Reading plans for 2020.

I've decided to set some goals for 2020 when it comes to reading... here goes:

1. Read less thrillers (have been getting bored with them for a while)
2. Read more non fiction (I only read a handful in 2019)
3. Read A Little Life (it's the longest book on my shelf at 720 pages!)
4. Read more literary fiction
5. Try and buy less books and work through my shelves.

With the aim of working through my shelves I have picked a selection of books that I own that feel are my most anticipated reads. My challenge is to stick to these until I've read them all. It's definitely going to be hard! The exceptions are: this doesn't include currently reading, audiobooks, pre-orders and comics. 

So here are my picks:

A few stats:

2 poetry

8 non fiction

1 sequel

4 distopian

2 historical

6 YA

9 authors I've read before

20 new to me writers

I am also following a reading challenge that I've shared on my instagram that ties in with these books. If you are interested in my progress feel free to follow me on Goodreads (link up the top) and Instagram where I post monthly reading round ups and current reads (link to the side somewhere).

Favourites of 2019.

It's been a while, happy new year! I thought I would do a round up of my favourites of 2019. Above are my favourites reads of the year (if I had to pick one favourite it would be We Are Okay by Nina LaCour)

Favourite shows: Maniac, Unbelievable, The Keepers, Brooklyn 99, Russian Doll, Black Mirror, Inside Number 9, iZombie and Criminal: UK.

Favourite films:

Favourite games: Red Dead Redemption 2 and Houseflipper

Favourite albums: Spotifty playlist here

Small pleasures.

Charity shops, jam doughnuts, Autumn weather, playing Red Dead Redemption 2, cherry and strawberry smoothies, a freshly changed bed, posca pens, making pom poms with the new rainbow wool I bought, Krispy Kreme, reading comics, making badges, pick 'n' mix, stationery, fresh coffee, Halloween, Listening to audiobooks, Black Mirror.

90s memories.

If you follow me on Instagram you will know I am on a real 90s nostalgia kick at the moment! Here are some of my 90s memories...

Being poised on a Sunday evening on the record button during the chart countdown on Radio 1 ready to copy your favourite songs on your blank tape (and always cutting off the beginning or getting the DJ talking over the end of the track).

Ice pops in the Summer! They didn't taste that great but they were cold. If you were being fancy you might have had those bottle shape ones where you had to bite off the top!

While were are on the subject of Summer, having epic water fights were the best, especially if you had a super soaker.

Keeping a close eye on my sister whenever she drank Sunny Delight in case she started to turn orange.

Saturday morning: The Racoons, The New Adventures of Superman, Rugrats and Live and Kicking.

Officially the best childhood fad was POGS! Especially if you had a fancy metal slammer. The playground was like a casino- lots of huddles of kids having tournaments surrounded by spectators. Best case scenario you won a shiny pog, worst case you won a TAZO.

Happy Meal toys. Some of the best included beanie babies, Sonic the Hedgehog, Barbie, the McDonalds food toys that were like transformers and Space Jam. 

Putting a tag protector on your Beanie Babies because reasons.

Reenacting Spice Girls performances. I was Sporty, high kicking in my Adidas popper tracksuit bottoms, my sister was always Baby in bunchies wrinkling her nose.

Collecting the Spice Girls photos to put in the album. Spice Girls merch was everywhere. My sister, Mum and I would sing along to the tape in the car. I remember buying the magazine with my pocket money- and Smash Hits when the free gift was the inflatable Spice Girl dolls.

Making up a gift basket from The Body Shop when it was your friends Birthday. Choosing a basket, bath pearls, animal shaped soaps and a little bottle of body lotion. They would wrap it up with shredded paper and cling film!

Changing my ink cartridge in my fountain pen at school, and getting excited when I bought a box of coloured ink cartridges. We would always try and get the little ball out of them for some reason!

Feeling like royalty sat on your blow up chair, playing your Game Boy with your Walkman headphones playing your favourite mixtape. 

If you were a 90s kid and love a bit of nostalgia you will probably love the 90s Nostalgia boxes I make for my Etsy shop!

Preparation tips for therapy or counselling.

If you are struggling with your mental health it's likely you have considered or have been referred to therapy or counselling. Here are some tips I have put together to prepare for your first session.

1. Plan beforehand if for instance you have to travel there so that you have enough time, or if it is at home/online make sure you have somewhere private and quiet for the session.

2. If it helps have someone with you for support, they could travel with you or be near so that once the session is over you have someone with you.

3. Write anything down you want to ask or talk about. When you are nervous it's easy to forget things!

4. Have tissues and water nearby in case needed.

5. If possible leave the rest of your day free. Counselling and therapy can be emotionally exhausting and draining and you might need some time after to recover and recharge.

6. Be honest with your therapist. Tell them what you want to get out of these sessions. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have.

I hope those tips have helped. If you have anymore let me know.

Right Now: July 2019

Watching: I've been watching a lot of true crime stuff on netflix- recently finished The Keepers and The Staircase. Also new Black Mirror and iZombie.

Reading: Currently reading Sweetpea by CJ Skuse and listening to the audiobook of Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Listening: I love Ashley O and also Mother's Daughter from Miley Cyrus! Aside from that I have been listening to Cruel Youth, Dream Wife and a lot of 60s stuff, especially Nancy Sinatra, The Kinks, The Mamas and Papas and The Zombies.

Eating: Cherries, cold brew coffee, chocolate covered Oreos.

Wearing: Sunglasses, my maroon velvet leggings, big earrings.

Doing: Playing Xbox with my niece and Dad, making & planning lots of stuff for my etsy shop, being in the garden.

Feeling: Kind of ok! Feeling good about my Etsy shop and looking forward to a family holiday at the end of the month.

Achievements: I reached 100 sales in my Etsy shop and I am so happy! 

Goals: To keep doing what I am doing. Be more active and move more.

book haul.

This book haul is so old I've read quite a few of them now but I didn't want to just delete the pictures so here is a wordless book haul post!

Check out my Goodreads for ratings and reviews