Monthly Book Review (June): The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

One of my new year's resolutions was to read at least one book per month. So far, I have kept to this plan (probably the only new years' resolution I have ever succeeded in), despite being one book behind. Although I haven't kept you up-to-date on my books, I thought it would be a good idea to start a new series on my blog where I voice my opinion on the book I have read each month. I would love it if you could recommend any books for me to read and also let me know your opinions of the book I have read.

As I have said previously, I am behind on my books and have only just finished reading my book for the month of June. The reason for being behind is due to schoolwork, revision and exams, but now that those horrible things are over with, I have been trying to read my books as much as possible.

I thought I would split up my book reviews into sections, so it is a bit more organised and easier to read.

So, the book I read for the month of June was the The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (a very long title!).

Source: http://sweatpantsandcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/curious-incident-small.jpg 

What is the book about? (Copied from the blurb) - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Christopher Boone. Christopher is fifteen and has Asperger's Syndrome. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour's dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down. 

Opinion? - I thought this novel was okay. I had heard a lot of talk about this book as it had been made into a stage production recently. Therefore, this made me want to read the book to see what the hype was about and also to find out who killed Wellington (the dog). The book is quite difficult to read, not in the sense that the words or language is hard but as Christopher (the narrator) suffers from Asperger's, the novel is written in long, complex sentences, meaning there are not many pauses or breaks. I thought the book was aimed at children between the ages of 10+ due to the front cover, the diagrams which are used and also the language, but as I got further and further into the book, I was mistaken. I definitely think that this is a much older book as it does have quite a few swear words in the book, which I was quite surprised at given the cover. 

Positives?- The book is well-written and is very authentic. It has a mixture of humour, sadness and mystery. I liked the diagrams which were included throughout the book as it is quite unusual for me to read a book which does have drawings in as this broke up the novel. The pictures also tied in well with the novel. 

Negatives? - The novel is quite hard to read and can get a little bit tedious due to the way it is written, but I guess that it all part of the book. I also thought that the book did get quite slow in the middle but did get a little bit better towards the end. 

Would I recommend it? - Yes, I think it is a good book overall, but not my favourite. I think it is a little bit young for me but overall, it is really well-written and very authentic. 

Would I read it again? - Probably not, but I would like to see it on stage, just to see how they put the production together and if they keep true to the book. 

Price? - £6.99

Rating? - 3 and a half/5

Hope you enjoyed this blog post. Let me know your opinions of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and whether you have seen it on stage. 

My next book is The Duff, so I will see you next month for my review. 

A New Blog?

I'm back...again! Now, I know this may seem confusing, but I have decided to change my blog name. Although I did have some people reading and commenting, which I am so grateful for, I wasn't happy with the name of my blog.

When I started creating content for my blog, I needed to think of an original and enticing name for my blog which I would be happy with. At first, I did like 'Beaute Mode' as it was different, but slowly I began to dislike the name. So, I came up with 'The Life Diaries'.

'The Life Diaries' is all about a mixture of topics that I am interested in and allows me to talk and discuss so many different areas, not only beauty and fashion.

I hope you enjoy this little re-vamp of my blog and continue to enjoy the content I am trying to compile for you. I feel that now I have decided on a solid name for my blog, I can really start to get into creating content I am happy with.

I will probably be making a few more changes in the foreseeable future with regards to my blog, but don't worry, the name won't be going anywhere. I have also changed the format and design of my blog so let me know whether you are liking these changes. There are still a lot more changes that need to be done as the blog isn't working and functioning as I would like it to, but you can see the direction I am trying to take my blog to.

Let me know what you think of my new blog name and whether there are any more changes you think I should make.

6 Summer Essentials: Fashion

The next part of my summer essentials is back, but this time focusing on fashion. There have been so many trends this summer, including fedora hats, coloured sunglasses and patterned shorts and I have tried to condense it down to six for you.

These are my 6 fashion summer essentials...

         

1. Pink Floral Print Frill Bandeau Bikini Top - River Island - £16

    Pink Floral Tie Side Bikini Bottoms - River Island - £12

2. Hayden Coin Trim Tie Dye Playsuit - Boohoo.com - £15

3. HAVAY Flat Sandals - Topshop - £24

4. Petite Red Tile Print Pom Pom Trim Shorts - New Look - £14.99

5. Silver Round Dip Pilot Sunglasses - New Look - £5.99

6. Blanket Woven Backpack - Accessorize - £37

A definite summer essential is a good bikini. This is every woman's essential for the summer time. It is time to get rid of the layers and start to show more skin in order to get that gorgeous summer glow. I love wearing bikinis during the summer time, especially patterned bikinis. So, when I found this bikini from River Island, I instantly fell in love. However, you don't have to wear a bikini for summer, swimsuits have made a massive revival this S/S15 as well as high-waisted bikinis. Whatever makes you feel comfortable, then go out and rock it!

My next essential is a playsuit. Again, the one I picked is patterned as I am instantly attracted to anything with colour. I loved this tie-dye playsuit with the coins dangling from the top half. This screams out festival fashion to me. However, for a safer option, a plain white playsuit can look great with a tan, or a simple black playsuit can be layered up with accessories and a statement bag. I think the great thing about playsuits is they are an outfit on their own, without any hassle. The only problem is when you need to go to the toilet, that's when they become a pain!

A pair of simple black sandals are a must this season. They go with any outfit and look effortlessly chic. 

A pair of statement shorts will spice up any outfit. Pair them with a plain top for a simple, yet stylish outfit. I actually own these shorts are they are super comfortable as they are made of a jersey material so they feel like you are walking around in your PJ's, which is amazing. They are also a lightweight material so don't make you feel hot. 

A pair of sunglasses to complete any outfit, as well as keeping your eyes protected from the sun.

Why not change your regular handbag for a backpack this summer? They are comfortable, practical and stylish at the same time. Perfect for festivals or for hand luggage on holiday. 

Hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know your fashion essentials in the comments below. 

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First Impressions #3: Barry M Quick Dry Nail Polish

Another first impression post. Sorry about the lack of post on Monday, but I went out to meet with a friend at short notice and forgot to edit this blog post, but the schedule for blog posts still remains the same. Anyway, I popped into Boots on Saturday to pick up some essentials that I needed to get and some new items I wanted to try out. 

I had heard a lot about these new Quick Dry Nail Polishes from Barry M and knew I needed to try one of them out. I absolutely love painting my nails and buying new polishes to try out, so when I heard about a Quick Dry range, I knew I needed to put it to the test. As most of my nail polish collection is Barry M, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed by the formula and application and I, sure enough, wasn't. 

Sorry about my chipped nails in the picture above!

Barry M Nail Polish in Pit Stop 512 - £3.99
This colour looks grey in the bottle but when applied is more of a grey-lilac colour. 

Packaging: First of all, the packaging of the product is the same as all Barry M nail polishes are, except for the black and white checkered lid. I love the packaging as it is simple, classy and good quality. The black and white lid allows the polish to stand out in my collection, so I am aware that it is a 'special' nail polish.

Description: There isn't really a description at the back of the product. However, on the front of the nail polish it says 'Speedy Quick Dry Nail Paint'. I have to agree with this description as this nail polish does dry very quickly. Once you have completed applying one coat onto your nails, the first nail that you first applied onto will be dry. Obviously it won't be completely bone-dry but it isn't wet either. Once both applications have been applied, after about 5-10 mins your hands should be okay to move around without the risk of smudging. However, just check your nails before doing this.

Consistency: The consistency of the product is very good, just like all Barry M nail polishes are to be expected. Although the first coat of nail polish does appear stringy and patchy and doesn't appear to be very good, however after the second coat, it is perfect. Very opaque, smooth and no patches. Also, the brush on the nail polish is very different from the normal Barry M polishes. The brush is much more spread out, making it easier to apply and coats the nail in one swift movement. This will make it so much easier for those of you who find it hard to apply nail polish anyway. 

Price (reasonable or overpriced): £3.99.  This is a great price for this product. Great quality, application, colour range and the fact it drys quickly, makes it such a reasonable product and is so hassle-free.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Definitely, I have already recommended it to my friend that I met recently and I would recommend it to anyone.

Would I repurchase it?: Definitely, next time I make a trip to a Boots I am picking up another colour.

Verdict: 5/5

Hope you enjoyed this blog post. Do you like the Barry M 'Quick Dry' Nail Polishes and if so what is your favourite colour?

*All opinions are my own and all photos were taken by me.