An Updated Reading List

It's been a while since I last wrote about the books I've been planning to read, I know. I must admit that I've picked up these books in September, but haven't even opened them yet as I meant to put this post up a while ago. But with returning to university, life got a bit in the way. I've also just realised that I usually feature more books than this at once, but a girl can't spend all her time sat reading now can she? ~ Even though one might wish she could ~

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott // I thought I'd read this when I was younger, but I'm not sure I did since picking up a copy. My mum always used to tell me about how she read it as a child, and so it finally made it's way into my shopping basket. I really look forward to reading this over the coming weeks, but I do hope it's going to be an easy read! Even if it turns out that I have read it before, I don't have a copy of it lying around anywhere!

The Man Who Couldn't Stop: The Truth About OCD - David Adam //  You know when it's 2am and you're browsing Amazon for something and end up getting totally lost in your recommended items list? (Just me?) Well, every once in awhile, alongside the garden tools and the disposable razors, you find a hidden jem. In this particular instance the hidden jem was this amazing book from David Adam. I clicked on it, out of curiosity more than anything else, and it seemed right up my street. I saw that Matt Haig (author of Reasons To Stay Alive) had given it a good review, and it went into my basket immediately. And I mean immediately. I'm super excited to get into this because I've just finished my mental health module at uni, and I'm already missing the 'proper' psychology. As soon as I've finished my current book ('The Little Book of Hygge' by Meik Wiking FYI), I'll be popping this into my bag to read on the train!

Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert // I feel as though every young woman should read this book. It's like a rite of passage into adulthood. I've seen the film more times than I'd care to admit, but there is something about the storyline that appeals to me and so I picked up a copy in the hopes that it may take me on some sort of journey (lol) with the start of the new year. 

The Graduate - Charles Webb // To be completely honest I have no idea why I wanted to read this, and I admit that I may have been persuaded by the aesthetically pleasing front cover. I think most people have seen the film adaptation starring Dustin Hoffman, or at least heard of the book from the various pop culture references floating around. I must say that I'm probably the least excited to read this book out of the ones I have bought, but I will let you know how I get on with it!

What are you currently reading?

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The 5 Books You Should Read Right Now

 My love for reading has been well documented during my time blogging, and over the last year or so I have read some truly influential books. Nothing beats finding a book that changes your outlook on life, so today I have rounded up the books that I have recently taken something from. I hope that you can enjoy them as much as I have, and if not I hope that you are able to find other books that impact your lives in the same way that these have impacted mine. 

Calm: Calm The Mind, Change The World - Michael Acton Smith // Although there isn't really much to read in this book, it is has had a massive impact on my life recently. I struggle a lot with anxiety and a quick flick through this book every now and again really helps me to calm myself down (no pun intended). I was recently chatting with a friend about this book, and we both agreed that is great to flick through at the end of a stressful day. It has a highly interactive element, and makes an excellent coffee table book if you're into that sort of thing. 

Yes Please - Amy Poehler // To be completely honest I don't know why I even bought this in the first place. I've watched Amy Poehler in many of her TV programmes and films, and as much as I adore her, I wouldn't say that I'm completely obsessed with her. But I'm so glad that I did pick it up as it is jam packed full of Amy's hilarious life experiences. It is a lighthearted, easy read that covers a wide range of topics, and can make you think about the way you handle certain situations.

The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying - Marie Kondo // I learnt a lot from this book. It gave me the encouragement and motivation needed for me to sort my life out. I didn't even get through the first chapter without feeling the urge to whip out the vacuum cleaner. It has changed my outlook on living, making me a tidier and more organised person, and has ultimately made me want to stay this way.  

Sparks Joy - Marie Kondo // It's no surprise that two of Marie Kondo's books have made it onto my list of influential reads. I read the other book over Christmas, and I purchased this one as soon as it became available for pre-order. Although there aren't many differences between the first and second book, they touch on the same topics in slightly different ways and I feel as though you have to read the former to appreciate this book. This particular book focuses on Marie's tidying methods and includes lots of handdrawn illustrations depicting her methods. It allows you to see her methods in action, so you can implement them into your own lifestyle. 

Reasons To Stay Alive - Matt Haig // I think I may have mentioned this book on my blog before, but it honestly deserves as many mentions as it gets. My sister is a diagnosed depressive, and it was so interesting to read about the perspective of somebody has gone through the same thing. Whether you, or someone you know suffers from mental health issues, this book provides an insight into what goes on in someone's head. It is an exceptionally short book, but what it lacks in words, it makes up for in meaning. It will make a huge impact on your life, and will make you feel grateful to be alive.  

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The Reading List - Number 3

Now that I've finished university for the summer, I have endless hours to sit and read in the garden. I always look forward to having ~6 months to relax and read all the books that I haven't had the chance to enjoy over the rest of the year. Over the last couple of months I have been splurging on loads of books ready for the moment I submitted my last assignment. So again, I thought I would share with you another instalment of my 'The Reading List' series. These books are the ones at the top of my list and the ones that will probably get read within the next fortnight!

The Society of the Crossed Keys - Stefan Zweig // The Grand Budapest Hotel was recently added onto Netflix, and out of sheer exam revision procrastination I watched it. AND LOVED IT. As soon as the credits went up I went online to seek out the book on which it was based. At first I was a little confused as it didn't seem to be based on one particular book and rather a collection of short stories. I bought the collection in the hopes that it will tell a similar story to the film, and I can only let you know how I get on with it!

The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger // A book I have been meaning to buy for forever. The Devil Wears Prada used to be one of my favourite films and I have watched it countless times. I was actually sorting through my Amazon wishlist when I found it hidden away and it immediately went straight into my basket! I'm sure I will love it as much as the film, and I will keep you posted on my thoughts once I start reading it!

Emotional Agility - Susan David // This book has been floating around my Amazon basket since its release in April, and I've actually had it saved under the premise of doing some academic reading. It has very recently made an impact on the blogging community and I finally picked it up so I can read it over the summer. If you didn't already know I'm a psychology undergraduate and I take an immense interest in anything related to mental health. Although this book deals with a potentially complex subject matter, it seems to be an easy and compelling read. Of the many books I've read on emotional intelligence, this is the one I have been the most excited to read.

Forensics, The Anatomy of Crime - Val McDermid // I've always been interested in crime. TV programmes, books, films - you name it I've probably watched/read it long before you've even heard of it. At the start of the year I selected my final year modules and of course Forensic Psychology was at the top of my list (with Business Psychology at the bottom obv), and I thought I would get a head start by reading this. The book discusses anything and everything to do with crime. The books charts centuries of development in forensic techniques with references to well known crimes and atrocities. From first glance, the book covers a wide range of subjects from toxicology, fingerprinting, blood spatter, and DNA, to facial reconstruction, and digital forensics.

Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy - Helen Fielding // I've been having a bit of a clear out recently and I found this stuffed at the back of a drawer. I've only recently finished re-reading the Edge of Reason, so it feels like the perfect time to get stuck into the final installment of the Bridget Jones series. Plus I clearly have to read it before the film version comes out in September!!

Breakfast at Tiffany's - Truman Capote // One of my all time favourite films.  I love anything with Audrey Hepburn in, and I wanted to read the book it was based on. I thought for ages that I already had this book, but it turns out not! I remember picking it up in Waterstones almost 2 years ago to the day, but I clearly didn't follow through and purchase it! The other day I was browsing through the Penguin Modern Classics collection list, and it reminded me I still needed to read it - so here it is on my list!

Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov // I'm quite a fan of classic novels. I've read quite a few in my lifetime (lmao makes me sound about 87), and again this is one I have been meaning to pick up for a while. It's about a pervert, who becomes obsessed with 12 year old Lolita and the book follows him on his quest to 'possess' her. It looks like a bit of a controversial read, but I can't wait to get into it nonetheless.

I have masses of time on my hands so if you have any recommendations of what I should read next, please leave them in the comments!! 

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On The Reading List

Hello everyone! I have another reading list for you today. I last did one of these posts in September, and have been eager to get another one up on the blog. The books on the last post have been read and enjoyed, and I highly recommend 'Yes Please' and 'Not That Kind Of Girl' as they left me in stitches, and actually made me laugh out loud - very loud.  Towards the end of last month (when my student loan came in), I went straight on to Amazon and picked up a few of the books from my wishlist. So here is why they are waiting to be read!

'Reasons To Stay Alive' by Matt Haig // This has been on my reading list for a good few months now, and when I started to see it on Instagram and Twitter I just knew it was going to become the next 'it' book. So I purchased it. The last book I finished reading was 'Yes Please' by Amy Poehler, and as soon as I finished it, I picked up this book. As you can see from the photo, I've managed to read a good chunk of it so far and I love it already! If you haven't heard of the book, it is a real-life account of Matt Haig's battle with depression and anxiety. Being a psychology undergrad I find it so interesting to see what goes through people's minds when they have a mental illness, but I also find it helpful with my own anxiety. The book isn't another story filled with psychological rubbish, it documents Matt's journey with depression from his own experiences. I highly suggest picking up a copy if you or someone you know is battling depression, and even if not it is a highly interesting read. 

'The Fashion Book' by Phaidon Company Press // My friend Sarah bought me this brilliant book for Christmas and I love it! It is basically a giant dictionary of fashion, and includes designers and fashion/beauty brands, alongside photographers and influential people like Madonna and Brigitte Bardot. I love books like this because I am really (and I mean really) into fashion photography, and a lot of my photography portfolio is made up of fashion photography. But not only do I enjoy taking my own photographs, I equally enjoy looking at the work of others - so I am excited to sit down and give this book a proper 'read'. 

'It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be' by Paul Arden // I picked this up on a bit of whim and I'm so glad I did. It's described as a 'pocket bible for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable and the impossible possible'. I've had a little flick through it and there are a few sections that aren't really relevant to me and are aimed more at wannabe business tycoons, but the majority of the book looks great if you're wanting to improve yourself and your careers aspirations. It offers great advice for those finishing university and entering the competitive world of work, but also for those who are self-employed or already have a job. Just flicking through, my favourite section is the 'Wit and Wisdom' section right at the end of the book, which includes lots of motivational quotes that everyone loves. 

'Women In This Town' by Giuseppe Santamaria // Giuseppe Santamaria is an incredible street photographer, and this book is any fashion maven's bible. It is jam packed full of street fashion photography from the streets of Paris, London, Madrid, etc. This book is totally #stylegoals, and gives you an insight to what normal, everyday people actually wear. The photographs in the book are so diverse and a large collection of styles from people of different ages are incorporated into the book making it great for anyone to read. If you're a male reader, then there is also a male version of this book called 'Men In This Town', which is the exact same book but with photos of males instead of females. 

'Pretty Honest' by Sali Hughes // I honestly have no idea why it has taken me so long to pick this book up as it has been on my wishlist for forever! I was a little dubious when ordering it, as it talks a lot about skincare and I was worried that Sali was going to be promoting makeup wipes and not taking your makeup off. But then I saw a review by Caroline Hirons (the skincare GOD) so all my worries disappeared and it was welcomed onto my doorstep the following day. I don't really know how to describe this book as it literally covers everything and is the ultimate beauty companion! I think it is worth a read for anyone who is interested in makeup or beauty!

'Face Paint' by Lisa Eldridge // Lisa Eldridge is one of my all time favourite makeup artists (alongside Charlotte Tilbury obvs), and I was so excited when I saw she was releasing her own beauty book. I've watched her tutorials online for years, and I was ready to embrace whatever the book had to offer. Rather than showing you how to apply liquid eyeliner, and how to get flawless base makeup, Lisa Eldridge talks about the history of makeup, and the ever-changing reasons as to why we wear makeup. Face Paint reveals stories from Lisa's experiences in the beauty industry, and there are plenty of photos of her vintage makeup collection. 

What are you reading at the moment?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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The Books That Have Changed My Life

I know that I am extrememly late to the game writing about this now, but it's very rare that a book affects my life and I felt as though I needed to talk about the two that have made a big impact on me. Over Christmas I read Marie Kondo's 'The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying' and it has honestly changed my life. Literally on the day I finished reading the book, I happened to notice that there was a second book coming out (called 'Sparks Joy') and I pre-ordered it without a second thought. As with any self-help style book, there were obviously a few points that I will probably never put into practice (like tidying in silence - NO MARIE I have a dedicated Spotify playlist for that!). I'd not even read half of the book and I felt inspired to have a massive clearout! So I thought I'd share with you what I took away from the book....

1. Marie likes tidying A LOT. I'd even go as far to say she loves tidying more than anyone else. I also think she is a little crazy as she mentions that she speaks to her house on a daily basis...

2. Tidying is catching. Marie mentions that when you see someone else tidying, you feel compelled to start too. Since reading the book and having my own clearout, my family saw how clean and tidy my bedroom looked and they started work on their own. At the time of writing this post, my mum has already got rid of two thirds of her wardrobe (including some very dodgy pieces from the 90s). 

3. Marie mentioned that the average number of bin bags that her clients get rid of in a single day is 20. TWENTY. At first I was like 'woaaaaah who gets rid of that much stuff??', but when the first of January rolled around I managed to get rid of 21 bin bags of stuff. Including 7 bags from my wardrobe alone!! 

4. I was shocked when Marie said that downgrading pieces of clothing from your wardrobe to loungewear status is forbidden. I'm incredibly guilty of this, and I have clothes that I got when I was like 13/14 that I didn't wear but didn't really want to get rid of either. After taking a long hard look through my wardrobe, I realised that I didn't even wear these clothes round the house - so I knew I had to get rid of them! In the end I got rid of almost 50 items of clothing, and yesterday they went into the Tickled Pink Breast Cancer donation bin at my local supermarket!

5. Obviously being a beauty blogger, I am lucky enough to be sent products for trial and review. There are odd products that I really don't get on with, and they sit in a basket in the corner of my room collecting dust. But not having bought them with my own money I feel quite guilty throwing them away. Usually my sister will have a raid through to see if there is anything she fancies trying - but this time she only picked out a foundation. So that meant everything else went in the bin, along side some out of date makeup products and skincare items!

6. I don't really consider myself a hoarder as I have seen hoarding first hand with my own eyes. But whilst sorting through all my possessions, I realised that there was a lot of items that I was holding onto purely for sentimental reasons - not because I liked/needed/wanted them. For example, on top of my wardrobe I had a large box containing every single card I have ever received over the last 19-20 years. Birthday, Christmas, Christening, Easter, Thank You, Good Luck, Congratulations, Get Well Soon - THE LOT! After taking a few moments to look through well over 1000 cards, I realised that I had no use for them. I never take the time to sit and look through them, and so would I really notice if they went? The answer is no. It's been almost a month since they went out for recycling and to be completely honest I don't regret my decision in the slightest. 

7. Repeated mentions are made about the lack of clients that relapse into untidiness.  To my utmost surprise, NOBODY has ever become untidy again. I was certain that I was going to be the one and only person to relapse, but my bedroom has been tidy since my clearout - which is unheard of for me. Usually it will last until the end of the week - but it still looks spotless. Because I got rid of so much stuff, I know have a dedicated place for everything - which makes me want to put it away after using it! 

8. The book is centered around the idea of each item 'sparking joy'. If an item doesn't give you pleasure when you see or use it, then it is time for it to go. I found this such a good way of deciding whether or not I wanted to keep something, and I haven't found myself needing or regretting anything that I got rid of. 

Have you read Marie's books, or are you planning to have a clearout soon?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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An Updated Reading List

It's been a while since I shared my last reading list. Infact, I believe I last posted one in December last year? Well… now I have a few different books lined up on my bedside table. I've been really into inspirational reads a lot recently. I've read pretty much every blog post on offer, so I decided to switch over onto books! I know I'm pretty late to the game but I finally picked up Amy Poehler's 'Yes Please'. It seemed like nearly every blogger in existence owned a copy of this book - you couldn't look at an Instagram post without it being featured or used as a background prop. But when browsing the 3 books for £10 offer section on Amazon, I decided to pick it up and see what all the hype was about! I've only had a brief flick through, and there are some adorable photos of Amy as a child in it - I can't wait to read it! 

Alongside 'Yes Please', I picked up 'Not That Kind Of Girl' by Lena Dunham. I'm pretty certain that I haven't heard or seen this mentioned anywhere. But I loved the cover and it sounded like it was going to be an interesting, easy read (I'm not going to lie, I mainly bought it for the cover). It is described as being a collection of autobiographical essays and stories written by Lena, mentioning her experiences with dieting, fashion, friendship and existential crises. I think it will be a must-have read for all young women, but I will try and keep you posted with how I get on with reading it! I have currently read the first few chapters and it is sheer comic brilliance! It certainly put my life into perspective! I will say that it isn't for the 'prudes' *checks Google to see actual definition, finds definition perfect, inserts word into post* out there as it is a little graphic at times - but it certainly is a nice easy read!

My sister recently bought an 'adult' colouring book and it has some really beautiful designs in it. I bought this one of the 3 for £10 offer along with the last two. When I ordered it, I didn't realise it was going to be so small. I was actually shocked when it arrived. I thought it was going to be about A4 size like I know the majority of colouring books to be. But In fact it's about half the size. Which is certainly handing for taking with you on the go! It may help keep me entertained on my commutes to university this year! Although it technically isn't a reading book, it is still a book so you can see why I've included it in this list! 

I've heard great things about Rainbow Rowell, but again, I simply chose this book based on the beautiful cover. I'm not really a fan of hardback books, but when they are miles cheaper than the paperback editions you can't really complain. Landline is supposed to be a tale about a couple in their thirties who get the chance to look back in time with the help of a magic phone. A. Magic. Phone. This sounds like its going to be a super easy and interesting read so I can't wait to get into it!

Finally, the one I'm most excited to start reading! I first read To Kill A Mockingbird in 2013 and fell completely in love with it! So when I heard that Harper Lee was writing a follow up, I was like a child on Christmas Day! As soon as it went up for pre-order I was right on the bandwagon - ordering it within minutes of it becoming available on Amazon. In preparation for it arriving I even re-read To Kill A Mocking Bird, so when it landed on my doorstep I was over the moon! I got about 10 pages in before life got in the way. But will certainly be reading it first out of this lot!

What books have you been reading lately? I'm hoping to get through at least one a week on my commutes! Leave me your recommendations! Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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