So recently, I have been thinking...
I have been on this earth for twenty years now. I was thinking about how long that actually is and what I have learnt from that period of time. I decided to start writing down, on a day to day basis, the lessons that I have put into practice that day. I have put together is this list of twenty life lessons from twenty years of my life. I understand that I was probably learning lessons from a young age that I don't remember now, but all these lessons below are one I have learnt consciously over the past few years.
Disclaimer: Some of these lessons will be cliche or common knowledge. But I hope it helps you anyway.
1. Support the people who support you
One of the most important things to me is showing people how much they mean to me. I have one of the most supportive families and friendship groups around. But a lesson I have learnt is that you should always remind those people how thankful you are that they are in your life.
2. Start early
This is a lesson that I have learnt whilst studying at university, but I feel like I apply it to my daily life now. Any assignments you get, plan and try to start it early. In the long run, it will stress you out less and you will have more time to edit your work. Once I have an outline of a plan for an upcoming essay or report, I already feel better.
3. You need to learn to say 'no'
A hard lesson for me and one I am still learning. All my friends have told me to start doing this. I help people too much. If I have the time, resources and knowledge to help people, then why wouldn't I? Simply, because they wouldn't do the same for me. I know when thinking about doing good deeds, you shouldn' think about what you are going to get out of it. However, some people need to do things on their own otherwise they will become self-reliant. So take a breath and put yourself first.
4. Don't be reckless with other peoples hearts or let people be reckless with yours
They are not yours, respect them.
5. Break the rule that intimacy is only for your partner
I am a strong advocate for showing affection. I love my boyfriend and I am not talking about randomly kissing everyone in sight. But it is okay to kiss your friend's cheeks, hug them and tell them how important they are. Friendships are just as important to maintain as relationships are. Love comes in many forms.
6. Remeber compliments, forget insults
A lesson that is easier said than done. You are your biggest critic at the end of the day and if you are happy with yourself then really cares? As long as you are making yourself proud then you are doing a good job. But bank the compliments that people say about you, they are referencing your best qualities.
7. Support girls
I originally wrote this lesson as 'support other girls' but then I changed it too 'support girls'. We have spent way too long underestimating women. I find it the height of hypocrisy when women tear down other women. Hasn't there already been enough belittling? I learnt this lesson years ago. But recently I have had to really bite my tongue. The blogging community is friendly for the most part (I have me some amazing people), but there are always a few which think they invented the idea. Girls support girls.
8. Your siblings are your best friends
This lesson is one I learnt years ago. Grace, if you are reading this (and you better be) thank you for always being on the other end of the phone when I need you.
9. Love yourself
A lesson that is easier said than done. If you like it, wear it. If you want to do it, do it. You might as well and if you feel happy, then it's working. Honestly, this is cliche. But it is one of the most important things in the world. Confidence (not to be confused with cockiness) is one of the most and attractive and enticing things ever. And if you love yourself, you don't have to worry about what other people think because you have your strongest player on your side. You.
10. You don't have to respect adults who don't respect you.
Age does not equal respect. Like many qualities, just because someone has lived longer and seen more, it doesn't mean they are wiser or require any less respect than you. If they are rude to you (without warning or reason) you are completely justified in defending yourself.
11. A 'nosy' brain is a positive attribute to have
I have a nosy brain. My teachers and my parents have always said it. I have recently renamed this attribute to a 'curious brain'. I love absorbing information. But its a good thing.
12. Dogs are (by far) the best pet to own
I don't think much explanation needs to go into this lesson. Dogs are the best. They are forgiving, loving and you get what you give. Dogs over cats, any day.
13. Be patient with people (still in progress)
I am still learning this lesson. I mentioned earlier that I have a 'curious brain', therefore my thought process works at a million miles an hour. I move from task to task quickly. However, I have to remember that some people don't work like that. Sometimes I need to slow down and listen to what other people are saying.
14. Buying people gifts is the best feeling in the world
I learnt this lesson years ago. I love buying presents. If I was a millionaire tomorrow, I would still spend the majority of it on my friends and family. At Christmas, I make sure that I get everything at least a little something. This is very contradictory, but I am also a strong believer that mone does not equal love. I would rather take a day spent with someone over them giving me money. However, at Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions. I feel that a box of chocolates, some flowers in the post or even just a card, shows that you are thinking about that person.
15. 'Stay close to the people who feel like sunshine'
I couldn't find the original owner of this quote but I love it. If a person makes you feel good about yourself, happy and motivates you to be a better person, they are a keeper. I think that you are meant to meet certain people. I think that some people are meant to leave your life and come back into it. You're 'sunshine' doesn't have to stay the same.
16. Education is one of the most important things
I have always loved school. I loved learning and absorbing new information. When I was growing up, I took on the deminer of 'hating school' because everyone else did. But as I got older, I realised that it wasn't 'cool' to hate school. Learning was fun and interesting. I could choose what to learn about. Education would take me places and my brain was another extremely important organ in my body that I had to take care of.
17. Disney films aren't just for children
Almost all my favourite films are Disney films. To be fair, I never really thought Disney films weren't just for children. But when people say that too me, I will ever defend my love for Mulan, Alice in Wonderland and The Little Mermaid.
18. Water. Water. Water.
I told you some of these lessons would be common knowledge. I feel like we are told as children that we have to drink loads of water and I, for one, completely ignored this for a long time. Yes, I would occasionally have a glass or a bottle of water, but as I have gotten older I definitely don't take water for granted anymore. I am forever carrying a bottle of water in my bag.
19. Sleep is the best, go to bed on time.
I honestly don't know why I ever complained about going to bed early as a child. Sleep is my best friend and always will be from now on. I am still struggling with going to bed on time and not sleeping in, but I will get there.
20. COFFEE IS NOT HYDRATING NOR IS IT A MEAL
I bet you thought the last lesson was going to be deep and thought-provoking. No. It is literally me screaming at myself to stop replacing coffee for a meal or a drink. Just because coffee is a liquid does not mean it hydrates me and just because it is filling, does not mean it is a substitute for a meal. Asher, eat more, drink less coffee.
I hope you enjoyed my 20 lessons from 20 years of life. It was really relaxing writing this post because I felt like it was eye-opening for myself, to see how much I have changed over the years.
I will be posting on Wednesday as usual. Thank- you for reading!
Candles in photo: Vegan Bunny
IT'S DEADLINE TIME!
I don't know about you but for me, it's currently deadline time. My life is currently revolving around studying, essays and crying (not to be too dramatic or anything). But when I get stressed out like this, I always feel my mood can be lifted by a happy, feel-good film. One of the main pleasures of being a student is snuggling up with your housemates after a long, tiring day and watch a film that makes you feel super cheerful.
So here is a list, in my opinion of my top 5 feel-good films that I watch when I am stressed out or down.
Number 1 - Mulan (Disney)
For anyone that knows me, they will know that Mulan is my favourite film ever. I cannot think of any other film that makes me feel more empowered than Mulan. I can honestly say I have watched it a million times, I know all the words, I know all the songs and nothing will stop me from belting out 'I'll make a man out of you' when it comes on.
For a brief summary, just in case you haven't seen it (I strongly recommend you do), Mulan focuses around a young, Chinese woman who goes to war because her father is too old to go. She takes his place in the fight against the Huns and proves that women have just as much right to fight as men (and are better at it too). There is so much humour present in this film that you can't help but laugh along and with Eddie Murphy playing Mushu the dragon (Mulan's sidekick), you know you are in for a feel-good, amusing film.
Number 2 - Clueless
I don't know if this is just me, but when I want to be thrown back in time and forget about all my problems in the present, I will turn to Clueless. Again, for another brief summary, the story of Clueless centres around a rich, young adult called Cher Horowitz who is popular and the father of a lawyer. Cher spends her time finding matches for her friends and eventually wants to find love herself. After falling for a guy, Christian, and finding out later that he is gay. Cher eventually falls in love with her ex-stepbrother (played by Paul Rudd). I know that sounds weird but they aren't actually related. Her father married his mother...does that make it better? I don't know.
But anyway, I love this film and I feel that it's easy watching for when I just want to switch off.
Number 3 - Scott Pilgrim VS the world
A bit of a different change in the genre...I know. But Scott Pilgrim VS the world is one my FAVOURITE FILMS. It's an odd choice for a 'feel-good' (I know this because I told my friends and they told me it was weird). But when I am down and I want an action film that isn't too serious, Scott Pilgrim VS the world will be my first call. The film centres around Scott Pilgrim (played by Michael Cera) who fall in love with Romana Flowers. Scott must prove himself by defeating all her seven, troublesome exes who control her love life. They will do anything to get rid of and destroy any new boyfriend Romana may consider. Although this sounds like a dark tale, it is actually really funny. Also, Michael Cera will never fail to make me laugh.
Number 4 - How To Train Your Dragon
If you don't the storyline for how to train your dragon or don't recognise Toothless's cute, little face, then I suggest you go educate yourself. Before I go any further, I want to state that this film is definitely a children's film, with a doubt. But a good one, nonetheless. Toothless the dragon will make you laugh, cry, say 'aww' a thousand times. There are currently two How To Train Your Dragon films out. But I highly recommend the first one, the second one made my cry WAY too much to put it in my top 5 feel-good films.
Number 5 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
A classic. When you Google the top 'feel-good' films (something I do regularly when I want good film suggestions), Ferris Bueller's day off will definitely be there. I am not going to bore you with the summary on this one as it is without a doubt, one of the most famous films there is. If you want to sing along to a very music non-musical, I highly recommend this film. This is a film I will watch if I am sad, as it reminds me of a simpler time when the fashion was awful and you could just randomly burst into song when you felt like it
✶This is sponsored content but all opinions are my own.
Number 4 - How To Train Your Dragon
If you don't the storyline for how to train your dragon or don't recognise Toothless's cute, little face, then I suggest you go educate yourself. Before I go any further, I want to state that this film is definitely a children's film, with a doubt. But a good one, nonetheless. Toothless the dragon will make you laugh, cry, say 'aww' a thousand times. There are currently two How To Train Your Dragon films out. But I highly recommend the first one, the second one made my cry WAY too much to put it in my top 5 feel-good films.
Number 5 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
A classic. When you Google the top 'feel-good' films (something I do regularly when I want good film suggestions), Ferris Bueller's day off will definitely be there. I am not going to bore you with the summary on this one as it is without a doubt, one of the most famous films there is. If you want to sing along to a very music non-musical, I highly recommend this film. This is a film I will watch if I am sad, as it reminds me of a simpler time when the fashion was awful and you could just randomly burst into song when you felt like it
But wait, it isn't over...
The Old English company are hosting a competition at the moment! I have little something to tell you about! Do you want to win a set of planners? So you can plan out your time in between watching all the movies I have suggested?
Click here to enter: Want to win?
Click here if you want to see what other planners they (spoiler, they are adorable): Planners
You might recognise one of their designs from my Notebook haul earlier in the year! I would highly recommend these high-quality notebooks!
And whilst you are entering, you should definitely also enter their OTHER COMPETITION to win some of their adorable enamel pins: Pins
Hope you enjoyed those suggestions! Let me know what your feel-good films are!
✶This is sponsored content but all opinions are my own.
When you are a student, staying fit is really difficult...
You never have time whilst studying a degree to go to the gym and let's not talk about the price of attending a fitness class either! I am always trying to find new ways to incorporate fitness into my daily student life. I wanna kick this blog post off with saying that I am not a fitness queen. I try to eat right and get exercise in when I can.
First of all, I walk everywhere. I live up a massive hill so the walk to university every day does help a little, but I wanted to actively do something to keep myself healthy.
First of all, I walk everywhere. I live up a massive hill so the walk to university every day does help a little, but I wanted to actively do something to keep myself healthy.
When you are a student, you are limited for money, so paying for the gym every day is a luxury that not many can afford. During my first year of university, the change in scenery and having deadlines hit me really hard and doing exercise was the only way of relaxing. I used to swim every day at my local pool to give my brain a break. However, this was £5 a time, which doesn't sound a lot. But if you count that up for around four months, it adds up to a large sum (for a student anyway).
So, I began watching YouTube work out videos and tried doing home workouts. But, I found them to be not that motivating. I found it hard to push myself because no one was cheering me on.
After looking for another alternative, I found the app, Fittever.
Fittever is an app, yes you heard that right, an app. That you can have on your phone and use it every day. Fittever features live fitness classes, which live stream to your phone at a certain time so you can fit getting into shape around your own schedule. And here is the student-friendly bit - they only cost £1-4! How cheap is that? They feature a range of different fitness classes from Yoga, bodyweight classes and even cycling classes.
You don't need to sell your soul to this company either. There is no sign-up fee or monthly contract. You seemly pay as you use and depending on how much the class is, that is the price you pay. The only information you give them is your gender, name, date of birth, country and what fitness you are interested in, simple really.
Isn't live streaming your work out with someone you don't know scary? This was my exact thought process when I started using the app. I can see the coach and they can see me, being all sweaty and gross. But on the app, you can watch a short video of all the trainers and get to know their teaching style. Some classes are more intense and might require equipment, whereas others are slower and you don't need anything other than your body. And after that, if you still aren't convinced that the experience isn't going to be unnerving, you can also message all the trainers privately. If you have any worry or concerns, you can speak to any of the session leaders about them. At the end of the day, they are trained professionals.
The app itself is also extremely easy to use, it tells you why it needs to know the information and what you will get from the app. I don't know if it's just me, but I always feel better about an app when I don't have to give over every detail about myself.
So, if you are a student with a strict budget and you want to get serious about your health while at university, I would highly recommend Fittever. They are run by the loveliest trainers who are open to answering messages about your concerns at most hours of the day. It's like having your very own personal trainer but from the comfort of your own home. All you need is the app and an internet connection.
✶This is sponsored content but all opinions are my own.
Happy Wednesday!
On Wednesdays, I normally post a book review or something about books. But this week, I wanted to do something completely different. At the moment, I am going through a stage of blogging, which so many bloggers go through. I want to change up my content. I love reading, I love books, I love everything to do with literature. So much so, that I am studying it for a degree. However, I feel like I will get bored of my content if I keep writing about books all the time. I enjoy writing about a range of things. I am still finding my voice as a blogger.
This week, I wanted to write a post about who I am as a person. I feel like, although I spend all my time on social media, I am never open online. Instagram is my main platform, it always has been. But it's a business accounts, so I use it for business. It is the platform where companies go to look at my content and what I am about. So, it has to be business appropriate and that doesn't leave a lot of room to show my personal life. So, I wanted to write a little bit about me, the woman behind the blog.
I am a very social person. I would describe myself as an extrovert, I get more energy the longer I am around people. I also have some amazing, supportive friends. They are all encouraging. I don't understand people who enjoy standing in other peoples way, people who subtweet other people or don't understand other people's journies. It doesn't make sense too me.
On a less deep note, I love dogs. We, as a family, have four dogs. Mine, a little chihuahua cross Brussels, is the love of my life. She is perfect and if I am ever having a bad day, a cuddle with her will always solve it.
Why did I begin blogging?
I began blogging because of my course. I study Media and Creative writing at university and for this course, I had to keep a blog online. I kept getting a lot of views and comments on this blog. On this blog, I started to post my own creative writing. It was a big step but it was fun and the comments/views made it all worth it. People were interested in what I had to say and it felt amazing. So I started Come and Read with me because I loved reading, I had to do a lot of it and I wanted to write about these books. The more and more I blogged, the more views and comments I got. I started messaging other bloggers and reaching out to other communities (like beauty, mum, lifestyle and personal bloggers). I met some amazing people and they urged me to expand my blog into a writing about lifestyle as well. They are still the most encouraging and lovely people, who still support me every day. I set myself a strict posting schedule, on Wednesday I would post book reviews or book related posts. And on Sunday's I would post a lifestyle inspired post. My advice for any new bloggers, do it. People will support you and they will care what you have to say. No one is the sole creator of blogging or a certain blogging community. If you want to start a blog, do it.
What have I realised whilst blogging?
That nothing is original. I can guarantee that you will run into other bloggers who claim that you are 'copying their post idea' because you have written something with a slightly similar title. But I can promise you, that as long as you aren't going on to someone else's blog and physically copying and pasting their post, you are not copying them. No blog post is original, no idea is original. You need to focus on your voice. At the end of the day, the blogging market is HUGE. So people need to hear your own voice and recognise it's you.
Another thing I have realised is that the best support comes from other bloggers. Find blogger friends that are in your blogging community. Support their blogs, comment on their posts, make sure you are giving back to the blogging community you are apart of.
I have also realised that I love blogging. If writing begins to feel like a chore and I don't want to take flatly or any other photos, then I change up my style until I am happy with it.
I hope you enjoyed this post. I feel like I am always writing for an audience and I am never personal online. I loved writing it and I feel that sometimes, you need to write a post that will make you happy.
Advice for today: If you want to start a blog, do it.
What have I realised whilst blogging?
That nothing is original. I can guarantee that you will run into other bloggers who claim that you are 'copying their post idea' because you have written something with a slightly similar title. But I can promise you, that as long as you aren't going on to someone else's blog and physically copying and pasting their post, you are not copying them. No blog post is original, no idea is original. You need to focus on your voice. At the end of the day, the blogging market is HUGE. So people need to hear your own voice and recognise it's you.
Another thing I have realised is that the best support comes from other bloggers. Find blogger friends that are in your blogging community. Support their blogs, comment on their posts, make sure you are giving back to the blogging community you are apart of.
I have also realised that I love blogging. If writing begins to feel like a chore and I don't want to take flatly or any other photos, then I change up my style until I am happy with it.
I know this post was meant to be more about me and it's turned out being a rant (a motivational one though), so here are 10 random facts about me!
1. My full name is Asher-lee Tulip Downer
2. I am extremely addicted to coffee
3. Every day, on Instagram I do a poll! (shameless plug, follow me here)
4. Dogs are my absolute favourite thing and I will come up too you in the street and ask you stroke your dog, without fail.
5. My boyfriend and best friends (you know who you are) are all amazing and they give me enough confidence and support to blog.
6. I like helping people a little too much (its a problem to be honest)
7. I would rather get drunk with my friends at home then go out to a massive party
8. I have always wanted to start a YouTube channel but I feel like I should focus on my degree right now.
9. My favourite place in the world is Camden Market in London
10. My pupper is called Flo Monroe! She is adorable!
I hope you enjoyed this post. I feel like I am always writing for an audience and I am never personal online. I loved writing it and I feel that sometimes, you need to write a post that will make you happy.
Advice for today: If you want to start a blog, do it.
I used horse shampoo on my hair for 7 days!
The other day I was scrolling through various haircare websites looking for something new, something different, something that would actually benefit my hair. My hair is LONG and curly. But it's thin. I wanted a shampoo that would strengthen my hair as well as making it appear shiny and...alive.
I try really hard to not use too much heat on my hair. I blow dry my hair rarely but when I do I use Aragan oil heat spray, which works a dream. I also use Aragan oil condition and just plain oil on the ends of my hair. But apart from that, I don't use anything other than shampoo and conditioner.
I try really hard to not use too much heat on my hair. I blow dry my hair rarely but when I do I use Aragan oil heat spray, which works a dream. I also use Aragan oil condition and just plain oil on the ends of my hair. But apart from that, I don't use anything other than shampoo and conditioner.
I picked up this Mane and Tail shampoo after spotting in it my local Urban Outfitters. There is always some...unusual products in Urban Outfitters. But after spending ages looking for a product that would strengthen my hair, I was willing to try anything. At first glance, the bottle did not appear for humans as well as horses but after research into the product (finding out the company was run by the nicest people) and reading the carefully written instructions on the back. They state which way you should use it whether you are a horse or a human.
The Smell and appearance of the Shampoo
First off, this shampoo smells scary. I know it sounds weird, but it smells chemical. It isn't an awful odour but for me, with really thin hair, my main concern was that my locks were going to fall out of my head. This was an irrational fear. This shampoo is designed to make my hair stronger, also its main audience is horses, it isn't going to smell of roses. However, Mane 'n' tail are going to make a scented version, I would be really excited to try it. I feel that was one of the only things missing from this shampoo, I would love it too be scented. And the actual bottle is BRIGHT. I could spot it from the other side of Urban Outfitters.
So, I used this shampoo for 7 days. According to the bottles, the shampoo is for strengthing and to make your hair more manageable. Whereas the conditioner is for hair growth. I already have very long hair, as evidenced by the picture below. I documented myself washing my hair with the Mane 'n' tail shampoo every other day.
Day 1 - Monday
The chemical smell scared me so I only put a tiny drizzle of the shampoo on my hair. As my hair is long, I tend to use quite a bit of shampoo and conditioner. But after drying it, plaiting it and leaving it overnight. I found that I only needed a little bit of this product to actually wash my hair. This shampoo was £7.00 from Urban Outfitter, but it does retail at other drugstores for £6.00. So it's not extremely expensive. But for how little product I used in comparison to the size of the bottle, I definitely feel like I am getting my money's worth.
Day 2 - Wednesday
On the second time washing my hair, I used a little more shampoo because it did such a good job the first time. But this time I blowed dried my hair instead of leaving it to hair dry in a plait. I wanted to see if this made a difference to the texture of my locks.
Day 3 - Friday
On day three of washing my hair in Mane 'n' Tail shampoo, I found that the product was drying my hair out quite a lot. I was using a lot more heat protection when drying my hair and a lot more oil on the ends. I have dry hair anyway and it hardly ever gets greasy, but it felt even drier than normal. However, I just lessened the amount of the product I was using and continued to apply it.Day 4 - Sunday
On day four, I decided to add a little more conditioner to my hair routine because my hair still felt dry. But I didn't want to stop using the shampoo because I felt my locks getting stronger.
Day 5 - Tuesday
Adding extra conditioner to my hair routine was a perfect addition. I really started to feel a difference with my locks within the fifth wash. Not as much as my hair was coming out when I brushed it and I wasn't losing a lot in the shower. It also felt amazing, it felt healthy and firm.
Day 6 - Thursday
Wash number six was pretty much the same. I had stopped drying my hair with a dryer at this point because I felt like it was adding the fact that my hair was getting dry. I never usually use so much heat on my hair, so I went back to my normal routine of letting my hair air dry, in a plait overnight.
Day 7 - Saturday
This was my last and final wash using the shampoo for the week. After this week, I took a break and used another shampoo. I wanted to see if I saw a difference when not using the shampoo, I also wanted my hair to regain some moisture. However, I have begun using this shampoo again since. I love the way it makes my hair feel. Although, due to my dry hair, I am now using it every other wash. I am using it alongside an extremely thick, moisturising shampoo (Aussie), so it prevents my hair from getting super dry again.
Final thoughts
I love this shampoo. I wasn't keen on the smell, but after getting over the idea that this shampoo is going to be good for my hair, I really enjoyed using it. I would love it if this brand would do a scented version because I feel like this was the only thing that was missing from this brilliant product. I do recommend that if you have dry hair like me and it isn't naturally oily, that adding a little extra conditioner to your wash routine. This will make sure your hair doesn't become too dry. Apart from that, I loved this shampoo. My hair feels stronger and thicker. I would highly recommend stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something completely different. Horse shampoo admittedly does sound strange, but you won't regret it and neither will your hair.
Check them out: Mane 'n' Tail
Check out their Instagram: Mane 'n' Tail
11/43/18
❤❤❤❤❤/5
Genre: Short Stories / Gothic
Published: 1986
How long did it take me to read: Still in process
I'm sure you can see from above that I am still currently reading this book. What warrents a review or it then? How can you have already given it five stars? Simply, I am already in love with it. This book has already stolen my heart. Also, it isn't your average read, it is a collection of short stories which I am able to pick up and put down at my own accord. If you read my Book Haul a couple of weeks ago, you will already know that this book is part of an eight-part series of books by the author Roald Dahl. In this series, there are books by the names of War, Lust, Deception, Madness, Innocence, Trickery, Fear and finally, Cruelty. Dahl died in 1990 and these collection of books surfaced in 2013, seperating all the well-know and well- loved Dahl stories into seperate novels. At the begninning of each story, they state what date it was written and what collection it was orginally featured into, to help stay true to Roald Dahl.
Isn't seperating all these old stories into new collections just a money making move? I would say yes and no. Yes because clearly, these stories have been out for a while and these novels haven't been put together by Dahl himself. This was the mindset I had before I only half willingly shelled out £8.99 for this book.
After reading the first few stories, so of which I had never encountered before, I fell in love with the idea of collecting all of these books and having a matching set. So in short, I am still super on the fence about it.
Another thing that really sold this book too me was the fact that 10% of all the author royalites from the sale of this book are donated to the Roald Dahl Charites. Before Roald Dahl passed, he was known for helping out young, sick children across the UK. So when he died in 1990, The Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity came together and decided to carry on Dahls legacy. I will link them below just in case you want to learn more for yourself.
❤❤❤❤❤/5
Genre: Short Stories / Gothic
Published: 1986
How long did it take me to read: Still in process
I'm sure you can see from above that I am still currently reading this book. What warrents a review or it then? How can you have already given it five stars? Simply, I am already in love with it. This book has already stolen my heart. Also, it isn't your average read, it is a collection of short stories which I am able to pick up and put down at my own accord. If you read my Book Haul a couple of weeks ago, you will already know that this book is part of an eight-part series of books by the author Roald Dahl. In this series, there are books by the names of War, Lust, Deception, Madness, Innocence, Trickery, Fear and finally, Cruelty. Dahl died in 1990 and these collection of books surfaced in 2013, seperating all the well-know and well- loved Dahl stories into seperate novels. At the begninning of each story, they state what date it was written and what collection it was orginally featured into, to help stay true to Roald Dahl.
Isn't seperating all these old stories into new collections just a money making move? I would say yes and no. Yes because clearly, these stories have been out for a while and these novels haven't been put together by Dahl himself. This was the mindset I had before I only half willingly shelled out £8.99 for this book.
After reading the first few stories, so of which I had never encountered before, I fell in love with the idea of collecting all of these books and having a matching set. So in short, I am still super on the fence about it.
Another thing that really sold this book too me was the fact that 10% of all the author royalites from the sale of this book are donated to the Roald Dahl Charites. Before Roald Dahl passed, he was known for helping out young, sick children across the UK. So when he died in 1990, The Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity came together and decided to carry on Dahls legacy. I will link them below just in case you want to learn more for yourself.
One of my favourite tales in this collection is Skin. If you don't like gothic, scary tales. Stop reading now.
Skin features a young man by the name Drioli and is set in Paris. To summarise the story shortly, after making a good sale, Drioli becomes very drunk and chooses to get a large tattoo of the women he loved on his back. Soon after, the woman Drioli loved passed away and he lost his business, which meant he became very poor and begun pan-handling. Later on in the story, Drioli enters an art gallery and shows off his tattoo, which everyone thinks is amazing. People begin offering him money for the tattoo that is one his back. Two men however, offer for him to live in their hotel and act almost like a model for his tattoo. He would just show guests this extraordinary work. They offer him a lot of money and in turn, he leaves with them. The narrator never says exactly what happened, although we later find out that there was no hotel and funnily enough, a heavily varnished painting matchin the description of Drioli's tattoo turned up for sale at an auction in Beunos Aires a few weeks later.
Bet you can guess why it's called Skin now.
The classic gruesome Dahl stories are mesmorising and in a weird way, enchanting to read. Overall, I gave this book five hearts out of five. So far, it has been amazing. I would highly recommend to it anyone who likes horror. But this book is definetly not for the faint hearted.
For now though, keep reading.
I can't wait to curl up in the sun and read!
I feel that one of the greatest pleasures in life is curling up in the midday sun and reading a book without having to wear a million layers of jumpers. For some people, I understand that reading is more relaxing when it's only them and the sound of the spring-time birds chirping away. However, for an over active brain like mine, I like to have a bit of background noise when reading through my newest book. But there is only certain, relaxing music that I can listen too when reading. I have compiled a short list to show what I like to listen too and what helps me get into that relaxing reading mood. If you want to keep updated on this ever-growing list, make sure to check out my Spotify 'Asher-Lee Tulip Downer'.
Below, I have listed the songs that are currently on the playlist, I would really love to hear whether you enjoy listening to music when reading or whether it has to be completely silent around you in order to focus.
Reading Playlist
- Absolutely Smitten - Dodie
- Baby - Warpaint
- Come and get your love - Redbone
- Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls
- Is this love - Bob Marley
- L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N - Noah and The Whale
- New Soul - Yael Naim
- Relax, Take it easy - Mika
- Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks
- Take - Echos
- Real Love Baby - Father John Misty
- The Middle - Wet
- Body Gold - Oh Wonder
- Hard feelings/Loveless - Lorde
- All I want - Kodaline
- A drop in the ocean - Ron Pope
- Give me love - Ed Sheeran
- Human - Christian Perri
- Let her go - Passenger
- Girl put your records on - Corinne Bailey Rae
- Lucky - Jason Mraz
- Rhythm of love - Plain White T's
- Run Run Run - Celeste Buckingham
- Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
- Stolen Dance - Milky Chance
- Fight like a girl - Zolita
- Easily - Bruno Major
- Home - Gabrielle Aplin
- In The Middle - Dodie
- Imaginary Parties - Superfruit
- GUY.exe - Superfruit
I hope this was interesting! Next week I will be featuring a classic book review like normal. But for now, keep reading!
Happy Easter! Lately, I felt like my health and beauty routine needed changing up. A Spring-cleaning for myself, if you will.
As I am sure you are aware, I am poor student that lives in one of the most expensive towns in England. I love studying and I wouldn't have it any other way, however, when spring rolls around, I am sure I am not alone when I say that I want to change things up a little. For example, my conditioner. Again, I am sure you are aware that I am currently using Mane 'n' Tail horse shampoo to strength my hair from its roots. However, when I am using...human hair products...I tend to lean towards the 'Stimulating Caffeine' conditoner. This conditoner, as I am sure you can tell from the title, is from PoudLand. I am pretty sure you can pick it up in your local Superdrug or Boots, but I purchase it from my local pound shop. Over the years, I feel that PoundLand and shops similar, have gotten a bad a name. They have been branded cheap and tacky. However, I love PoundLand. Why would I spend £5.00 and up on a conditioner when it is round the corner for a £1? You wouldn't. This conditoner, despite the name, doesn't have any caffine in it, unfortunately. I am aware that you can buy shampoo and conditoner which can wake you up in the morning. However, with this conditioner, the name only refers to the smell. And the smell is amazing.
My second product is the Aragn Oil serum that is the top left of this photo. My hair can get very dry and as I am always busy busy, I can't always find my way into a hairdressers for a regular trim. Therefore my ends sometimes need a little help. I have always favoured Aragan Oil because it is a very natural product, so I am not worry about putting it my hair. PoundLand do all types of Aragan products, from conditioner to face masks. So if you fancy an all natural product than Aragan Oil the way too go.
My second product is the Aragn Oil serum that is the top left of this photo. My hair can get very dry and as I am always busy busy, I can't always find my way into a hairdressers for a regular trim. Therefore my ends sometimes need a little help. I have always favoured Aragan Oil because it is a very natural product, so I am not worry about putting it my hair. PoundLand do all types of Aragan products, from conditioner to face masks. So if you fancy an all natural product than Aragan Oil the way too go.
Next, would be my Simple Moisturing face wash. I am a senstive gal, hence why I am always searching for natural products. Simple is my go-to brand when I need a little pampering because I know it won't react with my skin. I am fully aware that this a tiny bottle of facewash and you can get full-sized bottles for around £4.00 but I don't use facewash a enough to get a large bottle. I am strong believer that water is the best for your skin and to avoid chemicals until you really need them. However, it still baffles me to this day that I can purchase my Simple, a quite expensive brand of facewash, for only a pound. Thank you PoundLand!
My exfolitating gloves has to be my favourite purchase of this haul. Again, I got these for only a pound from PoundLand, but they are the most helpful thing I have owned in a while. I start exfolitating my skin regularly around spring time to get my body ready for some light fake tan. I am extremely fair skinned and pale, which means I don't tan, I got red, then back to pale white again. Therefore, a little bit of fake tan in the summer months, goes a long way. However, if your skin is dry and little crusty after being covered up for winter, exfolitating away all the dead skin is a perfect way to get a flawless tanned look. And for only a pound? What's to loose?
Finally, my glasses case. I don't really know if you could put this in health and beauty. I did think twice about putting this item in, but then I thought about how often I need my glasses. If I don't take care of my glasses, I will no longer be able to use them! This glaesses case is rose gold and metallic, a style that is currently covering my Instagram feed. I wanted a netrual case, e.g. not bright pink. Because I usually wear a very netural pallete with either a navy or brown bag. I didn't want the case to be an assult on the eyes. Therefore, when I saw this case in PoundLand, I jumped at the chance to buy it. Again, thank you PoundLand.
I hoped you enjoyed my Spring PoundLand Haul. Remember PoundLand is always handy, don't shell out your hard earnt coin for essentials this Spring.
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