to fill it with new clothes.  

So there are my ways I like to de-stress, if anyone else has anything else they swear by I'd love to know!