End Of September Update

Today it's time for another end of the month update and this month I've been super busy! I've moved back to university and started my second year which is scary stuff! Apart from that I've been relaxing in-between work and classes and have quite a few favourites.

TV Shows

Both of these series are finished and are fully available to binge watch its' entirety on Netflix (which I can personally recommend).

1. The Killing

Now this was a random show that I found out of the blue and suddenly became obsessed with! It follows two detectives and crimes/murders they have to figure out. It's got super dark, gritty, mystery/thriller feel to it that I loved. I'd describe it as a darker, more in-depth version of CSI or NCIS and is a lot more realistic. Surprisingly I also cried a lot!

2. Gossip Girl

My final favourite show of the month is one of my all time favourites. I ended up re-watching it this month and I forgot how much I adore this! It's a similar show to 90201, featured in a previous monthly update | link, but set in New York and definitely has a more serious vibe to it. Now, if that doesn't persuade you, I just have one person to sway you - Chuck Bass.

Books

Sadly, due to moving back to university I didn't have a lot of time to read but I managed to find two books that have stood out to me.

1. Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

The first series of books was a re-read for me and that was the LUX series and honestly it is one of my all time favourites by one of my top authors! It features aliens but in a completely different light! I find it's best going into it not knowing a lot. But what I will say is, if you like paranormal, romance and something that will hook you and end up flying by this is it for you.

Rated 5 stars.

Favourite Quote: "“Why are you such an ass?" The words came out before I could think twice.

"Everyone has to excel at something, right?" "

2. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

The second, is a book I was really unsure whether I would like or not, but ended up loving. It centres around a brother and sister who live in a town where there's a boy asleep in a glass coffin in the centre of the woods - sounds exciting right? It is! It's got the vibe of a fairytale retelling but still feels completely new and unique. It's a fantasy fey containing book with a small amount of romance that doesn't take away from the main plot of the book.

Rated 5 stars.

Favourite Quote: "Once, there was a girl who vowed she would save everyone in the world, but forgot herself."

Music

I've only been listening to one album and single on repeat this month which is;

1. Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weeknd

Overall, I adore the whole album but one song that specifically stood out to me was 'Dark Times' featuring Ed Sheeran. This album is a must listen.

2. Infinity by One Direction

I must admit One Direction is my guilty pleasure, and since Zayn left I was unsure how their music was going to play out. But this new single is amazing and has a brand new sound to them that I'm loving and is getting me excited for their upcoming album.

Film

I have only seen one movie this month but luckily I loved it and that's Sinister 2! It wasn't as scary as the first one, but it definitely made me jump out of my seat a bunch in the cinema!

Favourite Outfit

Favourite Quote

Thank you for reading,

End Of August Update

Hey,

It's time for another end of the month update for you and this one is definitely going to be a packed one!

TV Shows

One of these shows is an all-time favourite of mine, whilst the other has become a new obsession. But, as you can tell both have the "rich, glamour" lifestyle vibe and both centre around hot weather and gorgeous beaches - perfect to keep my summer vibe going.

1. 90210

This is an all-time favourite of mine, that I think I've re-watched over 5 times! I just love the drama, beautiful scenery and of course extremely attractive actors in it. The character development is flawless across the seasons and doesn't feel forced. The show centres around a group of friends, living the privileged life and the problems that come with it. All but last season is on UK Netflix, so I definitely recommend a binge watch!

2. Rich Kids of Beverly Hills

Obviously, this is pretty similar to 90210, but is a reality TV show - so is a tad more realistic. This has a similar vibe to Keeping Up With The Kardashians - so I definitely recommend this if you like that. I must admit this show is more something I like to watch when I don't want to think to much, and it is honestly pretty cool getting to see the experiences they get to have.

Books

This month I ended up completing my Goodreads goal of reading 80 books which is immense! So, obviously I had to choose between a lot of book. Both ended up being the final instalments in trilogies - but I do recommend both of the trilogies!

1. We'll Always Have Summer [#3] (Summer Series) by Jenny Han

This series follows Belly (awful name I know), and her trips to their friends summer house every summer. It follows struggles she has to face, and how suddenly she starts to grow feelings for the two brothers she goes with. (Yes, I know a love triangle but honestly this is done so perfectly.) The last book was surprisingly my favourite and I actually teared up towards the end. Overall, the Summer series is a great set of contemporary books to read on holiday or just during the summer.

Rated 3.5 stars.

Favourite Quote:  “But just because you bury something, that doesn’t mean it stops existing. Those feelings, they’d been there all along. All that time. I had to face it. He was part of my DNA. I had brown hair and I had freckles and I would always have Conrad in my heart. ” 

2. Allegiant [#3] (Divergent Series) by Veronica Roth

I've adored this series from start to finish, the action, drama, concept and slight romance in the novel is perfect! For fans of The Hunger Games, I definitely recommend starting this! Also, check out the films as I love the films as well. This series centres around Tris and a society that places people into factions, of which Tris has to decide to stay with her family in Abnegation or take a risk and move somewhere else. Luckily, I loved the final book but it has started a lot of controversy so be prepared!

Rated 5 stars.

Favourite Quote: “There are so many ways to be brave in this world. Sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself, or for someone else. Sometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater. But sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life. That is the sort of bravery I must have now.” 

Music

I've mainly just been listening to this playlist, on spotify and its great to keep up to date with the current hits and favourites! I've also been loving Slow Motion by Trey Songz. 

Film

I adored the 'Riot Club' this month, it was completely different to what I expected but was so phenomenal and had such a lesson behind it. I recommend going into this not knowing anything because then you'll be just as shocked as I was. And, honestly look at that cast who could turn down watching that?!

Favourite Picture

Favourite Outfit

Favourite Quote

Thank you for reading, 

Hope you found some inspiration,

End Of July Update

Hey lovelies,

Here is another monthly update for you and whilst this is up I should hopefully be enjoying the sun!

TV Shows

This month I finished off a brand new show that I cannot wait for the next of already and I also started watching the next season of one of my all-time favourite tv shows;

1. Wayward Pines

This show is so amazing and I'm honestly so glad I came across it and decided to watch it! I find this show is best if you go into it knowing nothing - but to it basically follows a secret service agent Ethan who goes looking for two missing agents who were last sent to Wayward Pines. But, when he arrives he realises there's a lot more going on. This whole show as a really big 'Lost' feel but so far actually seems to be good at explaining the craziness - unlike 'Lost' *cough cough* the polar bear. It was also originally books so I'm really eager to borrow these from the library and see how they parallel to the TV Show.

2. Teen Wolf

My second TV show is Teen Wolf, which is finally back on my screen showcasing Season 5 after a torturous wait over the break! This is one of my all time favourite TV shows. I love how scary it is but all how comical and satirical the show can be! The characters are as always with a teen TV show super attractive, but also relatable and quite realistic. The show follows a boy, who as the name suggests, is part teen part wolf. This obviously leads to problems, struggles and enemies which seem to get creepier and creepier every season. But, if all of that doesn't persuade you to watch the show that let these final two words do it; Dylan O'Brien. This guy is beautiful, funny and an amazing actor (was recently in the Maze Runner - which btw is an awesome film!).

Books

This month was actually my most successful reading month and gave me over a 10+ lead in my Goodreads Reading Challenge (which you can check out here) so as you can be surprised it was extremely difficult for me to narrow down just two books I loved the most!

1. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

This book follows Tally who is soon to turn 16 and become a 'Pretty'. A 'Pretty' involves having major plastic surgery but in this world it's classed as normal. Until, Tally meets a new friend called Shay who doesn't want the surgery. Soon, Tally is faced with an ultimatum betray her friend or never become a 'Pretty'. This book is simultaneously interesting and realistic yet completely horrifying. It highlighted to me the power of society and how 'beauty' is an opinion and no-one see's it the same. I recommend this book to everybody and anybody as I really believe this book would open a lot of peoples eyes. 

Rated 4.5 Stars

Favourite Quote: “Your personality - the real you inside - was the price of beauty.” 

2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This book centres around Red's and Silver's. Red's have red blood and are classed as lower class/second rate citizens yet are basically treated like dirt on your shoe, whereas Silver's who have silver blood have special abilities and therefore class themselves as royalty. The book follows Mare, a red blooded citizen,  who ends up working for the enemy the Silver's but soon realises even with red blood she has a special power of her own... This book is all about trust, betrayal and power play. The whole time I was kept guessing and loved the underlying meaning of the book and how stupid it is to judge people dependent on something they're born with. This is another book I recommend to anyone.

Rated 5 Stars.

Favourite Quote: "In school, we learned about the world before ours, about the angels and gods that lived in the sky, ruling the earth with kind and loving hands. Some say those are just stories, but I don't believe that. The gods rule us still. They have come down from the stars. And they are no longer kind."

Music

Even though I've mainly been listening to the same music featured in my end of the month update | link, there are a few new tunes I've discovered. 

1. 21 by Hunter Hayes

As previously mentioned I adore country music around summertime and this new release is perfect. I'm a massive fan of Hunter and seem to always adore anything he brings out.

2. Wings by Birdy

Now even though this isn't as feel good as other summer songs, I believe this song and Birdy's voice are so beautiful. I adore listening to this when I first wake up in the morning, chilling out in the sun or just to calm me down before bed.

Film

Insidious Chapter 3

I'm a major fan of horror films and I especially love the Insidious series. I recently watched the most recent instalment and I was not disappointed. This scared the hell out of - which is honestly not easy to do. This has also quickly become my favourite from the series, purely because I felt this had more of an actual storyline and even though it's set before the first two films I believe you could easily watch this without having watched the other two and it most definitely doesn't ruin anything either! If anything it would probably make you want to watch the previous two even more!

Thank you for reading lovelies!

End of June Update

Hey lovelies,

Today is my monthly update post. I hope you enjoy!

TV Shows

I finished both Switched at Birth and RuPaul's Drag Race {featured in my previous monthly update | link} this month and ultimately found one new show and continued another show I love.

1. The Lying Game

The first show I've been loving is 'The Lying Game' which is about two twins who were separated at birth. (A somewhat similar idea to Switched At Birth). The show centres around these two, how different their lives are and the secrets they reveal as to why they were really separated. Sadly, the show got cancelled but the two seasons you can watch are amazing!

2. Pretty Little Liars

The second show I've been watching is PLL, something I've been completely obsessed with since it started. The new season is currently on and is meant to reveal Answers to a lot of questions the show has created. I recommend this to pretty much anyone, it's exciting, sometimes dark and still has a great humour to it. 

Books

I've read a lot of books this month, but two particular ones stood out to me;

1. Crown of Midnight by Sarah. J. Maas

The first to this series was mentioned in my previous monthly update, and due to how fast-paced, exciting and enjoyable it was I eagerly moved on to the second one. And, it did not disappoint. The whole storyline and world I find really interesting and completely engages me as a reader. I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book and other works written by Maas.

Rated 5 stars.

Favourite quote: “I worry because I care. Gods help me, I know I shouldn't, but I do. So I will always tell you to be careful, because I will always care what happens.” 

2. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

This second book has suddenly become one of my all time favourite reads. It's based on the story of Tiger Lily before, during and after meeting Peter Pan. I loved how beautifully and poetically it was written. Specifically, Tiger Lily herself was an enchanting protagonist and was somehow relatable even though nothing about her life matched up with mine. I recommend this read to everybody - honestly please read it. 

Rated 5 stars.

Favourite quote : “She did not believe he could have really gone, because for her, to leave the person you loved was impossible.” 

Music

My favourites for music this week are both singles and are also my favourites due to how insanely cool the music videos are - so I most definitely recommend checking them out!

1. Black Magic by Little Mix

I adore this song and more specifically the music video. The song is catchy and fun to sing, and the 'teenage witch' vibe the music video brings is super cool!

2. Get Stupid by Aston Merrygold

This is such a summer tune, and one I've been dancing to in the shower a hell of a lot recently. It has a Bruno Mars/Michael Jackson vibe.

Movie

Kingsman

I ended up renting this from Sky Movies on a rainy day, especially because I never ended up going to see it at the cinema. This was really funny and cool - especially with all the featured spy gadgets! Definitely great film to sit and watch when you're bored!

Thank you for reading lovelies,

I hope you're enjoying these monthly updates and to keep even more updated check me out on my social medias!

Random June Favourites

Hey lovelies,
I thought I'd do a quick side post just on my random favourites of June!

Music

My favourite album this month has been George Ezra's 'Wanted On A Voyage' album. It is honestly amazing! This guy can sing and has such an unusual, catchy take on music. My two favourites at the moment are 'Budapest' and 'Song 6'.

My favourite music single of the month has been 'Rescue Me' by You Me At Six featuring Chiddy. This is an old favourite of mine that has recently resurfaced for personal reasons, but honestly I just really love this tune. It's a great song to dance and rock out to when home alone.

 

Film

My favourite film of the month has undoubtedly been 'The Fault In Our Stars'. I adored this book and the film was no-where near a disappointment. I must admit, as cliche as it sounds, the book was better but the film was still amazing and had me sobbing uncontrollably by the end!

TV 

My favourite on the TV at the moment is the series 'Nashville'. I've only just recently discovered this and why did I honestly not start watching it earlier?! It's based in Nashville, obviously, and centers around two big, female country singers and the problems and difficulties they face. It has good music, drama, romance, tears and deals with everyday issues. Furthermore, I like the eye-opening view it gives on celebrities and how their everyday actions are dealt with surrounding the media.

Books

My two favourite books of the month are 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell. Now, I did read this a while back, hipster over here, but none-the-less I couldn't not mention this! I adore anything Rowell writes and this was no exception, even more so the changes in her life are also happening in my life so it was great to find something so current to my own struggles. Furthermore, this is the one book that has actually made me sob and laugh out loud all in one, sad I know. This is just such a relatable book and I recommend it to anyone and everyone - I BEG YOU TO READ IT.

My second book is one I have read recently and it's 'Burn For Burn' by Jenny Han. Honestly, I was super surprised by this book as I didn't really know how much I would like this book, but hell I loved it. It's centering around revenge and girl power, but it also has some deep messages hidden within the plot and leaves you dying for more with the second book, that I sadly haven't been able to get my hands on yet *sobs*.

Quote

My favourite quote of the month is actually a poem called 'We Were Emergencies' by Buddy Wakefield and I honestly think this piece is just so beautiful:

We can stick anything into the fog

and make it look like a ghostbut tonightlet us not become tragedies.We are not funeral homeswith propane tanks in our windows,lookin’ like cemeteries.Cemeteries are just the Earth’s way of not letting go.Let go.
let’s turn our silly wrists so far backwards
the razor blades in our pencil tips
can’t get a good angle on all that beauty inside.
Step into this
with your airplane parts.
Move forward
and repeat after me with your heart:
like you know I am better
than the worst thing I ever did.
Go slow.
I’m new to this.
But I have seen nearly every city from a rooftop
without jumping.
I have realized
did not have to be full for us to love it,
that we are not tragedies
stranded here beneath it,
that if my heart
really broke
every time I fell from love
I’d be able to offer you confetti by now.
y’all,
they bruise and get better.
We were never tragedies.
We were emergencies.
You call 9 – 1 – 1.
Tell them I’m having a fantastic time.

Tonight

“I no longer need you to fuck me as hard as I hated myself.”

Make love to me

that the moon

But hearts don’t break,

Favourite YouTuber

And last but not least is my favourite YouTuber of the month, which is VelvetGh0st. So go check her out!

Thank you for reading!

Please don't hesitate to comment and follow me on BlogLovin!

Victoria Louise x

What I've Been Up To

Hey lovelies,
As my posts at the moment have been few and far between I thought I'd do a quick update post on what I've been up to!


The first thing I've been up to is baking this beautiful creation here with my friend, Lucy (check out her blog here). This is basically a cookie/cake with marshmallow and galaxy chocolate and it pretty much tastes like a Millie's cookie! We will be uploading a vlog on us making this on our YouTube channel, T'n'L (view here) later so check it out for the fab recipe!

The second thing I've been up to is trying one of the bath bombs I bought from Lush, featured in my haul post here. Especially this one as I'm trying to decrease the amount of stress in my life and this particular bath bomb, the 'Blackberry Bath Bomb' for £2.95. I'm not a massive fan of this as I find it is a bit plain and boring for me, but it has definitely helped me de-stress at night and allowed me to go sleep a lot easier!

I've also been reading a new book which is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Now, undeniably this is a massive book but so far I'm enjoying it! I do understand this has now been made into a film but I'm adamant to read the book before I watch the film. Here's part of the blurb for anyone interested:            HERE IS A SMALL FACT - YOU ARE GOING TO DIE 

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when
the bombs begin to fall.

I've also been trying on summer clothes and trying to get into different outfits because I always stick to the same stuff! Here is a jumpsuit I tried on from Topshop, can purchase here.

And last but not least I've just celebrated by Dad's birthday of which I finally got to wear my favourite dress, featured in my haul post here, and my all new favourite shoes from Select, can be purchased here!

All of these photos can be viewed on my instagram, which can be found here.

So I really hope you enjoyed reading this lovelies!
Please don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin or subscribe,
Victoria Louise x