Mental Health Awareness

On Tuesday 10th October it was Mental Health Awarness and if you've followed me for a long time then you'll know I'm all for sharing your feelings and raising awareness. In my day to day life I come across all different people with and without mental health "problems". I hate that word is there another way to put it? Mental health awesomeness let's go with that one. Some people are probably like I'm sick of hearing about mental health but until we get treated seriously and people stop judging it will be talked about forever!!! Mwahahaha!

Anyway my journey has been absolute hell and I've yet to be diagnosed with a name of my issue. But the main thing for me is I'm living my life as much as I can even when I have really crappy days. 

I'm one of those people that feels the need to help others no matter how many times they shoot me down or use me. Some people really do take advantage of a good heart. But quickly moving on back to the matter at hand I watched a short film where a man had been undiagnosed bipolar, tried to take his life and failed; he described this regret he had just as his hands left the bridge he jumped off. He made a very good point that even attempting to leave this world impacts a lot of people. If I can find the link I will put it here. 

I love talking to you guys online and sharing your journeys whether it's the road to recovery, relapse or just discovering it's okay not to be okay. If I feel I make a difference to just to one person I feel better in myself. Sometimes I do have to give up on some people because I get sucked in a little too much and that effects my mental health and I know it sounds selfish to some people but you've got to look after number 1 before you can help others. I sound a little contradicting but hay hoe. 

Love, Becky. 

Lost In A Book by Jennifer Donnelly

Lost In A Book review 

Well it's been a very very long time for me to do a book review and I'm so glad I can finally do one. As you know I'm a new mum so reading is either impossible or I fall asleep before I get to the next page. So anyway I saw this book in Sainsbury's and thought you know what? It sounds amazing the book cover looks brilliant why not. I must admit it took me a whole two months to read this book but it was such an amazing journey I was never bored. The characters are great you really see them all. I think overall I would rate it 4.5 stars out of 5 and it's very enjoyable. 

More detailed review (spoilers) 

So I went into this book knowing one thing it was in the same universe/ place as Beauty And The Beast. It is my favourite Disney movie so you can guarantee I wanted to read this book. 

We start off with all the lovable character we know such as Mrs Potts, chip, belle and the beast. It begins at the part where belle has no idea she loves the beast and the beast gives her his library. There was one problem with this storyline they made belle out to be a sheltered reader when in fact the true belle loved spending time with Chip and the other servants. When we enter Nevermore it seems completely normal. But the plot gets spoiled very early on when the queen she literally tells the reader what's going to happen. Obviously the ending isn't given away and I did think it was anticlimactic. 

We get to see a different side of belle she is made quite selfish at times. The beast is his normal self but sometimes came across very friendly which was confusing sometimes but it was nice. The rest of the characters were good but not great. 

I would recommend this to people who'll like beauty and the beast; if you don't mind little changes you will like it. I think the book is more aimed at the younger generation just simply because it's easy to read and enjoy. I hope you enjoyed my quick review! I loved the fact I was able to read this book with my little boy around I felt a little bit of normality. 

Love, Becky. 

Panic attacks

#Truthful Mother 

I was in town on a normal day this weekend and felt brilliant. I had my best dress on, my make up looked great and my hair was looking brilliant. Dave constantly complimented me. We met with his mum and everything was brilliant until it turned 12pm. I started feeling so close to people, it was too loud and I had to get out of there. My palms sweaty, breathing heavy, vision blurry and heart racing. Panic attack. 

I basically want to show my best ways of calming down because having anxiety and panic attacks with a baby is really hard. 

Ways I get through it: 

1. Watch your favourite program to distract yourself. I either go with The Big Bang Theory or Friends. I also think it's good to watch movies you absolutely adore, Mama Mia and The Fault In Our Stars are my go to. 
2. Busy yourself with cleaning; cleaning your house or parents house can be very therapeutic and calming. If you chose something where your sorting you can talk to yourself about what's going to go where. 
3. Go on social media; sometimes this may not help as some people don't have the right kind of people online. You need to follow inspiration pages or things that interest you. 
4. Jump in the shower; when it gets too much for me I can normally jump in the shower to distract myself. My partner normally comes in with me to talk about things that worry me and that combination soothes me. 

As a full time mum it can be very hard coping with panic attacks and a small baby; thankfully for me I am on the right medication and I'm getting so much better. I do ask for help if it gets too much but it can be so scary especially when someone needs you 24/7. I try to write down all my feelings and keep my life as stress free as possible which is difficult since I'm moving out soon. Anyway wish me luck! If anyone has any other ways of calming down let me know because I'd love to know. 

Love, Becky. 

Cold Tea, Unread Books And Giggles

#truthful mother 

Alfie's fast asleep, time for tea. I creep out the room downstairs with the baby monitor. I reach the cold tiles in the kitchen heading towards the kettle. I fill it up, boil it. Grabbing my favourite mug with my Alfie moo on the front. My decaf tea in, 2 sugars and a splash of milk. (Side note I'm on decaf because it reduces my anxiety massively). I take the monitor and my fresh brew into the living room turn on the television to catch up on coronation street. 10 minutes in the monitor cackles and boom Alfie's awake. I go upstairs get Alfie out of bed and bring him down. I entertain for hours before his feed time... 

*2 hours later*

Looks at the coffee table at my nice freezing cold tea. 

I'm getting used to having lukewarm tea but I can't drink it cold - bleh! It's like babies know when your about to enjoy yourself. It's the exact same when I try and read my book. I get him down in the day grab my book and boom he's awake again, such a light sleeper. I'd try and read before bed but I'm so tired, I'm not the only one right? 

This might be the downer of being a new parent but the best thing that makes it so much worthwhile is the giggle fits and beautiful smiles you get from them. Alfie melts my heart when he giggles at something I do or even at himself. His favourite thing is doing the twist dance gets him howling! There are loads of down points but so much more good points and there the ones you want to celebrate . 

Until next time fellow bookworms and mummies and daddies! Keep going. 

Love, Becky. 

There is Always More to Say: A Never-Ending Story About an Everlasting Friendship by Lynda Young Spiro

  

So Lynda messaged me on Instagram and asked  me if I'd like to read her novel which was already published but I was delighted non the less. I went into a little research before accepting to make sure that I didn't go for a novel I knew I wouldn't like it. After reading her synopsis I thought it was going to be a novel that I'd adore.

So just to round it up if you are thinking of reading this novel, it's written as these diary entries which I do really like. It is about two friends and we get to follow all the events in their lives from around 1984 to 2014. It obviously follows a deep friendship that deals with the distance between them and getting back together.

The novel has a different tone to other book I have previously read and I'm still not 100% whether I like it. It kind of feels a little like a personal novel in the sense that it wasn't originally going to be published but it was an enjoyable ride of growth in friendship. We do get many flashbacks and that was one of my favourite things to see how everyone got to where they are now.

One point that did let me down was that I kept wanting more towards the end, it wasn't finished on a cliff hanger it just kind of ended. I'm not sure if this was purposely done as the title does state 'there is always more to say' if this is so then well done Lynda it was brilliant to end that way.

I would recommend this novel to be read in the spring/summer - which is now. It definitely warms your heart to read about the friendship. Overall I would rate this 3.5 stars, it's quick, fun and an entertaining read. Thank you Lynda for letting me read your novel.

Love, Becky.

Books And Series I Won't Be Finishing

So there's going to be a little change to my blog since my life's slowing down before our little man is here. With only 19 days to go till Alfie is actually here my life consists of resting, walking, working 2 days and spending as much quality time with my family and Dave. It's obviously not going to be the same but it's definitely going to be an amazing thing that'll happen to us.
I got a bit distracted but basically I will be posting anytime of the week because I simply don't have the organisational skills to keep posting on a specific day.

The actual blogpost

I looked at my TBR shelf in my bedroom the other night and thought I am not happy with some of the books I purchased a LONG time ago. I think as an average book reader you'll probably agree that reading tastes can change dramatically. It's time for that dreaded moment where you have to consider getting rid of some books. I am thinking of selling them as you probably know we need the money.

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. I've actually read this trilogy but I just don't really like the format of these books. They are actually really quick enjoyable reads.

2. The Jewel by Amy Ewig. I have tried to read this book multiple times and it just doesn't appeal to me even though when I read the blurb I fell in love!

3. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. Honestly this book has no umph for me to read so that's why it's going.

4. A Summer At Sea by Katie Ford. This one for me was just because I didn't like the writing style and it kept holding me back so once again this one is going.

5. First Love by James Patterson. I impulsively bought this book based on the cover and it just goes to show it isn't always a good idea. I know for a fact I wont be picking it up.

6. The Lonely by Andrew Michael Hurley. I thought I'd be able to read this but after the nightmares I've been having there is no way I'm going to be able to read it. I honestly need the sleep right now.

7. The Rain by Virginia Bergin. To put it simply I don't want to read this anymore even though the concept seems really intriguing.

8. A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks. I don't enjoy his work, loved the movie and that's what will stay in my collection.

9. The Man In The High Castle by Phillip K Dick. I made the mistake of watching the series so now the book doesn't appeal to me. Also the writing font in the book is awful.

10. Buster by Will Barrow. I do normally love these types of books but with this one I just couldn't get into it.

11. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Miracle. Tried to read it but the writing just wasn't for me. I did try a sample of all the stories but it's just not for me.

12. Rebel Of The Stands by Alwyn Hamilton. I was enjoying this book when I first picked it up but now I just know I wont pick it up so someone else may as well enjoy it.

13. Unravel me by Tahereh Mafi. I did honestly think I was going to enjoy this book and carry on with the series but I just couldn't do it so it's bye bye.

I hope you enjoyed my post, If you have any series/books you wont be reading or continuing with then let me know.

Love, Becky.

Cress by Merissa Meyer

I have been trying to write this review for nearly over 2 weeks. I honestly don't know if I'll be carrying on with this series and I know it's loved by so many people. I was really enjoying the first two books but the third book just felt like it went on forever. It was nice seeing all the characters come together and I must admit the ending was a good cliff hanger but not the best I've read. I would recommend the book because like I said above so many people love it and you might to. I did rate it 3 out of 5 stars. Now, onto my review which will contain spoilers as I want to share ALL my likes and dislikes.

Review (spoilers)

The pacing was definitely a lot slower for me to get through. I did absolutely adore most of the characters apart from Cress, she was just too ditsy for me. When Thorne lost his sight he was still the main motivator all Cress could do was complain. I get the whole she is new to the earthen planet but it was just way over the top, if she could stand up for herself to escape why couldn't she be stronger when it came to surviving? Surprise, surprise Cress got kidnapped and taken away but it was possibly the best place she could have ended up, with Dr.Erland.
The rest of the characters Cinder, Thorne, Dr.Erland, Sybil, Scarlet and Wolf were amazing and their stories/ adventures were great. They were so enjoyable to read and see how much of a good team they all are. The ending was brilliant and we were introduced to Winter briefly.

I think my favourite characters have to be Sybil and Thorne. I just had the biggest crush on Thorne and couldn't believe how much strength he has; he was such a delight to read his parts. The plot was really good even if I didn't really enjoy Cress' parts. I do honestly think if it was faster paced the book could have been smaller as we already knew about the worlds. Merissa Meyer has an amazing talent and a brilliant writing style; I'm not going to be reading Winter any time soon but I will have it read by the end of the year. Hopefully.



If you don't follow me on Instagram then you wont know that I am really struggling to read at the moment. I am working on it and have read a few chapters of Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard so fingers crossed I'm creeping out of it! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my review and if you have a different or same opinion of the book then please feel free to comment down below and we can just talk about it.
Have a great day.
Love, Becky.