Summer Reads

Reading is one of my favourite things to do - I have an extensive collection of books! During my GCSE's, I barely had any time to read as I was revising the whole time. Now, I'm on a massive summer holiday, so I have plenty of time again.

I feel like by reading, you can be taken into an entirely different world and be whisked into the storyline. You can take a book anywhere and read it anytime - whether you're on holiday or at home in your room. I am a bookworm at heart!

Here are my top 5 books that I'm reading this summer:

 A Work In Progress - Connor Franta
Even if you aren't into YouTubers, I'm sure you'd still love to give this a good read! 22 year old Connor talks wholeheartedly about his experiences in life so far, from school to photography to getting to know himself. It's full of hilarious phrases and truthful advice for teens. I'd highly recommend it - I've only been reading it a couple of days and have nearly finished it already. I can't even put it down!

Dream A Little Dream - Giovanna Fletcher
After seeing glowing reviews about Giovanna's writing, I thought I'd pick up her latest book. I'll try not to give too much away in case you haven't read it, but its about a young woman who's been single for a while and wants something to look forward to. Once she's started dreaming about a perfect stranger, the man himself comes along into her life in reality and not her dreams!

14,000 Things To Be Happy About - Barbara Ann Kipfer
This is very different to the other books I've spoken about so far, but incredibly good nonetheless! If you prefer reading books by small chunks a time and not long chapters, this is for you. This book has a simple and clear objective, but is brilliant in this - simply listing things to be happy about! This makes you smile if you're down and makes you happy. With things ranging from 'a riot of colours' to 'electric blankets', this book is perfect for anyone and everyone.

Cross My Heart - Carmen Reid
This book is history made much more interesting then in class! The plotline is a young girl that is determined to fight for freedom, risking her life in the process. There is love, death and much more in this. I actually cried at the end - it is heartbreakingly beautiful, but so worth the read. The fact that it's inspired by real people makes it even more emotive and amazing.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
Now made a modern classic, this story is about a socially awkward schoolboy who struggles with things like girls, love and making friends. He slowly realises he should get more involved. This is a beautiful tale and really encourages you to re-assess your life and get more involved! Its brilliant.


So there we go - my personal reading list for summer. This is a range from autobiography to fiction and there is something for everyone. If you aren't into reading and didn't enjoy this, sorry; things will be back to normal next week.

What are you planning to read this summer?

See you next week,

June Empties

Hey,

I haven't done one of these types of posts before, but I've seen other people do them and they look quite fun to do, so I thought I'd try this out!

These are the products I have used this past month - I'll be giving you my honest verdict on whether I'd re-purchase them or not bother.

From left to right; Garnier's Ultimate Blend Shampoo - The Sleek Restorer
                              Lush's 'Snow Fairy' Body Wash - only Christmas Range
                              Body Shop Stawberry Body Mist
                              Seventeen 'Volume' Mascara
                              Soap and Glory Hand Gel

                          Toiletries

1) Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo

Verdict - not re-purchasing

First up, we have Garnier's Sleek Restorer Shampoo. I was disappointed with this, unfortunately. I picked this up in the store as it smelt amazing and Garnier's hair products are usually really good. However, I only had used this about three times before the plastic lid split. This followed with the part of the lid not being able to shut properly and the bit that goes in the hole to fall out. This made using it in the shower a pain and I kept dropping the little bit in the shower. It also didn't make much difference to my hair. Please let me know if you've experienced this before or mine was just a one off! I wont be buying this again.

2) Lush Body Wash

Verdict - will re-purchase at Christmas

I've only just finished using this, as I couldn't resist picking it up in stores back in December even though I had lots of shower gel already! I didn't start it until about April. I did enjoy this smell, however, after using it for 4 months, I did get bored and feel rather sick after smelling this scent constantly in the shower and will be glad to have a change. Nice in the shower, but only for a couple of months - no more than that!

3) Body Shop strawberry body mist

Verdict - will re-purchase at some point

I seem to always prefer sweet body scents over musky ones - they just smell nicer to me. I picked this up a couple of months ago. At £7.50, it's quite a steep price for a scent, however, I think it's worth it. The spray comes out as a mist, so you don't get massive damp sections on your clothes and skin. This also lasted me a good couple of months and I loved the scent - I will be picking this up again at some point!

Beauty

4) Seventeen 'Maximum Volume' Mascara

Verdict - will re-purchase

I popped into Boots looking for a cheap mascara that does the job and came out with this. At £4.70, its much cheaper than your average mascara and in my opinion, does pretty much the same job. Although the wand is a normal shape and not curved like my usual preference, it's easy to apply and really pumps up my lashes. I would recommend this if you don't have the money to be spending £8 on a mascara and want the same effect. I will be re-purchasing this next time I need one!

5) Soap and Glory's Hand Gel

Verdict - will re-purchase

I wanted to go for a hand gel that would stop germs and not smell of that horrible clinical smell or of very strong cucumber. That is why I was very happy to find this! The scent smells very nice and actually pleasant to put on your hands, while being a good hand gel that does the job. I will definitely be buying this again!

I hope you've enjoyed this chatty empties post. Let me know what your empties have been this month in the comments below!

Have a lovely week,