Book Review: The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year

Read it in the bath with a nice candle!

After spending one of my many 'lets see what I can't have' evenings roaming through kindle books, I came across this lovely one. Its £4.99, not the sort of price I find reasonable at all. (Then again, when your used to picking up 3 books for €2 in the charity shop like I am, not a lot looks like a bargain.) But Stephens lovely mammy lent it to me after us chatting about books we wanted or had read. So heres a little review for you all.

Sue Townsend is no stranger to most of us thanks to her best selling book The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole 13 3/4. Since then she has written many a wonderful story, including The Woman Who Went to Bed For a Year in 2012. In the funny and weird romance novel we follow the life of Eva, a wife and mother who has had enough of the world. In the middle of the day she gets into bed and doesn't budge again for well, a year. Her husband Brain is a man of science and hasn't the patiences or time to indulge his wife in her odd behaviour when he is hungry and can't find a clean shirt. Brian calls his mother and Eva's, convinced shes having a break down. But nothing will help to get the woman from her bed. 

Meanwhile the twins are off to college for the first time and not only are they lacking social abilities but they are the stereotypical maths geniuses. Things naturally get crazy in college and its just as bad back home with Alexander the handyman dismantling Eva's bedroom for her. Everyone has a few skeletons in the closet that are all about to be found at once. My god this book is a bit of a whirl wind but I just couldn't put it down. Throughout the book we are introduced to a range of characters that we get to know as part of this very dysfunctional but none the less loveable family. Its really family life to the max, bursting from cover to cover. Neighbours talk, strangers seek Eva's advice and the burning question remains; why has Eva gone to bed?

This is not a book to read on the bus if you don't fancy getting looked at for laughing hysterically like I did. There are some real gems inside these pages and its a book that make you sit back and think. And of course who hasn't had a day, week or month in their lives where they would rather stay in bed then face the difficulties of the world. In the middle of this modern world that Eva looks at, there are some pointed questions we take away. If I was to pick apart this book I would say my issues with it are the very unbelievable parts at the ending with the twins and the lack of closure with Eva. But overall its worth a read, even better if you can find it in the charity shop!

What are you reading at the moment?

Friday Favourites #6

Wish this happened every time I took out a tissue!

Anyone else think that the past week or so has had mad weather? Its been snowing, the sun was out and now its back to wet and windy. No wonder I have myself a cold, all this rain jacket, t-shirt, snow boots business. Oh well, maybe the sun will win and we will have a 25 degree week... Or at least I'm wishing.  I've a cold so this week has been spent mostly moping round the house!

TV Series: Lie To Me

I've been spending far too much time surrounded by tissues and panadol in bed, so what better way to pass the time then get addicted to an old favourite tv show? Netflix will be the undoing of me as it has all the seasons of Lie To Me. Its creepy at times but I love the American crime drama that ran from 2009 until 2011.

Book: Cook Books

Last Saturday I had a bit of a dinner party in memory of my dad. I made mostly vegetarian dishes as one of my friends is a veggie only girl. I had a mini break down in the kitchen but produced, with the help of my cook books a veggie lasagna, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella in peppers, cheese cauliflower and a chicken pie for the meat lovers all together with a desert of my 'signature' cheese cakes. Stephen made a to-die-for devils chocolate cake and there was much eating and laughing involved. A really special night, even if the preparations were mental! I love all my books.

Blog: Overdressed and Unprepared

This blog is a great read for beauty junkies like me, and even the name overdressed and unprepared is funny and reliable. Debra, who is the author is from Northern Ireland and writes a variety of great topics. I especially love her tags and product reviews. My only 'problem' with her blog is that she posts monthly reviews of different magazines which I read and then have to go buy! Go check her blog out over here for a fab read.

Drink: Coffee, Coffee And!... Coffee

So eh, I drink coffee as you can see (!) and like lots of types, but nescafe has to be my favourite brand. I have recently fallen in love with their jars of espresso which is lovely and strong. But on my weekly food shop I noticed nescafes new gold crema and had to try it out because it was on offer for €5.50 and I needed a new jar. Oh my, this is rich and kind of creamier then the regular kind. If boasts to be 'smooth and silky' and well, I'll have to agree with them there. 

  

Things: When your sick

Some of my essentials that I reach for when I'm feeling poorly have to be vicks vaporub to help me breath, natural honey and lemon to ease the pain in my throat and vaseline for chapped lips and for around my sore red nose. Not the prettiest sight but they all get the job done!

Site: PicMonkey

So I'm last to the party here, but I'm sure you have all noticed my improved layout of pictures in my recent posts. I am in love with this site, its easy enough to use and theres loads to play around with. Hold the phone, I'm getting all fancy! Go have a look over here, its free to use.

Thats all for this week, I will have no 'I'm sick' related Friday Favourites next week, promise! Have a great weekend everyone and relax lots :)  

Buy Irish: Birthday PixiPots

This post was meant to be up last night, but I have an awful cold at the moment and fell asleep at half 8 instead! Colds really take it out of you, so apologies for that.

Last weekend I sat down with the lovely Vanessa over a cup of tea for a chat about her business and to pick up my birthday PixiPot. I had emailed Vanessa after I came across her Facebook page asking if I could order a purple medium pot with birthday decorations on it. I could not have been more delighted when I saw it and to hear all about this young Irish entrepreneur's journey. I have since filled the pot with little presents for my friend and red polka dot tissue paper. The pot was presented in the lovely purple tissue paper but I couldn't wait long enough to take pictures of it!

Tell me a bit about yourself: Well, I'm a teenager, I'm 18 and still in school in 6th year. I do the pots and painting in my spare time. I'm a big fan of playing sports and love them all!

How did you come up with the idea? Its kind of funny. My nanny had a ceramic ornament in her house that would sway form side to side when the light would hit it and it brought a smile to my face, so I thought yeah! thats what I'm going to do. I went out and bought a pot and painted it then I went to the Art&Hobbie shop to buy stickers. It turned out good!

What made you decide to sell them? I set up my business with Foroige which is a youth organisation. They have a programme called NFTE (Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship) that teachers young people business skills and how to set up a business. I'm heavily involved in  Foroige so I took part in this programme. They are really supportive of my business, which is in its third years now.

Thats brilliant, well done for that! Do the pots take hours to make and is it annoying, or do you really still enjoy what your do? I do still enjoy doing them because when I look at them they make me happy and when people buy them they say ''ah there really cute.'' I get pleasure out of making other people happy. But when I have a big craft fair, the pots and stickers would be everywhere over the house thats when it gets a bit stressful!

You say you do craft fairs, whats that all about? I have to book a stall. I had one in the RDS at Christmas time, and Foroige organised that. You go out and trade for a few hours. Before Christmas I had some that I organised myself in Kildare and Tallaght library. I try to grow my business as much as possible and try to sell where ever I can.

So tell me, do you think you'll stick with this?  I'd like to think that id stick with it because it is something thats very useful and can be used for anything, but next year when I go to college and have loads of work to do maybe I might not be able to do them as much as I'd like to.

Does art interest you in general? Are you going to be an artist in college? Eh, no! this is the only artistic thing you can do! I'm not good at art but I'm kind of creative, thats where PixiPots come in.

where did you come up with the name PixiPots? I actually didn't come up with the name, my sister did. We were sitting around the table having dinner thinking of names because I had a product that had no name! I called them magical because you never know what you can put in them.* My sister said pixies are magical, why don't you call them that?

So your sister gets a percentage of the profits for thinking up the name then? No!

I'd like to thank Vanessa for making my lovely pot and for her time answering all my questions! You can find her on her Facebook page PixiPots  to see samples of her designs. She has told me that she ships worldwide and is more then happy to make a pot for any occasion. I know I will be a returning customer, her effort and care for each individual pot clearly shows, making home made and buy Irish a must for me. 

*Personally, I would love to get one for my pens and pencils. I would also love a smaller one for all my make up brushes and hair pins too. It would add some lovely extra eye-catching pieces to my bedroom and bathroom! Its all going on my wish list. 

The Valentines Look

If your going to be out and about this Valentines day or have a lovely date night all planned with your favourite person, you'll want something to wow them. So here are three outfits I think would go down a treat for such a day. I had so much fun making these and drooling over them too!

Now despite this Asos label being called Little Mistress (ahem) I think this is such a beautiful shift dress to have in your wardrobe. Its a fab colour and cut, not to mention the design and bead detailing around the neck line which means you don't need loads of jewellery to set this dress off. The cuffs also add the less is more feel with three buttons down each side, so theres no need to worry about a bracelet and only a thought for a ring. Its something you can throw on and walk out the door in 10 minutes flat. Sounds good to me. With it being such a bold colour, I thought I would pair it with a cute kissing birds bag in black thats also from Asos, along with black heels and spike chandelier earrings that are both  from Forever21.

Next is another dress that I want to run out and buy the second I post this - but will try to resist. Its a very 'valentines dress' being red and  pretty. Topshops Lace Sweetheart Dress is part of their concession collection, so just bare that in mind if your thinking of ordering it. It has a sweetheart neckline with lace mid-length sleeves and lace to the waist, giving way to a chiffon skirt. It also comes with a thin brown belt to draw eyes to your waist. But if I was to have my way I would ditch the brown belt and go for a silver instead to add an edge to the oh-so-sweet look. A killer pair of these amazing Platform Pumps from Forever21, a black metallic clutch  from New Look and bam, off you go sexy!

Lastly, a more casual laid back feel if your not going for the whole dress up look. River Islands lip print tank top is just enough bling to set the tone. Its really fab covered in diamante embellishment with a longline shape, perfect loose or tucked into jeans or pants. Speaking of which, Topshops navy blue disco treggings are to die for. No really, take a moment to enjoy how gorgeous they are! Paired with some well loved converse and that amazing black heart shaped bag from A|wear thats covered in studs and you are ready to face the world.  

Have you decided what your going to wear February 14th?

 Keep an eye out, I'll have another post up later for all you lovely folks!

NOTD: Barry M Blueberry

Would you look at that, two posts up in one day? My oh my, I'm making up for my lack of posting now! If you read my Facebook post earlier, you'll know I was hoping my nail varnish would pop up. It heard my pleas and wondered out from its hiding place. And people give me weird looks when I talk to objects. 

Today I have the lovely Barry M's Blueberry in number 306. I am dying to get back into wearing bright, warm, summer colours again after a long winter and dark, colder tones. And this is just the colour to make you happy when you look at it! Its a stand out light blue and its one of my all time favourite colours that I wore to death last summer along with Barry M's Fuchsia as you can see in the picture above. And before you get your hopes up seeing sun and flowers, no it wasn't taken recently it was last summer I'm sorry to say. I love using two colours on my nails to make it more interesting and to my make nails match more outfits - which never work out let me just mention! 

This colourful treat is just under €6 and I really like Barry M's nail polishes. They have some really different shades and as you know from my last NOTD, I am in love with the glitter nail paint in Amethyst Glitter. You can nearly always pick up a deal of buy one get one half price and I have my fingers crossed that will happen soon for Blueberry, because I have just found out my bottle is almost empty! I have never finished an entire nail varnish before, so I have a feeling last summer was the cause. The bottles themselves are gorgeous and something I like to display instead of hiding it in a drawer with the other ugly looking bottles of varnish. 

This only needs one coat and maybe a top coat but I tend to leave it off because I find that it stays the same length either way. The brush is fine, but I don't think I will ever love another nail varnish brush as much as I do the L'oreal Colour Riche ones. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes to dry which can be a bother if your in a hurry (or need to put your hand in your pocket to take out your bus fair - yes I do my nails waiting on the bus. Time saving and all that!) but stays about 3 days before chipping. Removing it is no problem, it only needs a tiny scrub for the stubborn corners. 

What have you got on your nails today?

  

Valentines Day Gifts For Him

Marilyn Monroe, such a beautiful woman.

There isn't a girl (or guy) I know that finds any day that requires present buying an easy task! I always pull my hair out panicing over what I can get Stephen. He likes play station games and crisps. The first I know nothing about unless its Skyrim) and the second is not really an amazing gift to receive! So here are a few ideas for you all. Fingers crossed your guy has loads of interests and hobbies!

Find his favourite scent: Guys like to smell just as good as the next person, so why not have a snoop through his bathroom or ask family what he likes to wear. There is a huge selection in in the perfume shop and also in Boots. Calvin Klein CK One is currently £22.60 (about €26) for a 100ml bottle in the Boots sale- a real steal considering its the same price for only a 50ml bottle from the Perfume Shop. Or if thats not easy to decide on, there is always the Lacoste's Eau de Lacoste collection thats about €50 each. My favourite at the moment is Diesel - Only The Brave thats about €60 in Boots and you get a free gift with it too. I got Stephen the gift set for Christmas and he loves it.

Do it his way: You know he is expecting you to suggest some really bad rom-com that you are dying to see and rented/bought it especially for the night. Why not surprise him by watching something he'll love instead. An action or maybe just a good Star Wars marathon? (just not football, oh god anything but that!) I have recently signed up to NextFlix and its something I would recommend as you get a one month free trial and then its only €6.99 per month after.

Don't be fooled: They act all 'manly' and are just short of climbing a building to beat on their chests at times, but guys like to have surprises and treats just as much as girls do. Maybe buy him a nice box of chocolates and get him a rose this year.

He has hobbies: Now I know not every guy is going to love the same things, but if you take a wonder through Eason's or online you will find a book that he could enjoy. And who doesn't love getting books with a nice little message written on the inside? The Top Gear Years is all about Top Gear and cars, a great read if you ask me. Then theres the classic football book, but what if you can't remember his favourite team? Why not be a bit cheeky and get him a football colouring book ? (If I wasn't currently cutting up my credit card into pieces like in 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' I would have bought this for Stephen.)  Maybe games are his thing? Thinkgeek.com have loads of really cool stuff to choose from, even safe bets like interactive t-shirts(!)

Always remember: Like I said in my last Valentines gifts post, This is only one day, don't have hang ups about not getting him the perfect film or burning the dinner. Be grateful if you get to spend the day together. Send him a nice text, or buy him a fancy card to write something sweet inside. Its always the thought that counts the most.

Friday Favourites #5

How is everyone today? Hope you had a quiet and peaceful week? I know I didn't! Ever get one of those crazy non-stop weeks? Umhumm, that was me! I am going to make some serious plans of action over the weekend and get all my Valentines Day posts up for you next week. Until then, here is some of the things I have been loving the past few days.

 Thing: Night Time Relaxing

I have had a stressful and go-go-go! week, so bed time is my wind down and relax time. A nice cup of tea, a hot water bottle and a book or magazine is just what the doctor ordered. I got my copy of the March Cosmo (British edition) which I have yet to even open. However I practically absorbed Kill Marsell's 'Take a chance on me'. I will (fingers crossed) have a review for you guys soon.

Site: Instagram

Now let me be totally honest, I was not a fan of the whole 'expand your blog' business with twitter (-which I am still afraid of) and the likes. But oh how could I have left it so long to make an Instagram account? I use it everyday and tend to put up a photo or two, just to show everyone whats popped into my life without having to blog or Facebook about it. Apart from that its amazing to share and see some true works of art (and a lot of glitter!) I would recommend making an account and becoming part of the community - its amazing. And of course you can follow me at http://instagram.com/bigblondegirl/ or just have a nose at my pictures.

Product: Collection (2000) Fix Me Up

I had been eyeing this 'long lasting make-up fixer' since the start of January wondering if it was worth almost €10 for a small bottle that had some very mixed reviews. But Boots are having a sale 3 for 2 at the moment and I had to have it as it was just over €6. I am glad I did because I am now in love with it. I will do a proper review once I have used it a little more and see if its just the honey moon phase I'm in with this product.

Music: Sandi Thom Wish I Was A Punk Rocker
All the way back in 2006 this song was released and this week for some unknown reason it popped into my head and has been there since! A nice bit of nostalgia for you all if you want to listen to it here . I clap along completely off beat to this day still, but wow its such a good song!

Product: Boots Camomile And Lemon Balm

For under €3 each I could not say no to the lovely summery smelling shampoo and conditioner as I badly needed one. - I had washed my hair with body wash that morning. Not sure if I should be ashamed or not? Its cheap and cheerful, not to mention smelling really lovely in the bottle and lasting all day in your hair. It also makes my hair soft and the condition is fine but not as good as something like my herbal essence hair mask. I will pick up the shampoo again, just to catch the smell of my summery hair!

Thing: A Notebook And Pen

I would have been a headless chicken this week if I didn't keep handy my trusty notebook and a pen. Meetings, shopping list, errands, recipes, blog posts... The list goes on. All I had to do was scribble things down as they came to me or if I needed to remember something, a quick root through my bag and chaos subsides. Yes, a permanent addition to any handbag. 

So my lovely guys and girls thats what has been occupying my week, keeping me happy. I also can not believe it is now the 1st of February! Finally some hints of Spring and perhaps if were lucky even Summer? Who knows! As always have a fab weekend and I will see you soon!