#MusicMonday 3

Hey. Hello. Hiiii. Yes, it's that time of week again where I share what's currently blessing my ears. There's been a lack of new music in my life this week so this post is a bit of a mixed bag. Check out last week's post here.

1. DNCE - Hands To Myself (Cover)

Since finding out that DNCE were coming to London (at short notice) to do a Live Lounge last week, I've been super bitter about it because I NEED TO FINALLY MEET THE TEENAGE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND HIS BAND PALS OKAY. Unfortunately, despite Radio 1 being a really good place to meet celebs (and being the babes that they are, DNCE stopped for ages with fans), I couldn't get Thursday off from work and even if I could have, National Rail thought it was acceptable to charge £250+ for a return train ticket, ugh.

Anyway, putting my annoyance to one side, the result of their promo trip included this incredible cover of Selena Gomez's 'Hands To Myself'. I love the song anyway, but it's kind of a basic song (it's hard to explain what I mean but in no way am I slating it) so I was a bit concerned as to how DNCE were going to tackle it. Clearly, I needn't have worried at all - they smashed it! The breakdown at 1:34 is insaaaaaane. Who ever thought a Selena song could turn into a rock song?!

2. DNCE - Pay My Rent (Vevo LIFT)

Can't get enough of these babes this week. As the Vevo LIFT artists for this year, there's so much incredible footage and performances on their Vevo page! 'Pay My Rent' is one of my favourite songs of theirs, so obviously I fell in love with this. It's such a funky song and a total bop. I would pay Joe Jonas' rent any day of the week tbh.

 

3. In Hindsight - Over and Out

Little throwback to a band I first saw live a few years ago. I'm not sure what their situation is anymore, but this song is and always will be a jam of mine. I'd forgotten about it until I was scrolling through my YouTube history the other day! Now, it's firmly back on my 'play at full volume' playlist.

4. Jo O'Meara  - What Hurts The Most

Bit of a story as to why this song has been included. I don't know why but a few days ago, Mum was listening to some Rascal Flatts songs, one of them being 'What Hurts The Most'. I started to sing along and she was confused as to how I knew it and she didn't. For some reason, Cascada's version came into my mind so I played it for her, then I remembered that it was actually the Jo O'Meara version that I properly knew (and adored). This is a damn good song, and Jo's version is my favourite. So here's a throwback for those of you who know this song in one capacity or another.

5. Prince - Raspberry Beret

With the tragic passing of legendary musician Prince last week, I thought I would include one of his songs. I wouldn't call myself a fan in particular but I enjoyed a lot of his music. When thinking of Prince, it's 'Raspberry Beret' that always comes to my mind straight away. I have a vivid memory of myself as a child attending summer club in school. They had one of those toy kitchens with pretend food, so we used to play in there. I remember there being a pretend food item which looked like a raspberry desert of some sort and I just kept singing 'Raspberry Beret' every time I saw it. Not the whole song, just the words 'Raspberry Beret' over and over again. Clearly a strange child lol, I have no idea how I knew the song or associated it with this plastic toy, but that is my memory of the song.

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

World Book Night - 10 of My Favourite Books

Today is April 23, which means that it's World Book Night! I'm familiar with the concept of World Book DAY, having grown up celebrating it every year, however World Book NIGHT is something I only heard about yesterday, thanks to Laura's book group on Facebook. 

The purpose of World Book Night is to inspire more people to read. Run by The Reading Agency, it brings together many national partners including publishers, libraries, booksellers, trusts and foundations, who then work together to host events up and down the country to celebrate the difference that reading makes to people's lives. Thousands of volunteers also sign up to the initiative to share their love of reading by distributing books to people in the community. According to DCMS (2015), 36% of people in the UK do not read regularly, but World Book Night aims to change that,

I think it's a fantastic initiative. As someone who loves reading, it's so important to try and encourage others to read as not only does it open your mind to new ideas and vocabulary, but reading also provides escapism and enjoyment. 

To celebrate World Book Night, I thought I would share with you ten of my favourite books, most of which I've read over the past year and a half.

1. Three Amazing Things About You - Jill Mansell

Hallie has a secret. She's in love. He's perfect for her in every way, but he's seriously out of bounds. And her friends aren't going to help her because what they do know is that Hallie doesn't have long to live. Time is running out...

Flo has a dilemma. She really likes Zander. But his scary sister won't be even faintly amused if she thinks Zander and Flo are becoming friends - let alone anything more.

Tasha has a problem. Her new boyfriend is the adventurous type. And she's afraid one of his adventures will go badly wrong.

THREE AMAZING THINGS ABOUT YOU begins as Hallie goes on a journey. A donor has been found and she's about to be given new lungs. But whose?

Jill Mansell is my favourite author and in my eyes, the queen of chick-lit. Whenever I'm in a reading slump, I can trust one of Jill's books to get me out of it. I've read 12 out of Jill's 27 books and it's hard to pick a favourite, but I would say that 'Three Amazing Things About You' definitely stands out as one of her best. 

2. Where Rainbows End - Cecelia Ahern

Best friends since forever, Rosie and Alex have shared their hopes, dreams, awkward moments – and firsts. But their bond is threatened when Alex’s family move to America. They stay in touch, but misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck seem to be conspiring to keep them apart. Can they gamble everything – even their friendship – on true love?

I haven't read many Cecelia Ahern books however this is one of my favourites. Not only does it have a good plot, I also enjoyed the structure of the book as it was entirely written in the form of letters, emails, instant messages and newspaper articles. It's the first book I've seen written entirely in this format but for me, it enhanced my enjoyment of the story as it gave it a modern twist. Some of you will already be familiar with the book plot as it was made into a film called Love, Rosie in 2014.

3. Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty

It was always going to end in tears, but how did it end in murder?

Single mum Jane has just moved to town. She's got her little boy in tow - plus the secret she's been carrying for five years.

On the first day of the school run she meets Madeline - a force to be reckoned with, who remembers everything and forgives no one - and Celeste, the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare, but is inexplicably ill at ease. They both take Jane under their wing - while careful to keep their own secrets under wraps.

But a minor incident involving the children of all three women rapidly escalates: playground whispers become spiteful rumours until no one can tell the truth from the lies.

Which is when the secrets come out - and now someone is going to pay with their life . . . 

I've always been a chick-lit kind of girl but after reading this book last year, it made me appreciate books outside of my usual genre. I wouldn't call this book a thriller but there was a lot of mystery and it kept you guessing until the very end. The book also touched on a lot of difficult topics which were handled in a sensitive manner. HBO are adapting the book into a mini TV series too, starring Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley, which should be interesting!

4. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 - Sue Townsend

Friday January 2nd
I felt rotten today. It's my mother's fault for singing 'My Way' at two o'clock in the morning at the top of the stairs. Just my luck to have a mother like her. There is a chance my parents could be alcoholics. Next year I could be in a children's home.

Meet Adrian Mole, a hapless teenager providing an unabashed, pimples-and-all glimpse into adolescent life. Writing candidly about his parents' marital troubles, the dog, his life as a tortured poet and 'misunderstood intellectual'.

I read the entire Adrian Mole series as a child / in my teens and I've always found the books to be hilarious. Last year, I re-read 'The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4' for the millionth time, when it was brought in as a donation in my charity shop. It was still as hilarious as the first time I read it many moons ago - the series is completely timeless. 

5. Billy and Me - Giovanna Fletcher

Sophie May has a secret.

One that she's successfully kept for years. It's meant that she's had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.

But then she meets the gorgeous Billy - an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy's glamorous - but ruthless - world.

Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation?

Giovanna Fletcher is another of my favourite authors. One of the best things about her books for me is the use of modern references, making it feel more believable and relatable. I've read all of her published work and 'Billy and Me' is just one of the gems she's given us. It's such a lovely book, and better still, there's a sequel called 'Always With Love' coming on the 2nd of June!

6. Follow Me - Angela Clarke

LIKE. SHARE. FOLLOW . . . DIE

The ‘Hashtag Murderer’ posts chilling cryptic clues online, pointing to their next target. Taunting the police. Enthralling the press. Capturing the public’s imagination.

But this is no virtual threat.

As the number of his followers rises, so does the body count.

Eight years ago two young girls did something unforgivable. Now ambitious police officer Nasreen and investigative journalist Freddie are thrown together again in a desperate struggle to catch this cunning, fame-crazed killer. But can they stay one step ahead of him? And can they escape their own past?

Time's running out. Everyone is following the #Murderer. But what if he is following you?

This is one of the most recent books that I've read and wow, it definitely makes you think twice about the way in which you use social media. This is a crime thriller at its best, again with a modern twist which evidently is something I really enjoy. It was mysterious and gritty and definitely kept me gripped until the end.

7. The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. 

Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar.

Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train…

I've only recently got round to reading 'The Girl On The Train' after seeing many adverts for it pretty much everywhere, The hype behind the book made me want to give it a read and it didn't disappoint! I must admit that half way through, I did guess what had happened, although I was caught by a further plot twist at the end. Unsurprisingly, it's being made into a film and the first trailer for it was released last week, 

8. Me Before You - Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

If you haven't already read 'Me Before You' then quite frankly, you're missing out. It's an utter sob-fest but my goodness, it's an incredible book. I was pretty late on the hype with this one, but once I started reading it, I was gripped. It's so compelling and even though you can kind of guess what's going to happen later on, nothing prepares you for how heartbreaking it is. I'm so excited for the film adaptation later this year, although I pray that they'll do this phenomenal book justice.

9. Here We Lie - Sophie McKenzie

On holiday with family and her adoring fiancé, Jed, Emily couldn't be happier. But overnight, the idyllic trip turns into a waking nightmare when one of the group is found dead in what appears to be a terrible accident. 

The devastated party returns to London to cope with their loss while trying to resume their normal lives. But new revelations shed a shocking light on the holiday tragedy and set Emily on a perilous journey to discover the truth about what happened. Soon a terrifying series of threats and lies bring her face to face with the dark truths at the heart of her family - and into life-threatening danger...

Without doubt, 'Here We Lie' is my favourite crime/thriller book. I have never been so gripped by a book and its plot! There were so many twists and turns, that it was pretty much impossible to correctly guess the outcome. I wrote a review for Laura's blog after I finished it and months later, I still rave about the book to people! If you love thrillers then this is the book for you.

10. Just a Girl Standing In Front Of A Boy - Lucy-Anne Holmes

'My love story may not be the sort you read about in books or see in films . . . Love stories have glorious highs and ghastly lows. But when it comes to my own life, I'd have to say, you can keep your fabulous highs and I'll happily steer clear of the terrible lows.'

After a rocky start in life, Jenny Taylor, 27, star receptionist at the local doctors surgery, has things all worked out thanks to a list of ten daily things she must do to keep the blues at bay. But her life is turned upside down when she meets aspiring musician Joe King. And reliable boyfriend Matt proposes. And then her mum leaves her dad and moves into Jenny's flat determined to 'bond'.

If I had to pick an all-time favourite book, it would be this one. I can't put my finger on a specific reason as to why this book is so great, but when something's perfect, you don't need a reason, you just know. With humour and romance in abundance, this book made me laugh and cry in equal measure. I got so sucked in by this chick-lit and its plot twists! I also fell in love with a literary character for the first time - Joe King is absolutely bloody perfect, where on earth can I get my own one from?! 

What is your favourite book? Are you reading anything to celebrate World Book Night tonight? 

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

#MusicMonday 2

Hellooo! It's Monday again so I guess it's time for another #MusicMonday! These are some of the songs that I've been listening to this week. If you missed the first instalment from last week, then you can check it out here.

1. Meghan Trainor - No

I heard this song a few weeks ago but I was undecided as to whether I liked it or not. Needless to say, the more I've heard it, the more I've grown to like it. The 'My name is No' bit is still a bit annoying but I love the rest of it, it's a real bop.

 

2. P!NK - Just Like Fire (From 'Alice Through The Looking Glass')

P!NK is back! I feel like she hasn't been around for forever, but she's returned with another great song called 'Just Like Fire' which is from the new Alice Through The Looking Glass movie. The chorus is the best part of the song and it makes me want to sing along at the top of my voice.

3. MKTO - Hands Off My Heart

My American baes are back with a new single. Originally a fusion of two tracks, 'Hands Off My Heart/Places You Go', the song has now been remixed by Mysto & Pizzi and they've given it a video too. Check out the remix and the full version, both are fab.

4. Little Mix (featuring Sean Paul) - Hair

Last week, Little Mix announced that 'Hair' would be the new single from their latest album Get Weird. I think it was originally released as a promo single late last year, however it's been given a bit of a twist as pop world's favourite collaborator Sean Paul now features on it. The song is quite empowering and full of sass - girl power all the way!

5. Nathan Sykes - Stitches (Cover)

Okay so this isn't an official cover, but last week Nathan Sykes decided to share a video of him doing a vocal warm up, and it just so happened to involve him singing Shawn Mendes'  'Stitches'. My goodness, it is INCREDIBLE. The chorus in particular hit me right in the feels - Nathan has such a gorgeous tone to his voice and so passionate, even when warming up! He can sing pretty much anything, forever getting goosebumps and being in awe at his vocals.

I've been loving this song for ages so I decided to use it as my warm up! @ShawnMendes #Stitches hope you like it!!https://t.co/mQU66JHc1I

— Nathan Sykes (@NathanSykes) 14 April 2016

What are you listening to this week? Let me know! I always like suggestions of new music to listen to.

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

#MusicMonday

Evening all! So recently (and in the past), I've done a couple of 'what I'm listening to atm' posts. The majority of my posts are normally gig related but seeing as I'm not actually going to any gigs until the end of May (KILL.ME.NOW), I thought I would try and start a weekly thing, sharing some of the songs that I'm currently jamming to!

I'm going to try and include a mixture of originals and covers - it goes without saying that you're likely to see some of my faves pop up from time to time too haha. So here goes! Here's five songs that I'm listening to this week, check them out if you haven't already.

1. Sigala featuring John Newman and Nile Rodgers - Give Me Your Love

As a huge John Newman fan, I was so hyped to find out that he would be featuring on Sigala's new single! The pair have also teamed up with the legendary Nile Rodgers which must have been an incredible experience for them! The song is set to be a massive summer hit and I can't wait to hear it live at Fusion Festival in September. It's a really feel good track and just makes you want to get up and dance.

2. Nick Jonas - Champagne Problems

This is the second song made available from Nick's new album Last Year Was Complicated. I'm already loving Nick's new mature sound and I can't wait for the rest of the album. (Please do a proper tour in the UK!!!!!)

3. Conor Maynard - Close (cover)

Conor Maynard is one of my favourite ever people to see live. He has this incredible energy about him and it doesn't matter how long you've gone without listening to his music, you never forget his catchiest hits. He's also the king of covers and his latest is a version of Nick Jonas' 'Close' with a bit of Years and Years mixed in too. It's one of my favourite songs at the moment and I'm so in love with this cover!

4. Joe Conaboy - Follow Me (cover)

I've been a fan of Joe for over three years now, ever since his Kingsland days (forever missing those). Since becoming a solo artist, he's been very far removed from the boyband sound that I know and love but he's still smashing it with his music. His latest cover is of Bring Me The Horizon's 'Follow You', which I'm not familiar with, however, I actually really enjoyed it.

5. David Mark Bulley - Hello (cover)

Finally, I had to include my little fave David who's blown me away with this Adele cover. Now to me, anyone who covers Adele must be crazy or stupid (or both) as she is so iconic and very rarely does anyone do her songs any justice. However, I think David's done an incredible job - his cover (which is even more stunning live) gives me goosebumps and his voice suits the song so much.

Hello (Adele Cover)
There's such a difference between us... ❤️
Posted by David Mark Bulley on Friday, 8 April 2016

What are you listening to at the moment? Leave a comment below :)

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

Waking Up With The Vamps

Last weekend, we went to see The Vamps on their Wake Up World Tour in London's O2 Arena. After missing our train by one minute in the morning (reminder to always double/triple/quadruple check train times especially when leaving at silly o'clock!!!), we finally arrived in London and had a catch up with a friend before heading over to the arena.

I've never seen The Vamps do a full set before, only a few songs as a support act or at a gig like Summertime Ball/Fusion Festival. For this gig, we upgraded at the last minute so ended up with seats right at the front, just behind the small standing pits so we had a fab view. I've said many times before that I am a bit of a ticket snob and it was so worth upgrading.

The Vamps had three support acts: Hometown, Conor Maynard and The Tide. Irish six-piece boyband Hometown were the first on and performed a mixture of covers and originals. The band, made up of Brendan, Cian, Dayl, Dean, Josh and Ryan, went down well with the crowd, particularly when they performed their hit 'Where I Belong'. Each member showcased their vocals, with Ryan and Cian in particular standing out. They also showed a lot of personality and character on stage - they may not have your stereotypical boyband moves (although Dayl wowed me with an unexpected back flip), but they managed to capture the audience's attention with their great vocals alone.

Hometown

Conor Maynard was next and I came to the realisation that he is one of my favourite ever people to see live. He's been fairly quiet with new material as of late but it doesn't even matter when he has a string of top bops behind him. The entire crowd were on their feet singing along to 'Can't Say No', 'Animal', 'Turn Around' and 'R U Crazy'. He also did a cover mashup, with songs like 'Work', 'Sorry', 'Pillowtalk' and Trap Queen'. He is so full of energy, always pulling some moves, and you can't help but want to get on stage and jam alongside him. He's also so underrated, he lights up the stage every time he performs and I hope to see him do a headline gig one day.

Conor Maynard

The last support act was The Vamps' very own protégés, The Tide. I've heard a lot about them over the past few months but I've never listened to their music. To my surprise, they were actually quite good. The highlight of their set for me was a song called 'Click My Fingers'. I really felt a connection to it and I'd definitely want to download it if it appears on their debut album! I thought lead singer Austin was a good showman too and really worked the crowd.

After a short interval, it was time for The Vamps. I've waited a long time to see them perform a full set and boy was it worth the wait! From start to finish, every bit of it was just fab. I loved their introduction titles, with each band member making their way to the arena in different ways before they launched into 'Rest Your Love', one of their latest tracks from their second album Wake Up,

It was great to hear lots of material from Wake Up as well as their classic hits. They also performed some covers including 'Kung Fu Fighting', which they recently recorded for the new Kung Fu Panda 3 movie. They treated us to an incredible medley too, including 'Sorry', 'Perfect', 'I Can't Feel My Face', 'Stressed Out' and 'Stitches'. 'Sorry' was my favourite part of the medley - I loved how they managed to pull it off and the guitar solo bit sounded incredible.

During the middle, the boys gave us a few acoustic songs which was a great contrast to the rest of the set. Conor Maynard also came out to help them perform 'I Found A Girl' and they got one of their label signings, New Hope Club, to perform 'Oh Cecilia' with them, which is always a crowd favourite. One of my highlights was their performance of 'Volcano'. To me, it felt a lot heavier than their usual material but I fell in love with it. The stage was on fire, quite literally, and Tristan came out rapping which gave me all the feels haha.

Speaking of Tris, quite easily the standout moment for me was his drum solo. I love drummers anyway but he slayed my life and looked so cool on this revolving stage. I can't even describe how incredible it was, but he was drumming along to 'Whip My Hair', 'Titanium' 'Talk Dirty' and 'Get Ugly' (my favourite bit) - it was just insane! The boy's got ridiculous skills.

The band finished the night with 'Wake Up', the title track from their second album, and a phenomenal amount of ticker tape. It was such an anthemic song to end with, and I was sad to see them go. I would quite happily go and see them again straight away (roll on Fusion Fest).

The Vamps

I must say how brilliant a showman Brad was. He was like a little puppy bouncing around on the main stage and all the way down the walkway - he gave as much of himself as possible to that crowd. In fact, he had the entire audience in the palm of his hand! Despite Brad being centre stage for most of the evening, each member had their own spotlight moment to shine too, which was great to see. Tris, Connor, James and Brad are equally loved by their fans so it's only fair that they all had a chance to showcase their excellent talent.

I loved the stage visuals used throughout - they really added to the atmosphere. The VT's shown in between certain bits of the set were great too. From throwback pictures of the band to the funny introduction of their other protégés New Hope Club, the VT's were moving yet full of personality.

You could tell just how fan orientated The Vamps are too. Despite it being an arena tour, when tickets went on sale, 40,000 tickets were made available for just £10, therefore making it affordable for most people. Their stage also had an enormous walkway running through the middle, which led to a big B stage at the back, meaning that everyone at the arena had a decent view, no matter where they were sat. They were also so grateful throughout the night and acknowledged that they'd be nothing without their fans.

Their entire set was so high energy from start to finish and I truly recommend you go and see them live if you haven't already!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

Liebster Awards | 11 Question Blogger Tag

I've seen a lot of posts regarding the Liebster Awards recently and after reading a bit more about it, I discovered that its purpose is to recognise, promote and welcome new bloggers into the blogging community. It's also a great way for bloggers to get to know each other and discover blogs they have yet to come across.

The lovely Katie nominated me and whilst I may not be "new", I'm still a blogger on a minuscule scale, so my blog will be new to many people. Thank you very much for the nomination Katie!

The Rules

- Thank the blogger who nominated you, including a link to their blog
- Include the Liebster Award sticker
- Answer the 11 questions the blogger gave you
- Nominate 5 other bloggers with less than 500 followers
- Ask them 11 new questions

My answers to Katie's questions;

1. What is your favourite movie?
About a Boy is my all-time favourite movie. I've lost count at how many times I've seen it but it never gets old!

2. What is the meaning behind your blog name?
I'm a Welsh fangirl, and I mostly blog about my adventures at gigs etc, clever eh?!

3. If you could only have 3 things in your make up bag, what would they be?
I don't actually wear make up (not that I don't need it bc I actually do but I can't apply it for the life of me, I'd rather walk around bare-faced than clown-faced) but the one thing I would be lost without is a cover-up stick as I'm prone to spots.

4. What is your go to fashion item?
I'm probably the least fashionable person in the world but I adore my leather jacket, it's a staple item in my wardrobe. I also love kimonos as they're so easy to wear.

5. If you could collab with anyone on a blog post, who would it be and why?
Hannah Gale! She is my favourite blogger. Not only is she incredibly relatable, but she's just so funny and sassy.

6. Who inspired you to start blogging?
Kais from the band Britroyal. Mum and I went to see them at a gig back in 2014 and knowing my love for music/gigs/travelling, he suggested that I wrote a blog about all my adventures. The rest is history...

7. If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
If someone doesn't like you for all of your little quirks, they're not worth having in your life. True friends will love you for you.

8. What is your dream car?
I love my little Renault Clio far too much to even dream about any other cars!! (I barely drive anyway but I guess in the future I'd love something standard like a Ford Fiesta....a flash car would be wasted on me!)

9. What is your favourite quote?
I have a few but this is one of my favourites:

10. If you could be anyone in a TV show, who would you be?
This is such a tough question!! I'd probably be Miranda from Miranda.

11. What is your guilty pleasure?
Cheesy pop music (although I rarely feel guilty about enjoying it haha)


My nominations:

• http://confessionsofacricketfangirl.blogspot.co.uk
• https://mylittleangrylife.wordpress.com/
• https://turnthepageblogs.wordpress.com/
• http://www.whatwouldgabrielledo.com/
• http://teacupsofhappines.blogspot.co.uk/

My questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
3. What is your favourite book?
4. Who would you cast as yourself in a film about your life?
5. What do you love most about blogging?
6. What was your dream job as a child?
7. If you could invite any three famous people round for a dinner party, who would you choose?
8. List three things on your bucket list.
9. What's your favourite beauty product?
10. Who is your ultimate celebrity crush?
11. Where is your favourite place in the world?

Happy answering!

Hwyl am y tro  ✌️

Unwrapping April's TreatBox

Hello again! A few days ago, I introduced you to TreatBoxUK from Not Shabby Very Chic. Now it's time for me to share with you the wonderful delights that awaited me in April's box!

*Just another reminder that this is NOT a sponsored post*

My box arrived promptly on the 1st of April, and with no fool in sight, I opened the box to find a yellow package and a welcome note. The note said that this month's box was themed around Sunshine, Beach and all things Nautical, which was a welcoming thought after all the cold and miserable weather we've been having. There was also a double-sided inspirational postcard inside. With 'When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade' and 'Hello Sunshine' written on either side, the box instantly brought a little bit of loveliness into my life.

welcome note and cute quote card!

Next, I went to open the package containing all of the goodies. Everything's always so neatly packed and it's a shame to ruin the packaging, but then again, I'm always so eager to see what's inside!

unwrapping the TreatBox...

the TreatBox in all its glory

My TreatBox contained:

• When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade/Hello Sunshine inspirational postcard

• Ice cream shaped sweets and a candy bracelet - a delicious treat which fits perfectly within the theme.

• Strawberry cupcake lip balm - the lip balm contains moisturising hemp and shea butter and smells divine!

• All You Need Is Love & The Ocean wooden decorative sign - this heart shaped sign is so cute and makes the perfect addition to my room. It also reminds me of 'Cake By The Ocean' by DNCE so I love it for another reason too haha.

• Life is Better At The Beach decorative sign - another decorative sign which is just as sweet!

• You're Fab-ulous necklace - I love this necklace! It's so dainty and I love the design - again, it's sunshine based as it's a pun on the Fab ice lollies. 

• When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade tote bag - you can never have too many tote bags! They are so handy to take to work or go shopping and it's great to carry round an inspirational quote with you wherever you go!

The best thing about TreatBoxUK is the element of surprise. I love surprises so getting one of these boxes ever month is just fantastic. You never know what you're going to find, however, if you love decorative items and cute bits and bobs, you're guaranteed to love these TreatBoxes!

I'm already wishing April away as I can't wait to see what May's box will contain! If you fancy treating yourself every month, the May box is available to order on the Not Shabby Very Chic website now. 

Hwyl am y tro  ✌️

#TreatBoxUK

Helloooo. It's gone midnight and I'm currently sat in front of my laptop, avoiding getting ready to catch the 3am train to London. (I'm excited to go to London as I'm seeing The Vamps but we haven't been since our suitcase saga so I'm a tad (very) paranoid about travelling today haha).

Since February, I've been signed up to a subscription box called TreatBox UK. After receiving the latest one yesterday, I fancied writing something different on this blog so I thought I would tell you all about TreatBox UK.

*As a basic blogger, I feel daft even making this statement but just to point out that this is NOT a sponsored post - I buy these boxes every month bc they are just too friggin' cute.*

credit: Not Shabby Very Chic

My intention is to start writing about the contents of these boxes every month, however, before I delve into the April box, I thought I would just give a bit of background information first!

Throwback to late last year, when I was happily scrolling through my Twitter timeline. I randomly came across this account called Not Shabby Very Chic. I decided to take a look at their Twitter purely because of the name (there's a stall at my local market called Shabby Chicks and it reminded me of that). Upon a quick nosy, I realised that Not Shabby Very Chic sold loads of cute decorations and gifts which I adored. However, what captured my eye was their Treat Boxes, which are basically monthly surprise boxes filled with gorgeous little bits and bobs.

You can sign up for a monthly subscription or buy a standalone box - I wanted to try an individual box to see if it was worth the money but they were sold out so I waited until the New Year. In January, I placed an order for a February box. I noticed that you could also build your own box, choosing a number of gifts from a set list, so I made up a box each for Em and Mim as birthday presents. There was a good selection and to be honest it was difficult just to choose a set number of things! They also made lovely presents which the girls loved.

I received my first surprise TreatBox in February and the rest is history. From the cute 'fragile' stamp on the box, to the quote card and welcome note inside the box, everything about it screams adorable before you even unwrap the contents! The box is also letterbox friendly, which means your little bundle of happiness will be ready and waiting for you and not at the postal sorting office/at a neighbour's house etc. It feels like Christmas when you open the box as there is also a surprise theme each month, so you never know what you're going to get. I loved it so much that I decided to subscribe from then on in. Each box is £12 if you have a monthly subscription (with free postage and packaging!) which is fantastic value.

I received my third box yesterday, based on Sunshine, Beach and all things Nautical, which truly brightened up my day. You can expect a blog on April's TreatBox in a few days.

If you can't wait until then to check out a TreatBox, you can see some examples of previous boxes on the Not Shabby Very Chic website.

I've tried a couple of subscription boxes before but this one is most definitely the best in my eyes. Are you signed up to any boxes? If so, which ones do you love?

Hwyl am y tro ✌️