How many books have you lied about reading?

December 2, 2016December 1, 20166 Comments

I have a confession; it’s months and months since I read a classic book. PLEASE DON’T ATTACK ME.

I went through a stage of really getting into classic books; I read them in the bath, on the floor of
trains, on buses and snuggled up in bed. I checked them off my list of books I really should get read list. I think I might have made it through half the list I promised myself I would read and then for some reason I stopped. I put down all the classics and pretty much have only been picking up crime and thriller books since. I’m not sure why – oddly I’m often terrified by crime books but it’s all my tiny mitts have wanted to read recently.

I clicked onto Facebook this morning (#PRODUCTIVITY) and this post flashed up; How Many Of These Books Have You Lied About Reading?

I love Buzzfeed and their click-bait titles, and I thought what the hell. I ended up with this answer.

You checked 5 out of 52 on this list!

You’re not bothered about how cultured you’re perceived to be. You’re not into the
classics and don’t mind who knows that. Lying about the books you’ve read is a slippery slope that you refuse to fall down.

So, these are the books that I might have white lied about reading and to be completely honest with you, I’m not even that ashamed.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell

Atonement by Ian McEwan

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

I feel many readers, as like myself might have at some point said a tiny porky as to whether they’ve read someone’s favourite classic. Maybe in this situation:

Person in Love with the book: “Oh god, everyone has read Gone with the Wind! Seriously, it’s an honour to have been born in a time where it was written.”

Lizzy (awkwardly) “Oh, never read it myself – cover put me off. Think I might have heard good things but not put my mind to it yet.”

Person in Love with the book: “Well, right, bye.”

Okay, maybe not as extreme as that but it’s how I’ve felt on numerous occasions. It’s kind of when you meet a boy and they ask you whether you’ve heard of a certain band and suddenly they are your favourite band despite the fact you’ve never heard of them.

“Oh, didn’t they do a secret gig in Manchester 4 years ago – yeah I was there. Wore a band tee and they picked me out from the crowd. Pretty cool tbh with you. Oh you didn’t hear of that very secret gig, well can’t call yourself much of a fan can you.”

So, I thought today we could all be very honest and come clean about the classic books we haven’t quite got round to yet but might have lied about reading. In the spirit of positivity let’s not get down that we never made it through Oliver Twist or that we found Pip’s journey a massive let down (Great Expectations is not a book I own up to have read – I despised it.)

PS: I just want to point out Buzzfeed it’s not that I’m not into classics ie your statement “You’re not into the classics and don’t mind who knows that.” It’s just there were quite a few on the list I did actually read and enjoy and there are a few on there I haven’t read YET.

If you want to take the quiz (I know I just slated it a little but you might be intrigued here’s a cheeky link,) and let me know which bookish white lie reads you want to get off your chest in the comments.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/cassiesmyth/how-many-of-these-classics-have-you-lied-about-reading?utm_term=.oqj5kxY32#.hhXQzMRnm

A catch-up.

October 31, 2016October 31, 20166 Comments

Halloo readers – gah it feels good to be speaking to you because it’s been a bloody while. If you hadn’t noticed and if my page views hadn’t been a massive indicator I’ve been a little bit off the boil. However, I finally have a couple of minutes to tell you why.

I, Lizzy Baldwin, moved to London. I’ve finally finally done it.

Some of you will have known that around 11 months ago T moved to London and I vowed to move there as quickly as possible. Then as the months went on and on, it seemed like my dream of moving to London would never come true. We started talking about T relocating back to Stoke and then finally – I secured a job at a University working in the Digital Content Team.

My first month (ish) in London was squished into T’s tiny room in Islington which was, well – interesting after living apart for 9 months. Then, we moved to the most stunning one bed flat in Greenwich, that costs well…. let’s not go into that.

I can’t tell you how happy I am. A few months ago I wasn’t sure what the bloody hell I was going to do. I’ve wanted to live and work in London since I was 15/16 and since I graduated from University I’ve been applying for prettty much any job going in the hope of moving. Now, I live in Greenwich a place close to my families heart (my Dad was born in Greenwich) and I’m the happiest I might have ever been.

As I write this I have to add we currently have two plates, two forks, a knife and that’s the pretty much the extent of our kitchenware. We’ve had to boil pasta in a 5 year old wok (which is scratched to shit) for the past week and we’re planning a week of pizza for dinner because it’s THE ONLY MEAL WE HAVE EVERYTHING FOR (cutter included.)

But I’m really happy; and as soon as we get the internet sorted (ROLL ON SATURDAY) this blog will be a lot more Lizzo. Massive smile on her face living in London Lizzo.

Also here’s a picture of us in-front of our front door – two utterly broke human beings, exhausted because we had to move a hella load of our belongings in a taxi, but so, so, so happy.

10 Baddass Bookish things I WANT right now!

October 28, 2016September 13, 20167 Comments

Hello readers! Hope you’re well and having a wonderful Friday. I’m a bit a magpie for bookish things, I just can’t seem to leave them alone. I thought instead of buyimg every single one of these things I thought I would pop them all in a post and make you buy them! #sorrynotsorry

‘Readers Gonna Read’ Enamel Pin

'Readers Gonna Read' Enamel Pin

How cute is this – I really want to buy a new canvas bag and just cover it with pins. This could be one of them.

Library Card Socks

I ADORE THESE SOCKS – they are super cute and look really cozy. #reader4lyfe.

100 Postcards from Penguin

When I get my own place I really want to make lots and lots of bookish decorations. I think it would be really lovely to make these into some kind of artwork? Maybe?

A most novel idea in MacBook protection

BookBook for MacBook Air & Retina — 13” Air & Pro

I do have a case for my computer that is really smart and lovely but I would like a more bookish one too!

Marks the Plot Coaster Set

marks-plot-coaster-set

GAHHHHHHHHHH BOOK THEMED DECOR #yesmate #bookblogger4lyfe

Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock Tee

nancy-drew-tee-shirt

When I’m wombling around the house I like to just wear tshirts and leggings and this could be the perfect lounge wear for blogging. I adore Nancy Drew.

Wolfum Bookends

wolfum-book-ends

I’m sorry there’s SO MANY decor based things, but since my move to London has become more real I really want to start decorating a little more and making the place I live feel like home.

Book Rest Lamp

book-rest-lamp

Gah this lap is gorgeous – I think this would be perfect for reading in the evening with a little MOOD lighting.

Just One More Chapter Enamel Pin

Just One More Chapter Enamel Pin - Book Lover Pin Badge - Book Cover - Literary Gift - Geek Gift for Book Lover - Book Jewellery

This is ALSO for my canvas bag. I would have to keep it super clean though rather than always dropping it on the floor. Silly.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Quote Poster

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Quote Poster, Black and White, Wall Art, Minimalist, Paper Gift, Posters, Quotes, Book Quotes, Bookish Gift, Books

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

^ I think T would love this, and I do too.

So there we have it, ten things I would JUST LOVE to get my little mitts on. I think since I got the new job and have really started to think about my changing up all my decor and making it lots more bookish! So tell me below which item is your favourite? and have a FANTASTIC day.

Digital Detoxing (with a book obvs.)

September 9, 2016August 19, 20162 Comments

Helllllllo readers, interesting post today and I know it’s been done before but I wanted to talk about my personal experience with Digital Detoxing. Many of you will know the last couple of years my self-esteem has really dropped. I don’t know when it happened but I kinda felt like I lost part of Lizzy. She kinda fell away like a shadow. For a year (a WHOLE FUCKING YEAR) I just struggled through. Then recently I decided it all needed squashing, my insecurities needed stamping on with both feet.

Anyone that struggles with low-mood and anxiety based wobbles will know then when you’re in that frame of mind your memory and your ability to concentrate just GOES. Well, I was work a month or so a go, and I took my laptop into work and then I left without it. AND I COULDN’T GET IT BACK. So, there I was, in this total confusion and facing an evening alone with my own thoughts. Well what happened instead was I pulled my socks up, and I had a digital detox and IT FELT FUCKING AMAZING. So, here is my recipe for a bladdy brilliant digital detox.

Bath (OR Fricken awesome shower singing session.)

Okay, so this just might be me, but when I’m feeling insecure there are two ways I can go. It either has to be a really sumptuous bath with a lovely Lush bath-bomb, something like the Frozen Let it Go (Geddit) or something really colourful and glittery or it’s a shower singing session with some really fruity scented shower gel something like the Imperial Leather Mango.

Whichever you feel able to do, do it. Get clean, get those wobbles out of your mind and your chest (they settle there don’t they.)

Make A HOT CHOCOLATE (TO DIE FOR)

I absolutely adore a hot chocolate and I’m an absolute sucker for a really heavy, rich one covered in cream and marshmallows, but when I’m feeling a little anxious there are normally struggles about my weight too, so I try to keep a bit healthier. I absolutely adore the Options Hot Chocolate Sachets; they taste delicious even if you mix them with water, and you can use hot milk if you do feel like making it creamier. I ADORE the limited edition Belgian Choc Sweet Popcorn flavour.

Jammies

Throw yourself into the snuggliest, comfiest clothes that just make you feel fricken amazing. Whether they’re covered in unicorns or they’re splattered with stars; GET THEM ON. I promise your freshly washed pajamas (if possible,) are an absolute hunk. I think this emoji set are to die for.

SNuggle up in bed (and turn everything off)

So you’re hella comfy but what next; for me it has to be getting into bed, setting an alarm for the morning and then turning my phone onto do not disturb. It can be tempting to just turn it on silent but I really that turning DND on and shutting it in a drawer is the only way I will really, really ignore my phone. Also getting into bed and pulling the duvet on or snuggling on the sofa with the blanket is a welcome distraction from my blinking and buzzing phone.

REAAAAAAAD

I really feel like so many of us don’t read enough any more – I always see bloggers and youtubers going on about the last time they read a book was MONTHS ago (or the last time they went on a really beautiful holiday.) Well folks, it’s time to dip back into that holiday bag and pull out a tried and tested book. For me if I’m having wobbles in my life then I want something that falls far from the tree – so I want a book that lets me step back.

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN BY RANSOM RIGGS

THE GIRL IN THE ICE BY ROBERT BRYNDZA

TRAIL OF BROKEN WINGS BY SEJAL BADANI

Sleep. That is all.

So that is my list for people that need some time to step back and BREATHE. It’s okay to get things wrong. It’s okay as long as you learn and don’t let it get to you. A digital detox and a space to get away might be just what you need.

9 Ridiculous Things You’ve Probably Done While Engrossed In A Book

August 26, 2016August 26, 201620 Comments

Hello readers, I hope you’re enjoying this slightly more relaxed and creative style to my blog at the moment. I do desperately want to make more exciting posts, take more of my own photographs and blog about more interesting and exciting bookish things. Today I wanted to talk about things that us readers do that are a bit silly when we’re utterly engrossed in a book! ENJOY.

1. Stayed up all night and embarrassingly fallen asleep on the way to work the next day.

We have alllllllll done this I feel. When you start reading a book at say half 9 and by the time you sit up to breathe for a minute you realise it is past midnight and you have WORK TOMORROW. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

2. Forgotten to eat for hours on end.

and then, as you sit up and take into your understanding that you’ve been reading for 2.5 hours, your tummy suddenly jumps into action like ‘OMG WE’RE SO HUNGRY, WHY HAVEN’T WE EATEN.’

3. or not gone to the bathroom for an unhealthy amount of time.

Then your bladder joins in and is like ‘hey guys, sorry to interrupt you deciding whether you’re going to be good and eat rice cakes or devour an entire tub of ice-cream but we need to go. So let’s do that first please.

4. Fallen up and/or down the stairs, walked into something/someone with your face in a book.

Now this one, I’m not sure is just me? but I have definitely walked into people, fallen up stairs and also down stairs. I just find you get so engrossed it’s impossible to pull your nose out to function like a normal human being.

5. Hiding in the bathroom to read at work or Forgotten you’ve got waaaaaay over your lunch break reading.

I’ve only hidden in the bathroom once to read a book because I tend to try to be more productive although I would love to read all day. I do however sometimes go over my lunch break because I just get too involved and just have to read to the next chapter. EVERY TIME.

6. Thrown something violently across the room.

I think this is probably a GOT type thing, when people die or something, not that imma into GOT. However there were certain moment in HP where I felt like tearing a book apart (okay not really,) but you know the feeling.

7. MISsing your STOP on public transport…MULTIPLE TIMES.

This used to happen to me allll the time, but it’s less so now because I tend to only take London Midland trains and every two seconds they scream at you which stop you’re at. However, on buses or on tubes I used to miss my stop all the goddamn time and depending where you are, that can be really bloody frustrating. Is this just me?

8. MISSED AN EVENT OR CANCELED A BIG DATE TO STAY HOME AND READ.

I very rarely do this anymore because lots of people have moved away from me so I do get kinda lonely quite regularly. However, back at university if I had been working allllll day on essays or on university based reading I would often just get out of nights-out to snuggle down and get some reading done.

9. Forgot that you’re in public and laughing/sighing/groaning whilst you’re reading….And also ugly-crying…like REALLY UGLY-crying…

This is probably the most embarrassing, especially the ugly crying, but sometimes when you just can’t contain yourself and you just need to let it allllllll out. In public, on a bus, with everyone is staring #life.

So there we go 9 Ridiculous Things You’ve Probably Done While Engrossed In A Book. Can you relate to any or these? Or all of these? Let me know if there’s any I’ve forgotten and have a wonderfully beautiful Friday lovelies.

Badass Quotes for a Badass Friday Feeling

August 19, 2016July 19, 20161 Comment

So, since I’ve had a bad couple of months I’ve realised, a little, that bad mindset doesn’t help with self-respect, general mental happiness and general love for yourself. I can tell you I’m the kinda kid that if she’s feeling down can cry for three days straight, and I have. Which is terrifying.

Now I know as well as anyone that a down or unhappy mind needs a hella varied set of things and to do that alone is impossible but, I strongly believe that we can try to attempt to lift whatever is sitting on us. Lift that monster a little to breathe and so I’ve listed ten bloody baddass quotes if you’re having a fiddly Friday.

Be Weird. Be Random. Be who you are. Because you never know who would love the person you hid. – Unknown.

2. If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down – Mary Pickford.

3. The world you desired can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it’s yours. – Ayn Rand.

4. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. – Wayne Dyer.

5. FInd out who you are and do it on purpose. – Dolly Parton

6. Those who dance are considered insane by those who can’t hear the music – George Carlin

7. All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t it at the time. – Mitch Albom

8. Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. the future is not guaranteed – Wayne Dyer

9. People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig Ziglar.

10. Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. – Malcolm S. Forbes.

Have an absolutely bloody unbelievable Friday, and if not live by one of my favourite quotes; “I know you’re sad, so I won’t tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day. Stay alive, feed yourself well, wear comfortable clothes and don’t give up on yourself yet. It’ll get better. Until then, have a day. ” Just have a day my beautiful readers.

Greatest Inspirational Quotes by Joe Tichio

Amazon

Goodreads

Blogging Blubberings

August 1, 2016July 7, 20169 Comments

It’s the first of AUGUST, and I’m kinda back, which is hella exciting. I explained why I took a reaaaaally extended blog break but I’ll leave you to read that here. I wanted to use today to really introduce a new MLBB. Before I left for the book break I really had had had enough of blogging, and I wasn’t quite sure whether I was going to keep it going. I think the difficulty with book blogging is that it sometimes feels like you’re creating the same content week by week, although that may just be me.

I’ve decided to strip back the reviews, to post less book tags (I think) and to post more thinking pieces about reading, products and giveaways, that kinda thing. I think although reviews for the last three years have been the bread and butter of my blog, they just don’t get the same response and to be honest I don’t read that many book reviews a week, but it’s a see how it goes process. I think what I’m trying to say is it’ll be the same ole Lizzy writing, the bright pictures and the bookish quotes, but just more of me?

The real reason for this post is to say thank you. Over my blogging break I hit 100,000 views on this little blog. It’s a bit of a shock to be honest with you and the biggest shock is that I’ve managed to keep it going this long, but it’s a happy start to a new bookish time for this blogger and thank you to all of you. *Wipes tear.*

Happy Monday’s bookish bubbles.

Update. The end of the blogging break.

June 28, 2016July 18, 201612 Comments

Hello readers, if you’re still around! It’s been a little while since I reaaaaaaly posted on MLBB and I thought I would just catch you up with everything if you were wondering. I know bloggers don’t need to apologise for blogging breaks, and I’m not going to but I will just catch you up.

The past few months have been a little tough to say the least. I suffered two horrible horrible grievances that were a real shock. Both were utterly unfair and rocked a hella lot of boats. Relationships with certain people were strained and we all needed to step back and heal. Instead of doing that I threw myself into everything and anything and suffered the typical Lizzy burnout. #welldonebabes.

When I finally felt ready I decided to stay off the blog and to instead put together a healthier, happier lifestyle. This is a book blog so I won’t go into details but I’ve started running, I’ve started meditating, I’ve started eating healthier, I’ve lost my binge eating weight (ie ten pounds – bloody hell.) and I feel so much bloody better. So much better.

Which leads me to this blog. I’m finally ready to get back to writing – I was worried that with everything going on I would just come across as this boring, exhausted, stroppy human who just wasn’t a lot of fun. So, I’ll be back on the 1st of August. I need a month to get back on my blogging feet and get my brain back into blogging habits.

This post has ended up being a lot longer than I thought it would be, but there you go. I love you all.

Lizzo

The Gif Tag

April 15, 2016April 15, 20165 Comments

Hellllllo readers, hope you’re well – I mean it is Friday, so that’s a pretty good reason to feel awesome! Today I have a really interesting tag for you which is the Gif Book Tag; I found this on ‘Drifting Pages,’ which was posted back in 2014 but I thought the tag was not only super cute but super fun – so without delay, onto the rules.

The rules are simple:

Whoever tags you will give you a list of 10 books

Write a sentence and add a gif which shows how you feel about each one

Tag other bloggers and give them a new list of 10 books

So these are the books – as suggested by Jo at Drifting Pages; also, great blog if you have a minute to check it out! Without further delay, onto the Gif’s!

1) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This book – is just, everything. Not only is it beautifully written, but it is also just a heartbreaking story that will stay with you forever.

2) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

So annoyed I haven’t read this yet – this has only reminded me that I haven’t read it yet!! ARHGJHSJHFIUFHYFH.

3) The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

I haven’t read the books but I reaaaally loved the films and I have heard that the books are just FANTASTIC. This is me whenever I see anything hunger games related – ie happy mouse.

4) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

This book just wasn’t for me – ie extremely tired and slightly bored Brad Pitt.

5) S. by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst

Oh waht? What book – I haven’t heard of this, obviously was so busy making silly faces.

6) Falling into Place by Amy Zhang

Yeeeeeppppp, haven’t heard about this book either. #fail.

7) The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Oh gah, this book has been on my TBR for FOREVER – this gif is the bookish blogosphere telling me to get the book read because it’s probably the best thing ever.

8) Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

^ I adored this book – I literally read it in two sittings and then went on a ‘you must go and read this book now’ kinda spree. Great book. great characters, brilliant read. Go and read ittttt.

9) The Humans by Matt Haig

This is how I feel whenever I see this book mentioned on social media – I just need to get it read. It’s been stuck on my TBR for such a long time

10) One Day by David Nicholls

This boooook is just so beautiuful – it’s one of the only films of books that has made me openly angry. The book is fantastic though!

Soooo, the books I choose are

PS I love you by Cecilia Ahern

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Paper Towns by John Green

The Casual Vacancy by J K Rowling

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Dream a little dream by Giovanna Fletcher

All I Know Now by Carrie Hope Fletcher

So there we go! I tag anyone who’s name begins with an M or has an E in it!! Hope you enjoyed this tag and make sure to tag me so I can see your answers!

THE TBR TAG

April 8, 2016April 8, 20164 Comments

TBR TAG

Heeeeeelllllo readers, it’s APRIL! How is it April?! This month I’m off to Dublin for the first time; well off to Ireland for the first time – do you know how exciting that is? Anyway, one other thing I have to look forward too is my ever growing TBR list and this tag I think is just going to make me feel worse about the ever growing stack I need to read – without further delay, shall we get stuck in?

How do you keep track of your TBR pile?

Erm, it’s basically my book suitcase, my email inbox, a list I keep on my laptop and a virtual list inside my brain. It’s a constantly evolving thing and it’s quite a natural thing – I read so many books I’m not to stressed about when I get round to them.

Is your TBR mostly print or eBook?

It really depends, my ARC copies come through mainly in ebook or mobi copies, the books I want to read are all mainly print, so a real mix actually.

How do you determine which book from your TBR to read next?

I look at what I’ve promised to read next – if I haven’t I will just pick what I fancy next. It also depends on what I read last, if I’ve read a thriller I normally continue reading that genre, if it’s a romance I normally swap to something I can get my teeth stuck into that is REALLY different.

A book that’s been on your TBR the longest?

I think, the Silk Worm by Robert Galbraith? It’s been on there for so long, I can’t even remember when it made it there.

I’m not the kind of person to have a Goodreads account, because I just don’t look after it. If a book sticks in my brain long enough it’s part of the TBR.

A book you recently added to your TBR?

THIS ONEEEEE – Adam Spencer Ross meets Robyn Plummer in his Young Adult OCD Support Group and is desperately drawn to her. She, however has just been released from a residential psychiatric program—the kind for the worst, most difficult-to-cure cases; the kind that Adam and his fellow support group members will do anything to avoid joining. We see as they Adam tries save Robyn – and she if love will blossom. *SOUNDS AMAZING!*

A book on your TBR strictly because of it’s beautiful cover?

A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading?

I think Ulysses (1922) by James Joyce. I just want to attempt this, at least once, but I will be surprised if I do.

An unpublished book on your TBR that you’re excited for?

I know this has been published, but seeing as it takes me around 12 months to get round to a TBR I’m going to allow this – Shallow Graves by Kali Wallace, looks incredible and I can’t wait to get round to it.

A book on your TBR that basically everyone has read but you?

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell – I STILL HAVEN’T READ THIS. Or Paper Towns by John Green.

A book on your TBR that everyone recommends you?

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Seriously guys, I’ll get to it, okay.

A book on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

I think, ‘This is where it ends, by Marieke Nijkamp.’ I really want to read this and I think it’ll be a book that creates a reaction and a conversation which I love on my blog.

How many books on your Goodreads TBR shelf?

I don’t have one, ON PURPOSE. If I had one, I think I would lose the will to live? Instead I use my blog, a notebook with suggestions and a mental list so it doesn’t go out of control!

So there we go, a load of questions on my TBR and how I cope with it! If you want to complete this tag feel free just make sure to link back so I can read your awesome answers! HAPPY FRIDYAY.