Best of 2014 | Books

Reading is something I love to do in what little spare time I seem to have these days. I haven't read a lot this year, but the books that I have read, I have really enjoyed. I have also done a similar post on my favourite movies from 2014, which you can find here and my favourite series, which can be found here. 

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion 
I just finished this book the other day and what a wonderful book it is to read. This book was adapted into a film by the same name, which I also adore. The book revolves around 'R' who is a zombie and befriends Julie, a human. Things begin to change once R meets Julie that is much bigger than just the two of them. The main aspect of the book that I love is the way in which Marion writes. The book is both heart-felt and funny and I highly recommend it. 

Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern 
I am eagerly waiting to watch Love, Rosie, which is the film adaptation of this book and could not wait, so I decided to read the book in the mean time. This book is actually a lot longer than I expected it to be, but I finished in about two days (with little sleep mind you). Nonetheless, I really enjoyed watching the characters grow and how the their relationship changes throughout the years. The only pitfall to this book is that it is so frustrating how nothing ever works out for Rosie and it takes 40 odd years for this book to finish, with a bit of a naff ending. 

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling 
I had never read the Harry Potter books until recently because I always found it a bit daunting. I am currently on the third book and almost finished. I am going to try finish the series soon and I am looking forward to it.

A Visual Journey by Ed Sheeran
 I got this as a Christmas present and read it in three sittings. If you love Ed Sheeran, you will enjoy this book. It is about his musical journey accompanied by some brilliant drawings of him by Phillip Butah. 

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth 
Even though I sadly watched the movie before reading the books, I still adore the books. I read the entire trilogy in under a week and read Allegiant in a couple of hours. I have actually done a blog post about a comparison between the first book and the movie, which you can find here. 

What books have you enjoyed this year?

Sarah x

Best of 2014 | Series

Only a couple more days till 2015 and I realised that I spent way to much time this year watching series and can't say that I regret it. I also posted my favourite movies of the year, which you can find here. 

Orange Is the New Black 

I watched the entirety of this series way too quick but I have a valid reason - it is amazing. The series revolves around Piper Chapman is sent to prison for carrying drug money. You then see how she copes in prison with a collection of rather strange, funny and crazy inmates. It is filled with twists, laughs and is all around a brilliant watch.

Breaking Bad

If you like twists, murder, epicness and awesomeness then you are going to like this series. All actors are on point and the script is brilliant. Walter White is the main character who discovers he has lung cancer and begins selling meth in order to provide money for his family for when he is gone. You will find all that out in the first episode, so I am not giving away any spoilers. You will fall in love with some characters and despise others. And that is what makes this show so great, there is no static character, you see both sides - the good and evil - of the characters and all it takes is one episode for you to hate a character. 

Game of Thrones

I'm sure everyone has heard of Game of Thrones, whether you watch it or not. If you haven't watched it, you have to go do that right now. This show is packed with brilliant actors who play their characters perfectly. I actually started to like the baddies out of respect for their acting. The plot and characters can be a bit confusing at times, because there are so many of them but you will be hooked in the first episode. 

Scandal

Both the plot and actors are brilliant in this show. The main character is Olivia Pope who is a 'fixer' and she is in love with the President of the USA, Fitzgerald Grant. You will find yourself in love with some of the characters and loathing others, but what will keep you coming back for more the the relationship between Fitz and Olivia. 

New Girl

This has got to be one of my favourite shows ever. It centres around a group of friends who live in a loft together and all the awkward situations they get themselves into. I guarantee you will laugh in every single episode. 


The Originals 

The originals is a spin-off from The Vampire Diaries, that I think is actually better. The show follows the 'original' vampires and their struggle for their home and family. One reason I like it better than TVD is that it is not centered around love, but family and loyalty, which enables for a rather fresh plot. Plus, Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and Elijah (Daniel Gillies) are gorgeous and Daniel Sharman joined the cast in season 2.

What series have you been watching this year?

Sarah x 

Best of 2014 | Films

2014 has just flown by without a moments notice. I thought it would be a good idea to sum-up my favourite movies of 2014, seeing as there are only 4 more days till 2015. 

*These are movies I have enjoyed throughout the year, that did not necessarily come out in 2014*

The Grand Budapest Hotel 

I hadn't heard much about this film before I watched it and got it on a whim. I wasn't expecting much but I was blown away and was laughing throughout the film. Ralph Fiennes plays the lead as Gustav H. who is framed for murder. You see the epic and hilarious adventure Gustav undertakes along with his lobby boy, Zero to clear his name. Not only are the visuals brilliant, but the acting and script are just spot on and make this film such a pleasure to watch. I highly recommend this if you haven't watched it already.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 

I was a big fan of the first film that came out in 2011 and once I realised there was going to be a second one, I was over the moon. I went to watch it in the cinema with my cousins and sister during summer and I can honestly say this film is one of my top films ever. I actually like that this film is certainly a lot 'darker' than the first.

X-Men: Days of Future Past 

Again, this has got to be one of my favourite films ever. I also think that this is the best film from the X-Men franchise. It follows Wolverine going back in time to try and change the past in order to save the mutant race. This film is packed with suspense, laughs and amazingness that make it a pleasure to watch. 

Blackfish  

This is a brilliant documentary about orcas being kept in captivity at 'SeaWorld'. I am completely against keeping animals in captivity and always have been, but there was a lot in this film that I didn't even know about. It is a real eye-opener to the atrocities that occur endangering these majestic animals. If you want to know more then I suggest you watch this film because I guarantee you will not regret it.

Bridget Jones's Diary 

I remember my sister telling me to watch this years ago, but I never really took much notice. I can't actually remember what drove me to watch this recently, but I am so glad I did. The film centers around Bridget Jones who is a 30 something year old and her struggle to find love. It is brilliant film and is one of my favourite films of all time.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off 

I was researching some good 'old' movies to watch and I stumbled across this. The film follows Ferris Bueller a high school senior who decides to skip school and goes to downtown Chicago with his girlfriend and best friend. Throughout the day, they have to cleverly avoid the school Dean, his sister and parents. This is such a wonderful film to watch and I highly recommend it. 

About Time 

I adore this film. Firstly, it has an ever so wonderful cast including Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy. The story follows Tim, a charming young man and his quest for love. His whole world changes when his Dad tells him that all the men in the family can travel back in time. Tim then uses this advantage to get the most out of his extraordinary ordinary life. This film will make you laugh and cry and I highly recommend you watch it. 

Begin Again 

I had wanted to watch this film for ages and when I finally saw it, I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film. It revolves around Gretta James who is a singer-songwriter and she is discovered by an owner of a struggling record label. They collaborate together to make an album recorded all over New York. The soundtrack and actors are brilliant and the script is wonderful. I guarantee you will enjoy this film, I cannot recommend it enough. 

The Babadook 

I am not one for horror films but my Dad told me about this and I was intrigued.  The film is about a mother and son who find a book and from then on, strange things start to occur. It isn't really scary, but there are parts where you will want to pull your covers over your head. 

10 Things I Hate About You

I watched this film ages ago and absolutely loved it. When I watched it again recently, I felt in love with it all over again. This pretty much set the basis for a lot of romantic comedies that came out in the 2000s. And who does't want to watch a film with the ever so gorgeous Heath Ledger?

What are some films you have enjoyed throughout the year?

Sarah x

Gingerbread Cookies | Recipe

If you are looking for a last minute Christmas present or just want to eat something yummy, here is a simple gingerbread cookies recipe that is perfect for Christmas time. 

Makes about 40 cookies

You will need:

125g soft butter

100g brown sugar

2 tbsp golden syrup

1 egg yolk

300g flour

1 tbsp ground ginger

1 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

icing sugar for dusting

STEP 1

Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until light and creamy.

Mix in the golden syrup and egg yolk.

Sift in the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.

STEP 2

Knead the dough on a four surface until smooth.

Cover the dough in cling-film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

STEP 3

Roll out the dough on a floury surface until 1-2cm thick.

Cut shapes from the dough using any cookie cutters desired. 

Place the cookies 3cm apart on a greased baking tray.

Bake at 180c for 10 minutes or until firm (depends on the size of the shapes).

STEP 4

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Dust the cookies with icing sugar.

Enjoy!

Sarah x

Favourite Christmas Films

Christmas is nearly upon us! One thing I love doing to get in the Christmas spirit is watching a good Christmas film. I thought I would jump on the band wagon and list my favourite Christmas films. 

1. Home Alone

I don't think I had ever watched this film until recently and I actually really enjoyed it. It was really funny - but not the stupid funny that you find in a lot of today's comedies. I also really enjoyed the second film and I haven't watched the third yet. 

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This film will always be classic for me and I am pretty sure everyone has watched it. I watched it again recently and I found that I enjoyed it more now that I am older because I could understand more of the jokes. Jim Carrey is also brilliant in this. 

3. The Holiday

This is just a all time classic that is pretty much on everyone's list. If you haven't watched this film, I would highly recommend it. It has a fantastic cast and will 

4. Arthur Christmas

I wasn't expecting much from this film but I found myself really enjoying it. It is an interesting film with a more modern day take on Santa.  

It is a brilliant film that I think anyone would enjoy.

5. Love Actually

I only watched this film for the first time recently, but I can honestly say it is a wonderful film. This film will give all the feels - it is funny and sad, and is just a lovely heart-felt film to watch. 

What are your favourite Christmas films?

Ps. Only 6 more sleeps till Christmas

Sarah x

Christmas is Near ❄

I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit and I thought I would share some photos I found that just give you the feels.

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What is your favourite aspect of Christmas?

P.S. Only 9 more sleeps till christmas.

Sarah x

Wanderlust Tag

Source Unkown

Travelling to new places and experiencing different cultures is something that I avidly love and definitely see myself doing in the future. I came across this tag the other day and I thought it would be fun so here goes..

1. Where was your first plane to?

I just asked my Dad and he said that it was to the UK when I was still a baby.

2. Where have you travelled to that you would love to visit again?

I used to live in Oman and I really want to go back to see if it has changed from what I remember. 

3. You're leaving tomorrow, money is no object, where are you going?

I would love to go on a Europe trip. Places like Greece, Italy, Spain, France etc.

4. Preferred method of travel; planes, trains or car?

I would have to say train. Car journeys above three hours become tedious and tiring, and crying babies are not my forté.

5. Favourite travel website?

I follow several travel Instagram accounts that just give me the feels

http://instagram.com/travelandleisure

http://instagram.com/natgeo

http://instagram.com/simplyadventure

http://instagram.com/nakedplanet

http://instagram.com/earthpix

6. Where would you travel to just eat the food?

Without a shred of doubt, Italy. I loveee Italian food.

7. Is there a place you would never go again?

Not really.

8. Can you recite your passport number from memory if asked?

Nope

9. Do you prefer the window, aisle or middle seat?

Aisle so I can stretch out my long legs

10. How do you pass the time on airplanes?

I always try to sleep, if not I will read or listen to music. I rarely watch movies on the plane unless it is something that I really want to watch because I cannot stand the tiny screens.

What are some places you want to visit?

Sarah x

Meet Lego

Do you have any pets?

Sarah x

Tattoo Envy #1

I am not one who believes that a tattoo has to have a deep meaningful meaning behind it. I think that if it is something you like and are prepared to have it on your body for the rest of your life, then go for it. A tattoo is something that I have wanted for as long as I can remember and I'm going to hopefully get one sometime next year. 

These are just some tattoos that I have found and think are either beautiful, creative or will possibly get myself in the future.

All photos featured in this post were found here or here. 

What are your feelings towards tattoos? 

Do you have any?

Sarah x