OCTOBER 2014 BOOK ROUND-UP

I've decided to post something from my personal life from time to time, and because books and reading takes a great deal of it, this is the October Book Round-Up (quite late for that, right?). I had a lot of free time in October 2014, and in terms of reading, it was a very productive month, so don't be terrified, it doesn't happen that often that I read 2197 (!!) pages in 30 days.

But let's get to the list of my October books:

- Anita Blake #12: Incubus Dreams by Laurell K Hamilton

- Anita Blake #13: Micah by Laurell K Hamilton

- Inferno by Dan Brown

- The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

- Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

- Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger

Because I've read most of these books on my amazing Kindle 5, I can't take pictures of them and am very sorry for that. There will be pictures next time, promise!

ANITA BLAKE #12 INCUBUS DREAMS & #13 MICAH by Laurell K Hamilton

I am totally crazy about these books by Laurell. I've read them all several times but because there are so many of them, it never gets old. If you have no idea what this book series is about, Anita Blake is a necromancer and a vampire hunter who has gotten herself involved with the vampire and lycanthrope community because of her knowledge and skills. I don't want to spoil it for you, but if you don't mind vampires, definitely do try this - sometimes it's a romance, sometimes there's so much action, other times a bit of erotica ... (If you liked 50 Shades because of the erotic scenes, you'll definitely love this.) Don't hesitate and at least try this, it's perfect. I especially love the book #13 Micah - Anita finds herself alone with her lover Micah for the first time, away from everyone and from St. Louis and their relationship gets to another new level.

INFERNO by Dan Brown

I've read all of the previous books by Brown about Robert Langdon and I am fascinated by it. I've started with Angels & Demons and I have to say, it's the one I liked the most until Inferno. Maybe it's because all of Brown's books are very similar - there's always Robert Langdon who meets a woman who helps him unravel a mystery. Inferno isn't that much different from the previous books but I got excited because of the idea of the book - I won't spoil it, don't worry, you'd be robbed of the experience. If you plan on reading Brown, you can definitely skip the first three books and jump right to Inferno, you won't miss anything important, but make sure to come back to the previous ones!

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

Yes, I realize how long it took me to find my way to this book, but it never even occurred to me it would be this good. I mean, everyone told me it's awesome and just perfect but ... there's a lot of other books like this, right? Well, not really. The Fault In Our Stars is an astonishing story about two young people who are also cancer patients. The book is about their life and shows a very different point of view on this entire topic - because we experience the story from the point of view of the ill. It opened my eyes and showed me what these people could be thinking when they know from the first years of their lives that their time on Earth is just a bit more limited than ours. It is a sad story, I've had hysterics during the last twenty percent of the book, and that doesn't happen very often with me (I’ve actually never cried this hard because of a story, be it a book or a movie), but it's also so funny! It really is like crying one second and laughing so hard the next one. I definitely do recommend The Fault In Our Stars but if you don't want to read it, at least watch the movie - it's very similar to the book and is very good, too.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND by Lewis Carroll

I am ashamed and very sorry at the same time - I've never read Alice in Wonderland. Yes, I always knew what it was about, I’ve seen the movie from 2010 (it's not really true to the book, though) but I've never sat down to read the short story about Alice. I've decided to set that right in summer but got to it in October - and I'm really glad I finally brought myself to this. If there is someone among you people who hasn't read Alice in Wonderland, definitely go and read it, it's just something over 50 pages, it's written in really nice English and it has some interesting thoughts. Those of you, who have read it during your childhood, just go, grab your copy and read it again :)

REVENGE WEARS PRADA: THE DEVIL RETURNS by Lauren Weisberger

This was a book I really was looking forward to, I had the publication date highlighted in my calendar so I wouldn't forget (huh, still haven't read it until October!) but it also disappointed me so much. It's true that I idealized the first one, I didn't like Devil Wears Prada so much but it was written so beautifully that I've forgotten about the real story. With Revenge Wears Prada, I was hoping for more scenes with Miranda who would come back and make Andrea's life miserable once again but I was disappointed when there was no sign of Miranda through the first half of the book and even after that, her role wasn't as significant as I hoped. Most of the book was about Andrea's life, about her husband, her relationship with Emily and so on, there wasn't so much about Miranda which I'm very sorry for, it could've been so much better.

Revenge Wears Prada is also the only book I went to buy to a bookstore, so here is the picture:

What have you read recently? Is there anything you’d recommend to me? Thank you all for reading this far and stay tuned for other blogposts x

365 THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTIONS (FEBRUARY)

As you might already know, I decided to do the 365 Thought Provoking Questions Challenge. In one year, you have to answer a question every day - and this is how "February" turned out for me. You can find all the questions here. Also, if I were to highlight one question, it'd be number 20 - so read at least that. x

FEBRUARY

1 What do we all have in common besides our genes that makes us human?

You mean, what do we all have in common besides the fact we look a bit alike? I think the main part is will - animals don't have it but we do and sometimes it's the best think we could have, sometimes it's the worst. We can think for ourselves and do stuff intentionally and with a purpose. Our minds are special.

2 If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for all high school students, which book would you choose?

Oh, this one is hard. I mean, I'd really love to choose Harry Potter, as it changed my life so much, but I'll probably better go either with Inferno by Dan Brown or with The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (it just shows both our history and our future and is such a good read). I hope these books might even make people want to read more if they finish them.

3 Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?

More work I enjoy doing. I mean, I'd still want to have time for my friends, family and hobbies as well, but I'd really love to have a job that I enjoy so much I wouldn't mind spending time there. I mean, I kind of have this now, but it's only a part time job and it won't last forever ...

4 What is important enough to go to war over?

The good of all the people in the world. There's definitely nothing in this world right now that's worth a war, but there we go - war is everywhere you look. Some might even say it's coming for all of us, but I'm an optimist - I hope we'll make the world a better place where war isn't the solution anymore.

5 Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying, definitely, and even though everyone will say this, it's so hard to try and fail that many people might actually think it's better not to try. However, I learned to say yes to things, and if I fail, so what - I'll learn from that and be better next time.

6 When was the last time you listened to the sound of your own breathing?

I don't know actually. It might've been last night when I went to sleep - sometimes I do that to fall asleep more quickly, just focusing on my breathing, relaxing and doing nothing else.

7 What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

Well, for example, I apply my make up foundation with my fingers mostly. Until recently, I haven't actually tried it with make up brushes. (Oops.) But other than that, I don't know - it's so hard to think of something right now! I don't know how other people do things.

8 What does ‘The American Dream’ mean to you?

For me, 'The American Dream' means being poor or not so lucky in your life, and then either earning a lot of money or winning it and spending the rest of your life being happy. I think it's a bit of a fantasy, everyone would want to end up exactly like that, but the most important thing is the journey - the way you get there.

9 Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

Well, this one is hard, but I'll have to go with a joyful simpleton. I just can't imagine my life without being happy and joyous.

10 If you could instill one piece of advice in a newborn baby’s mind, what advice would you give?

Be kind and treat everyone fairly. I'd love it if every newborn baby got that in their minds and never forgot it in their life after.

11 What is the most desirable trait another person can possess?

I think it's the ability to crack a joke, to smile and to be positive about life and future. People just worry too much.

12 What are you most grateful for?

For my family and the life I've got. I wouldn't say I'm luckier than most, but still I had it quite easy in life so far - I wasn't born in Equator Africa, I've never been really hungry and I've always had people around me who loved me. At all times.

13 Is stealing to feed a starving child wrong?

I don't think so but you always have to consider who you steal from. If you're stealing from someone who is also starving, it's wrong, very wrong - if you walk into a supermarket and steal a bread so that your child could live, it's not right either, but I think I might not judge the person if it happened once.

14 What do you want most?

To be happy in life. I'd really love to look back one day and tell myself "I did the best thing, I lived my life to its fullest and I would do nothing differently".

15 Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

I wouldn't say that I'm worried about doing the right things, it just either comes to you naturally or it doesn't. Sometimes it's much harder than just that, but that's life. I worry quite a lot about doing things right, though, which is so shallow of me, but ... well.

16 What has life taught you recently?

Recently? I think that you'll have to be there for yourself. I mean, you can have friends and they might be great friends, but if you're not there for yourself, if you don't want to help yourself, then your friends might just not be able to get you through your life. You have to learn to be happy with yourself before you learn to be happy with people.

17 What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?

Well, this is really hard, there are definitely many things everyone would like to change. I'd just like people to ask questions more - don't always believe what people tell you. There might've been something said on the TV or on the Internet that you believed straight away, and it might not be true. Just don't believe everything you hear and check if the facts are true.

18 Where do you find inspiration?

That's a hard one as well. I get my inspiration from everything I do - sometimes I walk the street and see something interesting, sometimes someone I know says something interesting, and sometimes I just read something on the Internet ... There's not one answer for that question.

19 Can you describe your life in a six word sentence?

"I am just so very happy." That's the 6 words you get. Even though there are hard times, all it takes is to remind yourself that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

20 If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

Because making a mistake is failing - not only failing the others, but also failing ourselves. We like to think of ourselves in some way and if we can't get there, it's hard for us to accept that we're only human beings and that we make mistakes.

21 What impact do you want to leave on the world?

I'd just like to leave some positivity behind - if there's one person that I've made smile, that'd make me happy.

22 What is the most defining moment of your life thus far?

I think it might've been me joining the Internet community when I was about 11 years old. It changed me a lot and I couldn't imagine my life without some awesome people I've met online.

23 In the haste of your daily life, what are you not seeing?

I guess it's the simple things - the sunrises and the sunsets, because if you don't stop, you won't see these things. And I don't mean those things only literally - the small things are everywhere. You might not see the way your mum looks at you when you do something funny or things like that.

24 If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

This is an excellent question and I think it's mostly because people don't realize how short life is. I mean, you get about 90 years if you're lucky - that's not much, is it? But it's quite a lot as well ... The moment someone close to you dies, you realize that life is so very short and most people change - they start doing the things they like and stop doing the ones they don't enjoy.

25 What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

Mostly my best friend or my sister. Sometimes there's just the perfect song for that or I just eat chocolate. Or read a book. It so depends on the situation.

26 Have you ever regretted something you did not say or do?

I think I did, everyone must have. But right this second, I can't really think of anything major. I mean, sometimes I went from home for a week or so and didn't tell my parents I love them, but who didn't feel like that at some point in their lives?

27 Has your greatest fear ever come true?

The thing is, we easily forget the bad stuff that happens to us. So, if you asked me at the time I felt really lonely and left out, I'd say yes. Today, when I feel really happy and positive about things, I'd say no - but what's the right answer?

28 Why do we think of others the most when they’re gone?

I think it's because the second they go, we realize what they've done for us and how happy they made us. It doesn't even have to be death that separates us, it can be a few kilometres and that's it - we instantly think of the small things that made us so furious while they were with us and did them, but when they're gone, we miss them so much.

Hope you've enjoyed this month's answers and that you'll stay to hear about my March. Thanks a lot! x

FASHION IS MY PASSION

Fashion is my passion. I mean, most of the girls like to dress up a bit to look great ... not to make everyone think "oh, she's cool!" but just to feel good. Sometimes, when I'm lazy and do next to no make up, I feel like I have to at least dress up to feel better and confident in my skin. And that's what fashion and make up are for - to have fun and to feel good. You dress up for you and you only.

LINKS IN THIS

CATHEGORY:

• Outfit Inspiration •

HOW TO SPRING?

Hi everyone!

Today I have an outfit inspiration for you. I've gone through a few shops and liked "a few" (as if!!) things, so I decided to put something together and maybe you'll be inspired.

Spring is surely coming our way - that you could've noticed already in all the shops. Pastels popping up, skirts and short sleeved shirts ... But it's still quite cold outside! So how to feel a bit "springy" but stay warm at the same time?

coat - BooHoo, dress & belt & necklace - H&M, nail polish - Sally Hansen, shoes - Topshop

I really like monochromatic looks - most of my clothes are white, black or grey, and these are the colours I loved during winter. As spring is coming, I feel like I need to let go of them, but haven't yet ... Maybe when it's warmer outside? But even though most of the outfit is black or grey, I decided to make it a bit "springy" with a pastel pink coat from BooHoo and Sally Hansen nail polish. Gold necklace and details on the bag and belt feel also a bit wintery to me, but as I said, I'm not over my winter mood just yet.

What do you think about this outfit? Can you imagine wearing it yourself? Or is there something you'd change? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below! Thank you x

MY FAVOURITE ENTERTAINMENT YOUTUBERS

Today I decided to make a list of YouTubers for you. These people down below are popular YouTubers (usually from Great Britain with just one exception) that do funny and entertaining videos. If you've never heard of them, then please, read on. These people might just change your life. If you're lazy picking the first video to watch, just click the link in the end of each description, it'll lead you to one specific video I picked out for you.

CASPAR LEE

Caspar is a lovely YouTube personality. Sometimes it makes me feel very odd when I realize this guy is actually younger than me but achieved so much ... He makes funny videos and challenges on YouTube but shows his golden heart while he does charity as well ... He's just one of the best there are. (And yes, he's my favourite South African.) A video you must watch? This one here.

THATCHERJOE

Every time I Google him, they describe Joseph Sugg as "eccentric" - but he's just Joe! As he says himself, he likes to make fun of himself in his videos and generally makes people laugh so much. As of 2015, Joe shares a flat with Caspar Lee and they often make videos together - #Jaspar. Joe also has the habit of making new and original video challenges which then spread through the Internet like a storm and make him genius. A video of choice? Watch this one.

TYLER OAKLEY

Tyler is probably the most positive person on the whole Internet. He's actually even more positive than I am, and I though that was impossible. Tyler Oakley often advocates for LGBT youths but that's not all that defines him. He's just funny and stylish and makes everyone smile. Everyone. If you don't believe me, just go and watch this video.

POINTLESSBLOG

Alfie Deyes of PointlessBlog was born in Brighton, UK, where he still lives with his girlfriend, Zoe Sugg aka Zoella. Appart from funny videos and challenges on his main channel, he also does daily vlogs where he shows his and Zoe's daily life. Alfie is one of the funniest and nicest people on YouTube. His channel has reached almost 4 million subscribers to the date and it doesn't seem like Alfie's finished yet. A video to watch? Right here, this one.

MARCUS BUTLER

Marcus Butler currently lives in Brighton, UK, with his girlfriend Niomi Smart (also a fellow YouTuber). Marcus has gained 3,5 million subscribers so far while making funny videos consisting of challenges, collabs and sometimes life advice. Even though he's not the biggest prankster on YouTube (that title would have to go to either Joe Sugg or Caspar Lee), sometimes he does that, too. A video I'd like you to watch? This one.

ZOELLA

I already mentioned Zoella when I did a blogpost about beauty & fashion bloggers & vloggers but I feel like I need to mention her here, too. Most of Zoe's videos consist of beauty tips, make up tutorials or shopping hauls but sometimes, Zoe makes quite funny videos herself, usually collabs with other YouTubers. Check out her videos - if you want to be directed to a specific one, pick this one right here.

There are a lot more YouTubers that I'm subscribed to and love watching their videos, it's just that either I'm not that huge a fan of them or I just haven't fallen in love with their videos yet. Maybe if I did this blogpost in a month or even later, I'd have added 10 more people to this list. But for now, that's it.

Thank you for reading this far! If you think there's someone I should definitely add to this list, please leave a comment down below - I wouldn't mind discovering a few other YouTubers. Thanks a lot! x