AllThingsGee

A little magic and sparkle

Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern: A Book Review.

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27th Feb 2021

Happy February!!

We are coming to the end of February and I have had such a good month so many awesome blog tours but it is now time for a book review outside of the blog tours. This is a book that I have been meaning to read for years, as a massive fan of PS I love you and its follow on Postscript, I thought it was about time to catch up on some of her other work. Today’s book post is a review of Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern!

Synopsis:

How can you know someone you’ve never met?

Joyce Conway remembers things she shouldn’t. She knows about tiny cobbled streets in Paris, which she has never visited. And every night she dreams about an unknown little girl with blonde hair.

Justin Hitchcock is divorced, lonely and restless. He arrives in Dublin to give a lecture on art and meets an attractive doctor, who persuades him to donate blood. It’s the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time.

When Joyce leaves hospital after a terrible accident, with her life and her marriage in pieces, she moves back in with her elderly father. All the while, a strong sense of déjà vu is overwhelming her and she can’t figure out why…

My Review:

I have been trying to read more of Cecelia Ahern’s work and I have to be clear this one did not disappoint. What a book!

This book was one of those books that grabbed me from the first chapter as a fan of her work already I had a lot of hope that this was going to be one that you can’t put down. And that is exactly what it became for me. I just had to keep reading to find out what is going to happen to the characters. The stories of the characters is such an interesting view point as they are side by side.
Thanks for the memories is a beautifully told story from the first page to the last.

I loved the diversity of the characters, the pain, the relationships, I laughed until I nearly cried and then I cried when I felt myself feeling their pain and getting a little attached to the characters. This however is one of the things that I loved about the book because my favourite books are the ones where I find myself holding on to the characters.

The story is set mainly in Ireland and it is about two people whose lives cross in a most unusual way and the interactions with their own families and friends. This being said the story also had a touch of fairytale magic in it (again we know I love me some fairy tales), yet was more a story about family relationships than romance
Disclaimer: There are parts to this book that are not factually correct but if you can ignore that then it is still a good read and I enjoyed it despite this.

Star Rating:

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Have you read this book? What did you think?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Marrow Charm- Blog Tour

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26th Feb 2021

Happy February!

We are back today with another amazing blog tour hosted by my favourite @The_WriteReads as always a massive thank you to Dave for having me on this tour!

Such great fun reading this book and we have my second five star rating of 2021… it is shaping up to be a good year for five star ratings.

BBNYA information:

I received this book to read and review as part of the BBNYA 2020 competition and/or the BBNYA tours organised by the @The_WriteReads tours team. All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest (or insert your own standard version of the same). 

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors. 

If you are an author and wish to learn more about the 2021 BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website (https://www.bbnya.com/) or our Twitter account, @BBNYA_Official. If you would like to sign-up and enter your book, you can find the BBNYA 2021 AUTHOR SIGN UP FORM HERE. Please make sure to carefully read our terms and conditions before entering. 

If you are a book blogger or reviewer, you can apply to be part of BBNYA 2021 by filling out this form (also remember to read the terms and conditions before signing up)! 

BBNYA is brought to you in association with the Folio Society (If you love beautiful books you NEED to check out their website!) And the book blogger support group TheWriteReads.

Synopsis:
Azure ‘Azzy’ Brimvine lives in a world decimated by magic, where humans have retreated underground from the overwhelming dangers of the surface. But Below is no safer than Above.

Magic borne plagues continue to eat away at the remaining human cities, a sickness that doesn’t merely kill, but creates aberrations from the stricken: people twisted by magic into something dark, dangerous, and powerful. It is an existence of fear and constant dread. When Azzy’s brother, Armin, is infected and cast out into the Above, she sets out after him, determined to be there for him no matter what he becomes.

The world Above is full of monsters, both wild and cunning, some more human than Azzy was led to believe. Armin is captured and bound for the Auction block of Avergard, a ruthless city of inhuman lords and twisted creatures. To reach him, Azzy must brave the perils of the Above and the chaotic life forms created by the Gate. To reach him, she must find allies and forge new bonds in this broken world.

And Azzy must reach him, before Armin’s new power is used to open the Gate once more.

My Review:

This is one that I was very excited to start reading the moment the opportunity arose the book cover looked so pretty and everyone knows that any book that has some reference to magic is going to be one that should be right up my street. WOW! How right I was.

Marrow Charm by Kristin Jacques is the first book in The Gate Cycle series. The book follows the story of Azzy who lives in the world Below with her brother Armin and their guardian, but their lives are quickly derailed when the Rot infects everyone, and her family is cast out to the world Above. Her brother and guardian face an uncertain and terrifying future at auction when they’re carted away by the Snatchers. This means that alone Azzy must face the dangers of Above if she has any chance of saving her family. Along the way she discovers that actually the differences between the humans and the monsters are not as different as she once thought. Which is worse? That is something that she cannot quite work out.

Marrow Charm has such an incredible vibe whilst you are reading it, the atmosphere created in the world built in this book by Kristin Jacques is one of my favourite parts of the novel.

I like how it is not all like the magic we have read about in so many books this focuses a little more on the negatives of the magic. I think this makes it more attractive to the reader as you do not know what to expect. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of her journey.

I loved getting to read this novel and it in fact became my second five star review of 2021 so far. It is not very often that I give a five star review but 2021 is out here bringing some amazing reads.

Star Rating:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Does this book sound like something you would like to read?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Calico Thunder Rides Again – Blog Tour

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18th Feb 2021

Happy February!!

I hope everyone is well and safe! Again we are back with another #BBNYA2020 #blogtour organised by the wonderful Dave from @The_WriteReads. As always a massive thank you for having me on this tour.

Calico Thunder Rides Again came 7th place in the BBNYA competition. I received this book to read and review as part of the BBNYA tours organised by the @The_WriteReads tours team. All opinions are my own.

Title: Calico Thunder Rides Again

Author: T. A. Hernandez

Published: 5th of November 2019 – Sanita Street Publishing

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors.

If you are an author and wish to learn more about the 2021 BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website here, or our Twitter account, @BBNYA_Official. If you would like to sign-up and enter your book, you can find the BBNYA 2021 author sign up form here. Please make sure to carefully read our terms and conditions before entering.

If you are a book blogger or reviewer, you can apply to be part of BBNYA 2021 by filling out this form (also remember to read the terms and conditions before signing up)!

BBNYA is brought to you in association with the Folio Society (If you love beautiful books you NEED to check out their website!), and the book blogger support group The Write Reads.

Synopsis:

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the Most Fantastic Show on Earth…

Three years ago, the Ban changed everything, outlawing certain forms of magic and bringing about the rise of powerful crime syndicates. Now, speakeasies in every city sell illegal charms and jinxes, and bootleggers traffic restricted potion ingredients across the country. But even in this changing world, the magic of the circus still acts as a wondrous escape and provides entertainment for all.​

Jake Strickland owns one such circus, inherited after an accident ended his career as a rodeo dragon rider. He also inherited the circus’ financial troubles, but since the show became his, he’s slowly managed to turn it into a profitable business once more. Or at least, that’s what he thought.

When a dangerous mobster comes to collect an old debt, Jake resorts to desperate measures to get the money before a strict deadline. With lives and livelihoods at stake, he battles the clock, his responsibilities to the circus, and a longstanding personal grudge that has festered for years. Can he pay back the mob before it’s too late?

My Review:

I started out really not being sure on how I would feel about this book, the cover had me massively intrigued and wanting to read it. This being said I tend to find the idea of the circus incredibly creepy so I was not sure how I would find it.

The story itself reminded me a little bit of The Greatest Showman if it was more of a fantasy filled with magical creatures. We are following the story of Jake who inherits the circus from his father, and whilst there was a mask of everything going well with the circus, however behind the scenes that is not always the case. Jake’s dad is in debt and owes money to a lot of bad people. This soon finds Jake and the circus in a little bit of trouble.

We follow Jake’s story of how he is going to try and save the circus.

This being said this circus was different it was not poorly treated animals it was unicorns (Everyone knows that I love me a unicorn), griffins, dragons and so much more. It was incredibly easy to get lost in the story of the circus and the animals. I definitely found myself routing for the circus to be saved by Jake. I think the author has done an incredible job of making sure that you can feel how much Jake cares about not only the circus but the animals as well. (this earned the story massive brownie points with me.)

Star Rating:

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Does this book sound like one you would enjoy?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Specter – Blog Tour

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8 comments

10th Feb 2021

Happy February!!

We are back with another Blog Tour! Again a massive thank you to Dave @The_WriteReads for having me on this tour! It as always has been an absolute pleasure! This time round we are reviewing Specter by Katie Jane Gallagher.

Specter came 8th place in the BBNYA competition.

I received this book to read and review as part of the BBNYA tours organised by the @The_WriteReads tours team. All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where Book Bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors.

If you are an author and wish to learn more about 2021 BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website www.bbnya.com or twitter @bbnya_official and follow this link to enter! Please make sure to carefully read our terms and conditions before entering.

If you are Book Blogger or reviewer you can apply to be part of 2021 BBNYA panel via this form .

BBNYA is brought to you in association with the Folio Society (If you love beautiful books you NEED to check out their website!) And the book blogger support group TheWriteReads.

Publication Date: July 7, 2019

Publisher: Hidden Bower Press

Genre: YA Paranormal Thriller

About Katie:

Katie Jane Gallagher is the author of Specter and the online, serialized YA fantasy The Gold in the Dark. She is a life-long writer, and her stories feature relatable, realistic characters who get swept up in extraordinary events. An avid reader of YA and genre fiction, she has a self-proclaimed affinity for the best sorts of trash.

Born and raised in Illinois, Katie currently lives in Connecticut with her stupendous, half-human half-neanderthal husband and their dopey boxer dog. She graduated magna cum laude from Connecticut College in 2012, with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature and a minor in history.

Synopsis:

Horror aficionado Lanie Adams should be thrilled when two eighties-era ghosts materialize in her bedroom. Yet after a fainting incident unbecoming of a horror nerd, she would rather her haunting just go away—the ghosts’ waterlogged voices and ice-cold auras are more terrifying than any movie. Enlisting the help of Ryan, an entirely-too-cute stoner, she makes it her mission to put the spirits stalking her to rest.

Some sleuthing reveals that their sleepy Connecticut town is host to a shadowy, decades-old conspiracy. If Lanie wants to say a final goodbye to her ghosts, she’ll need to keep digging. But it’s important to tread carefully. The culprit is still in town—and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

My Review:

Now I will be honest Ghosts are not something I often find myself reading about, purely because I cannot handle horror films with ghosts so the same applies for books. However with this being said Specter was one book that I found myself wanting to read more despite the ghost element to it. I am normally the last person in the world to pick up a horror/thriller book that is like this but as always I find myself being surprised by how much I enjoyed reading Specter just another reason why these blog tours are amazing to be a part of.

Specter follows the main character Lanie and her adventures with being able to see Ghosts.

I loved reading Specter however I must note there were several occasions I found it incredibly chilling and managed to creep myself out. (I refused to read this at night) This being said when I was reading this book I could not put it down. I found myself hooked.

Like always I will try my best to not spoil any of this book within the review, however with this book more than I would normally I think you need to read it whilst not knowing a lot about the plot. I think it allows for a better read and immersive experience. I will warn you though that there are some creepy moments.

This book covers subjects including lucid dreaming which has always been a topic that creeps me out, so for me I think it added more to my experience reading this book. However unlike before I want to know more about the subject.

This is a book I would recommend those who love stranger things to go and check out because I am 99.9% sure you would love this!

Star Rating:

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Does this sound like something you would enjoy reading? If you have read this what did you think?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

5 Things to do to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a Single

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10th Feb 2021

Happy February!

I hope everyone is staying safe and well. I thought I would do something a little different and post something Valentines themed. In all honesty something I have avoided the past few years.

Valentines day as a single is something that I feel is almost a taboo subject. I know that as a teenager well actually up until my 20’s being alone on valentines day always seemed to be a thing we did not want to do. However it is funny how as you grow older this prospect seems less important. As someone who loves to read and often chooses to read romance novels I like to consider myself a little hopeless romantic. However I am the first person to say that my faith in true love is a little shaken. So Valentines day was never a day I really chose to enjoy but the thing is who says you cannot enjoy yourself as a single on Valentines day. We all deserve a little romance in our lives and so what if it is romancing your own life.

I thought I would put together a list of things you could do this Valentines if like me you will be spending it without a partner. 

With mentioning that I am a self proclaimed hopeless romantic it is important for me to note that celebrating love comes in so many different ways. It can refer too many different forms of love. We could be celebrating the love between to people or the love we have for our friends and family. But the most important form of love that is rarely discussed (More discussed in recent years) is self-love because no one deserves love more than the love you feel towards yourself. Be kind to yourself this Valentines Day. You are worth it.

  1. Self-Care

Spend Valentines day having a little pamper. What better day of the year to provide yourself with a little self care. Run yourself a bath with your favourite products, maybe even a bath bomb, set up your favourite candles. And just relax. Treat yourself to a face mask and work your way through your self-care routine. Take some time to spoil yourself because you are worth it. 

2. Do something you love

I feel like this is something that goes with the first one but what better time to do something you love. For me this year that will be a walk along the beach with a coffee, then back home for some food and spend the day watching my favourite movies and reading a book. It will probably be the Bridget Jones movies and then I would assume I will probably read one of my favourite classics. Wuthering Heights. 

3. Celebrate Galentine’s Day.

Get the gang together to do something fun as a group . This year this may look a little different but there is nothing stopping you getting dressed up with some drinks and have a zoom call with your girls. I know Galentine’s is one of my favourite ways to celebrate Valentines’s Day as a singleton. Normally because some of our funniest stories comes from questionable Galentine’s decisions. 

4. Do something Creative: 

It doesn’t matter what you do but take sometime out of your day to do something creative.

Write a poem, bake something, paint, or even just dance around your house to the music you like. Any of this counts as being creative. 

5. Whatever you like:

In all honesty we could sit and list hundreds of ways you can spend Valentines’s day as a single but my favourite ever piece of advice is just spend the day doing whatever makes you feel good. Have a plan or just be spontaneous. Doing whatever you enjoy and makes you feel good is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day.                     

I hope whatever you choose to do this Valentine’s you have a lovely day. And remember single or taken you are loved and truly cherished and if no one has told you today you are amazing, I am proud of you and you are beautiful.

What are some of you favourite ways to spend Valentines? 

Love Always, 

Gee xoxo 

My Favourite Book Quotes About Love

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9th Feb 2021

Happy February!

With Valentines Day just around the corner I thought I would stick with the theme of Love and share with you some of my favourite book quotes that talk about love. I am sure some of these will be expected but maybe I have added someones you would not think about. If you know me you will know I am a sucker for a good romance novel whether this be modern or classic. I think love is one of those beautiful things that will always continue to be interpreted in many different ways. Authors are always brilliant at expressing how we feel in such beautiful wordings it was only right to share with you some of my favourites.

Here are some of my favourite book quotes about love:

As a book lover and someone who could spend hours tucked up in bed with a good book, I think this quote for Hemingway is just stunning. It is such a simple activity and sentence but you can almost imagine being lost in this situation. There is something truly beautiful about a book under the stars.

Les Miserables is one of my favourite books, movies and musicals so it is only right that this is included in my list somewhere. I think there is something so moving yet simplistic about the idea of being loved or having loved being enough. It is plain and simple yet so thought provoking that it really makes you stop and think about the simplest joys in life.

Now it would not be a post from me if I did not include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as one of the quotes. The White Company although not one of my go to books from him has some of the most beautiful quotes in it. This one however stands out as one of my favourites.

Always. How powerful is that one word. I know that all fellow potterheads will agree that Always makes my heart hurt. But it is one of my favourite quotes from the books and the film. It turns out our favourite fellow Slytherin Professor Snape is not a bad human, he just has a broken heart. He is suffering from a case of unrequited love. Unfortunately the person who has his affection fell in love with someone else and then tragically died. When asked “even after all this time?” his simple reply of always is enough to melt the toughest of hearts. It had to be included and forever will be one of my favourite quotes of all time.

I am sure at one point or another, we have all had one person that no matter what you do or what they did, you would always be thinking of them. In fact I am positive that this does not just happen with one person. But I know reading this I had one person that came to mind. However I think it is such a true quote that we can all relate to one way or another.

It is funny that the stories that are best known as stories for children have the most amazing and touching quotes in them. I think Winnie the Pooh is a great example of this, there are so many quotes from Winnie the Pooh that I would not have fully understood as a child but still happen to be some of the most moving quotes now that I understand them. I think this quote is one of my favourites about love because it covers all manners of love not just romantic.

And finally the one I am sure you knew I would be including. For two different reasons, firstly because Wuthering Heights is one of my all time favourite novels and I could read it over and over again. Secondly it is a quote featured in After by Anna Todd and I remember reading this story when it was first released in chapters on Wattpad as a fan fiction. I think that this quote provides a lot of different emotions depending on which you recognise it from, but either way is one of the most beautiful quotes ever. I love the idea that their souls are made the same and therefore has brought them together.

Those are just some of my favourite quotes we could be here forever! I have so many more that I love but these are just some of my favourites.

What are some of your favourite quotes about love?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Ever Alice- Blog Tour!

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3 comments

6th Feb 2021

Happy February!

We are kicking off with a bang! We are back with another Blog Tour! I know it’s been a busy couple of weeks with Blog tours but I am so grateful for the opportunity. And we get to read some amazing books!

I received this book to read and review as part of the 2020 BBNYA competition and the BBNYA tours organised by the TWR Tour team. All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where Book Bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors. If you are an author and wish to learn more about 2021 BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website www.bbnya.com or twitter @bbnya_official and follow this link to enter! Please make sure to carefully read our terms and conditions before entering.

If you are Book Blogger or reviewer you can apply to be part of 2021 BBNYA panel via this form .

Ever Alice finished in 10th place for the BBNYA Awards but was many peoples’ favourite book in the whole contest, after having the opportunity to read Ever Alice it is clear to see why it was a favourite of many.

Synopsis:

Alice’s stories of Wonderland did more than raise a few eyebrows—it landed her in an asylum. Now at 15 years of age, she’s willing to do anything to leave, which includes agreeing to an experimental procedure. When Alice decides at the last minute not to go through with it, she escapes with the White Rabbit to Wonderland and trades one mad house for another: the court of the Queen of Hearts. Only this time, she is under orders to take out the Queen. When love, scandal, and intrigue begin to muddle her mission, Alice finds herself on the wrong side of the chopping block.

My Review:

Okay, so we all know the stories of Alice in Wonderland they are classics, and some of my favourites. However, have you ever thought to yourself what happened to Alice? How did life turn out for her? If you answered yes to any of these this book is the one for you.

I found myself getting lost in her story from the moment I picked up the book, I will be honest to start with I was a little sceptical about having another Alice story due to being a rather large fan of the originals. This does mean however I was proved wrong within in literally pages of reading this book.

Ever Alice takes us into the world of Alice at the age of 15 who had found herself in an asylum. With a desperate need to escape.

My Favourite thing I have to admit is that we get to keep our well known and in my case well loved characters. All the favourite characters from the originals are back such as the Queen of Hearts, the white rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat. However it is a with a lot of excitement I have to tell you we have the joy of being introduced to some amazing new characters too, like Thomas, the Queen of Hearts’ son! I was not ready for new characters but boy am I happy that we were introduced to some.

This book has gained a special place in my heart for continuing on a story I have loved for years, but it is done so well without ruining the magic of the original for me!

This I feel is a book I will be raving about for months to come. I know many people who would adore this book just as much as I did. If you know me well I apologise in advance for the amount I will be discussing this book with you.

Star Rating:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A/N WE HAVE OUR FIRST FIVE STAR REVIEW OF 2021! HOW EXCITING!

Have you read Ever Alice? What did you think? Is it a book you would like to read?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Bad Habits by Flynn Meaney- Blog Tour

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6 comments

4th Feb 2021

Happy February!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful February! How is it February! I hope you are all keeping safe and well. Today’s post is my first Blog Tour of February! February is going to be full of some of the most wonderful books I have read in a while. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of these blog tours. As always I would like to thank Dave at @TheWriteReads for having me on this #UltimateBlogTour it has been a joy to be a part of this tour and I cannot wait to hear what everyone else thinks.

The first blog tour of February is a feminist master piece, obviously we are talking about the comical genius of Bad Habits by Flynn Meaney. *Spoiler Alert- I am a big fan of this*

Title: Bad Habits

Author: Flynn Meaney

Published: 11th of February 2021 – Penguin

About the Author:

Flynn Meaney is the author of The Boy Recession and Bloodthirsty. She studied marketing and French at the University of Notre Dame, where she barely survived the terrifying array of priests and nuns, campus ghosts, and bone-crushing athletes who inspired Bad Habits. Since completing a very practical MFA in Poetry, she works for a French company and travels often between New York (when she’s in the mood for bagels) and Paris (when she’s in the mood for croissants).

Synopsis:

CW/TW: Drug use/Alcohol use/ sex, sexual harassment references/ unsafe sex/ others may be present.

Alex is a rebel from the tip of her purple fauxhawk to the toes of her biker boots. She’s tried everything she can think of to get expelled from her strict Catholic boarding school. Nothing has worked so far – but now, Alex has a new plan.

Tired of the sexism she sees in every corner of St Mary’s, Alex decides to stage the school’s first ever production of The Vagina Monologues. Which is going to be a challenge, as no one else at St Mary’s can even bear to say the word ‘vagina’ out loud . . .

My Review:

Okay where do we start, firstly I am a huge fan of the way Flynn approaches many different feminist issues within this novel whilst keeping the story very comical and easy to read. I tend to be a fan of YA contemporary novels however I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Set in St Mary’s boarding school we follow the story of Alex Heck and her friends as they approach many different issues during their time at school.

If you know me you will know it is likely that I am going to be a fan of a novel with that is filled with feminism and rebellion. However this book is so much more! It approaches the subject in a very quirky way, not only is it easy to read but it still manages to be a book that despite its comical side flows well.

within the novel there are many pop culture and classic literature references which we just know I was going throughly enjoy. I found myself several times actually laughing out loud to parts of this novel.

Who does not love a story that focuses on strong women who have so many thoughts on different Feminist issues. I have read many books that discuss these issues however this is the first contemporary YA that approaches these subjects like this. I love how it still managed to stay as an easy to read and on a regular part a laugh out loud story that we could all relate to. This is a book I will most certainly reaching for again.

Bad Habits despite is comical side filled me with so much warmth, it reminded me of being at school and the mini debates we would have during lunchtimes in our hall, or if we are being completely true in our drama department with some of my favourite people and my favourite teacher ever. Who always made a point to tell us that being able to stand for what we believe in and be true to ourselves is one of the best qualities to have. It is safe to say I am almost certain she would have adored this novel. Maybe I may have to get her to read it and let me know what she thinks of it.

Anyone who knows me will know why this has a special place in my heart and I am going to be recommending this book to people for months I am sure. Especially those of my friends who love reading feminist stories. I have to admit this may be on my favourites list for a while. I also think this is a perfect book for anyone who wants to learn a little more of these issues but maybe do not want to read a hard hit non-fiction on the subject.

Star Rating:

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Does Bad Habits sound like a book you would enjoy? What Bad Habits did you have at school? (we all had them)

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Top 10 Valentine’s Day Films

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8 comments

3rd Feb 2021

Happy February!!

I thought we would add some Valentine’s Day content to the blog this February because who does not like to spread a little love. Today’s post is going to be a list of my top 10 Valentine’s Day films. Whether you are celebrating Valentines Day or Galentines or even just spending it on your own you can never know wrong with a good movie. I mean it is pretty obvious that I will be watching all of these in the lead up to spending Valentines Day with myself and a good book.

Here are some of my favourites:

Notting Hill:

Film Synopsis:

William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is a London bookstore owner whose humdrum existence is thrown into romantic turmoil when famous American actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) appears in his shop. A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair. As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together, they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love.

Okay so we knew it was inevitable that Hugh Grant would feature at least once on this list but Notting Hill is one of my favourite movies of all time and a great film for any hopeless romantics out there that cannot help but wish to bump into someone in a book shop.

10 Things I Hate About You:

Film Synopsis:

Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) is beautiful, smart and quite abrasive to most of her fellow teens, meaning that she doesn’t attract many boys. Unfortunately for her younger sister, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), house rules say that she can’t date until Kat has a boyfriend, so strings are pulled to set the dour damsel up for a romance. Soon Kat crosses paths with handsome new arrival Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). Will Kat let her guard down enough to fall for the effortlessly charming Patrick?

Okay so firstly all I really have to say is Heath Ledger but secondly this is a film that brings back such fond memories of watching it with an old school friend that I knew it had to be included. However I blame this film amongst other things for the go to bad boy ending up being my favourite character in many other books and films. I mean I could watch this film on repeat it is such an easy watch.

Someone Great:

Film Synopsis:

Dumped by her long-term boyfriend, a music journalist recruits her two best friends for one last outrageous adventure in New York City before she moves to San Francisco.

Okay grab your girls, stock up on wine and snacks and stick on this film. I could not find a Gif on the wordpress thing for this film. Instead we have Lizzo and the song that makes up one of my favourite scenes out of the whole film. It is a feel good, break ups suck but you will be fine movie. That leaves you with closure and a boss attitude. Why not spread a little self-love this February.

You’ve Got Mail:

Film Synopsis:

Struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) hates Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), the owner of a corporate Foxbooks chain store that just moved in across the street. When they meet online, however, they begin an intense and anonymous Internet romance, oblivious of each other’s true identity. Eventually Joe learns that the enchanting woman he’s involved with is actually his business rival. He must now struggle to reconcile his real-life dislike for her with the cyber love he’s come to feel.

You cannot help but to love Tom Hanks however lets be clear for a lot of this film I was not sure I would like him but as always you do. You’ve got mail is a classic film and one that you just must see. Again a great film for the hopeless romantics. I normally would watch this film in the Autumn months but it had to be included as one of my favourite romantic movies.

Pretty Woman:

Film Synopsis:

In this modern update on Cinderella, a prostitute and a wealthy businessman fall hard for one another, forming an unlikely pair. While on a business trip in L.A., Edward (Richard Gere), who makes a living buying and breaking up companies, picks up a hooker, Vivian (Julia Roberts), on a lark. After Edward hires Vivian to stay with him for the weekend, the two get closer, only to discover there are significant hurdles to overcome as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds.

It would be just wrong if I did not include Pretty Woman on this list! So it turns out I should have watched this movie a lot sooner than I had but it now sits firmly on the list of favourite films. It is a great example of unrequited love and how sometimes sometimes it all works out for the best. True love can be found in the strangest of situations.

Ghost:

Film Synopsis:

Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) is a banker, Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) is an artist, and the two are madly in love. However, when Sam is murdered by friend and corrupt business partner Carl Bruner (Tony Goldwyn) over a shady business deal, he is left to roam the earth as a powerless spirit. When he learns of Carl’s betrayal, Sam must seek the help of psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) to set things right and protect Molly from Carl and his goons.

PATRICK SWAYZE IS A MUST HAVE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY! We have all at one point had a little obsession with Swayze! Ghost is one of the most beautiful films ever but be prepared that you need tissues and you will cry! I promise there will be tears but it is so worth it. Grab you tissues, wine and ice cream.

Hitch:

Film Synopsis:

Dating coach Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith) mentors a bumbling client, Albert (Kevin James), who hopes to win the heart of the glamorous Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). While Albert makes progress, Hitchens faces his own romantic setbacks when proven techniques fail to work on Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), a tabloid reporter digging for dirt on Allegra Cole’s love life. When Sara discovers Hitchens’ connection to Albert — now Allegra’s boyfriend — it threatens to destroy both relationships.

WILL SMITH! THAT IS ALL! Hitch is one of my favourite movies of all time. It is a feel good laugh along, but it will definitely bring a mixture of emotions but hey it has Will Smith and that is always a bonus in my eyes.

Love Simon:

Film Synopsis:

Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier, it’s a little more complicated. He hasn’t told his family or friends that he’s gay, and he doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.

This film I saw when it was first released in the Cinema and it made me cry buckets but it is such a good film. The ending will melt your heart! Definitely one for the hopeless romantics. I fell in love with this movie and Simon in minutes but the ending is everything! This will always be one of my favourite movies!

Bridget Jones:

Film Synopsis:

At the start of the New Year, 32-year-old Bridget (Renée Zellweger) decides it’s time to take control of her life — and start keeping a diary. Now, the most provocative, erotic and hysterical book on her bedside table is the one she’s writing. With a taste for adventure, and an opinion on every subject – from exercise to men to food to sex and everything in between – she’s turning the page on a whole new life.

ALL BY MYSELLFFFFFFF!!! yep we knew it was coming it is a must have for the list. Because who does not want to watch a movie that is a feel good comedy with blue soup and someone who loves you just the way you are. I love me some Bridget Jones.

She’s the Man:

Film Synopsis:

Viola Johnson (Amanda Bynes) is in a real jam. Complications threaten her scheme to pose as her twin brother, Sebastian, and take his place at a new boarding school. She falls in love with her handsome roommate, Duke, who loves beautiful Olivia, who has fallen for Sebastian! As if that were not enough, Viola’s twin returns from London ahead of schedule but has no idea that his sister has already replaced him on campus.

Channing Tatum is a must have for this Valentine’s Day and this film is such a feel good classic!

There are so many more this list could go on forever but these are just some of my favourites.

What would be on your list?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

The Sunshine Blogger Award

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2nd Feb 2021

Happy February!

Today we are doing something a little different but you know me I love a good tag. Today’s post, I am doing the Sunshine Blogger Award. I was nominated by the lovely Danni @ Forbookssake to do this. Thank you so much for nominating me, I am so so grateful!

How does it work?

  • Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
  • Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

My Questions:

What is your most anticipated read of 2021?

We could literally be on this question for ages there are so many books coming out this year that I would love to get my hands on despite the fact that my TBR list is honestly never ending. I honestly do not know where to start on the list of books I am very much looking forward to this year but one of them that I have spoken about to a friend most recently was A Lady’s Formula for Love – Elizabeth Everett pur

How many books are you hoping to read this year?

I have set a goodreads goal of 150 but I would hope to read more than that! It is the first year I have set an official goals.

What got you in to blogging?

I have always loved reading other peoples blogs and I have always loved writing however All Things Gee was created after a conversation I had with one of my favourite people in the entire world. We were sat in the kitchen having a cup of tea and she gave me the push I needed to do something I had thought about for a while. It turns out we make a pretty cool team when it comes to throwing out ideas. She is always and forever on my list of things I am grateful for.

Who are some of your favourite indie authors?

  • Josie Jaffery
  • Recent addition would have to be H.J. Ramsay
  • I am not sure I would class her as an indie author but I am a massive fan of Sandy Barker

Which one book/series could you reread over and over?

The Rivers of London series or maybe the obvious one for me would be any of the Sherlock. Okay I am aware it says one but also the Harry Potters okay I am done.

What is your favourite TV series?

Now this one is one that it is hard because my go to response would always be Sherlock because WE LOVE SOME SHERLOCK. However this year Bridgerton happened and lets be honest we all know that I have a new favourite TV series. I mean who could blame me we have all seen the duke right?

Which book would you love to see a TV show/movie adaptation of?

I am a huge fan of anything Vampire so I would probably have to say May Day by Josie Jaffery or potentially The Rivers of London series because I cannot explain how much I love that series.

Who is your favourite artist? and what is your favourite work of art?

Oooo this is tough, I do not think I have an answer to this but I like checking out small artists and quirky pieces of art

Library or bookstore?

Again can I put both…. maybe not… so I would have to say Bookstore because I find especially when you find a quirky independent bookstore I can lose myself in there for hours. You never know what you will find.

What is your biggest bookish pet peeve?

Okay so this is hard because its normally the little things but I have to admit I hate when people bend the corners of a book. (USE A BOOKMARK) or when people bend the spine of a book. but I think that one is probably because I am weird and like them to look untouched unless they are second hand old classics because it shows history. Yes yes I know it confuses me as well.

What are your goals for 2021?

Goals for 2021…. I have a few, I would love to hit 500 followers on the blog I feel like that has been a goal for a while but also I would like to increase the amount of books I am reading. Also put out some more content that may not be directly book related.

I Nominate:

My Questions:

  1. What made you fall in love with reading?
  2. Who inspires you the most?
  3. If you could visit one of the worlds from a book where would you choose?
  4. If you could meet one book character and spend the day with them who would you choose?
  5. Favourite book of 2020?
  6. If you could only read one genre for the rest of your life who would you choose?
  7. What you say is the best thing about reading?
  8. You can only watch one movie for the rest of time. What are you choosing?
  9. Who do you think is an underrated author?
  10. If you could go back and give your younger self a piece of advice what would it be?
  11. Favourite thing about blogging?

Again a massive thank you to Danni for tagging me! I had such fun with this. I cannot wait to read everyones answers!

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Weekly TBR – 1st of February!

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1st Feb 2021

Happy February!

I hope you are all having a lovely Monday so far! It is officially February and I have so much exciting content to come this February. We have a month filled with Blog tours. I am guest posting for the wonderful @mindsimplicitybeautyblog which will be out on the 5th of February I cannot wait for you guys to read that post so please head over to her and check it out. Not only that but I will be also putting out some Valentines content because it is the month of love after all. Why not spread some love to my favourite people.

As always we are kicking off this week with a weekly TBR, this week however includes books I have read once before but if anyone knows me they will know it is an obsession and I will be rereading this several times. I thought I would start February off with a couple different books and ones that I have loved forever.

A Study in Scarlet- Arthur Conan Doyle:

Synopsis:

“A Study in Scarlet” is the first published story of one of the most famous literary detectives of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Here Dr. Watson, who has just returned from a war in Afghanistan, meets Sherlock Holmes for the first time when they become flat-mates at the famous 221 B Baker Street. In “A Study in Scarlet” Sherlock Holmes investigates a murder at Lauriston Gardens as Dr. Watson tags along with Holmes while narratively detailing his amazing deductive abilities.

Pre-Read thoughts:

  • Okay let’s be honest we knew a reread of the Sherlock Holmes stories would happen
  • How beautiful is this edition
  • I love how it discusses the friendship between Sherlock and Watson (what a duo)
  • Sherlock’s London is the cutest little chapter about the locations within this novel and how Arthur Conan Doyle decided where it should be set
  • Are we going to watch the films and the BBC series again after reading this ABSOLUTELY!
  • Yes I have an obsession

Mad about the boy – Helen Fielding:

Synopsis:

Move over, Bridget Jones’s diary: She’s back, and this time she’s texting and tweeting. . .
Fourteen years after landing Mark Darcy, Bridget’s life has taken her places she never expected. But despite the new challenges of single parenting, online dating, wildly morphing dress sizes, and bafflingly complex remote controls, she is the same irrepressible and endearing soul we all remember—though her talent for embarrassing herself in hilarious ways has become dangerously amplified now that she has 752 Twitter followers. As Bridget navigates head lice epidemics, school-picnic humiliations, and cross-generational sex, she learns that life isn’t over when you start needing reading glasses—and why one should never, ever text while drunk.
Studded with witty observations about the perils and absurdities of our times, Mad About the Boy is both outrageously comic and genuinely moving. As we watch her dealing with heartbreaking loss and rediscovering love and joy, Bridget invites us to fall for her all over again.

Pre-Read Thoughts:

  • It is important to note I am a huge fan of Bridget Jones and in fact the movies are ones I have watched on several occasions
  • I will be listening to All by Myself whilst reading this book. (someone bring the wine and ice cream) It is only right
  • I have never managed to read this book the whole way through…. I will this time I swear
  • As you get older you really do start to relate to Bridget more.
  • As with Sherlock I will be off to go and watch the movies again and well who does not want to fall back in love with Mr Darcy….. Although I must state I am a sucker for Mr Daniel Cleaver (IT IS HUGH GRANT I AM NOT SORRY) and yes I know this book is after all that but one must watch all the films

I will be giving a run down of these books on Friday maybe even a review if I get to finish them.

What are you reading this week?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

White Trash Warlock- Blog Tour!

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28th Jan 2021

Happy January!

As January comes to an end, I have to let you guys know how excited I am for February! We have some massively exciting things coming on All Things Gee. With that being said todays post is another Blog Tour. Today is my spot on the White Trash Warlock tour! As always I would like to thank both Dave from The Write Reads and David R. Slayton for having as part of the tour! As always it has been an absolute pleasure.

The Banner once again is the amazing work of Noly who I feel I just rant and rave about a lot but she is amazing so I am not sorry.

Book: White Trash Warlock

Author: David R. Slayton

Published: October 13, 2020

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:

Adam Binder hasn’t spoken to his brother in years, not since Bobby had him committed to a psych ward for hearing voices. When a murderous spirit possesses Bobby’s wife and disrupts the perfect life he’s built away from Oklahoma, he’s forced to ask for his little brother’s help. Adam is happy to escape the trailer park and get the chance to say I told you so, but he arrives in Denver to find the local magicians dead.

It isn’t long before Adam is the spirit’s next target. To survive the confrontation, he’ll have to risk bargaining with powers he’d rather avoid, including his first love, the elf who broke his heart.

The Binder brothers don’t realise that they’re unwitting pawns in a game played by immortals. Death herself wants the spirit’s head, and she’s willing to destroy their family to reap it.

My Review:

So we are almost at the end of January and we are ending January with a blog tour and a review of possibly one of the most enjoyable reads of the year so far.

Let’s start with the main reason I loved White Trash Warlock it is a fantasy novel which we all know I love, the story addressed so many different aspects of all the things I love about fantasy novels. There was magic, spirits and everything you could need to transport you into a fantasy world.

Now I love a lot about the characters within this book but one of my favourite things is how much that my favourite characters Adam shows how powerful it can be to make sure that you are being yourself at all times.

I think this book has a lot of opportunity to spark motivation and inspiration within its readers as the series go on. Being true to yourself is such an important lesson to teach and I think Adam is a brilliant example of this.

I love how Adam’s sexual orientation is discussed within this novel, it shows how challenging it can be to live somewhere which is against and not the most supportive of who you are but he still carries himself in such a manor where it is hard for him not to be your favourite character.

Overall this novel surprised me and makes me remember why I love being a part of these blog tours because I always find something new and to read things I may not have picked up before.

If you love a book that has a little something for everyone but still keeping a story running this is the one for you.

Star Rating:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

What are your thoughts on White Trash Warlock? Is it something you would enjoy?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Weekly TBR!

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25th Jan 2021

Happy January!

I hope you are all having a lovely Monday so far! We are back on track this week with a weekly TBR! Again I have tried to make sure I am keeping to my reading schedule but still being realistic so I am only putting two books on this weeks TBR!

This weeks books are books that have been picked up in the local book boxes so are definitely books I should have read sooner.

I Don’t Know How She Does It – Allison Pearson.

Synopsis:

Delightfully smart and heartbreakingly poignant, Allison Pearson’s smash debut novel has exploded onto bestseller lists as “The national anthem for working mothers.” Hedge-fund manager, wife, and mother of two, Kate Reddy manages to juggle nine currencies in five time zones and keep in step with the Teletubbies. But when she finds herself awake at 1:37 a.m. in a panic over the need to produce a homemade pie for her daughter’s school, she has to admit her life has become unrecognizable. With panache, wisdom, and uproarious wit, I Don’t Know How She Does It brilliantly dramatizes the dilemma of every working mom.

Pre-Read thoughts:

  • I definitely think that it is going to be an easy read chick-lit
  • After reading some reviews (we all do it) I feel this is a book you would enjoy more from the prospective of someone who has children. However I love a good chick-lit so we shall still be trying this out.
  • I have found it has been turned into a film….. I shall be watching this also.

Dear Life – Alice Munro:

Synopsis:

Alice Munro captures the essence of life in her brilliant new collection of stories. Moments of change, chance encounters, the twist of fate that leads a person to a new way of thinking or being: the stories in Dear Life build to form a radiant, indelible portrait of just how dangerous and strange ordinary life can be.

Pre-Read Thoughts:

  • I feel like I will find myself getting lost within this book
  • The cover is so simple yet so gorgeous
  • I love reading about the things that have lead to people changing so I feel like I will love this.

I will be giving a run down of these books on Friday maybe even a review if I get to finish them.

What are you reading this week?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

🌊The Power of Letting Go: A New Wave🌊

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22nd Jan 2021

Happy January!

As January comes to an end I thought I would include some different content and start a mini self care/self love series. I thought that as someone who loves to read the words of others I would share with you some words of my own. This one holds a strong place in my heart I hope you enjoy!

Sitting here on the beach staring in to nothingness.
For the first time in forever with No headphones, no book to get lost in. Just me, myself and I. I have time to think. Maybe not think, reflect is a better word.
I have always struggled to let things go. Whether it be people, memories or mere moments that have had an impact on my life…


But as I sit watching the ways flow in and out I begin to understand the power of letting go.
The waves deposit new stones on the shore front by sweeping away the memories of the ones before.
Just like the start of a new day, we don’t know what each wave is going to bring.
But isn’t that just the magic of an everyday thing.
We never know what tomorrow will bring.
So why hold on to the things that chain us to the memories and worries of the day before.
Why do we not act more like the waves that sweep in day in day out and lest that it is okay to let go of the negatives.
Letting go of the negatives brings room to fill our lives with the magic of the unknown.

I know it’s hard… I struggle just as much as you. But when it gets tough and the thoughts of the past that don’t bring us warmth and abundance just get a little to loud.
Picture yourself sat on your favourite beach or anywhere that makes you feel safe. Picture the waves drawing in and out but every time they wash out to sea let it take with them all the memories.
The ones that fill you with dread and anxiety. The ones that do not have a place in the life you wish to create. Watch them wash away with every wave that is drawn back into the sea. And with every new wave picture everything that feels you with warmth and happiness. Things that bring you joy and motivation.
For you are in control of your own destiny let it be the one you spend your days day dreaming of!

It is okay to let it go!

Let me know what you think of this! It is a little different from me and I would love your feedback.

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

The Unadjusteds- Blog Tour

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18th Jan 2021

Happy January!

I hope you are all staying well and safe! Today we are back with the first blog tour of the year! How insane is that! As always I want to say a massive thank you to Dave @thewritereads for having me on this tour! As always you are amazing. Also a massive thank you to Marisa Noelle for also having me on this tour!

Also as always the incredible banner is by the wonderful Noly, Who we all know I just adore.

*A/N This blog post was meant to go up on the 13th of January but we had a few technical difficulties. Therefore we are a little delayed*

Title: The Unadjusted

Author: Marisa Noelle

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, SciFi

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Silver Melody lives in a world where 80% of the population has modified their DNA. Known as the altereds, those people now possess enhancements like wings, tails, and increased strength or intelligence. Although Silver’s parents created the nanite pill used to deliver these genetic modifications, Silver is proud of her unadjusted state.

However, when the president declares all unadjusteds must take a nanite, Silver has no choice but to flee the city with her father and some friends to prevent the extinction of the unadjusteds.
With Silver’s mother in prison for treason, Silver’s father is the unadjusteds’ only hope at finding a cure. 

But time is running out as Silver’s father is captured by the president’s almost immortal army. Vicious hellhounds are on Silver’s trail, and her only chance to recover her father involves teaming up with a new group of unlikely friends before all humanity is lost.

My Review:

The Unadjusted is not a book that I would normally pick up off the shelf, however I am very glad that I got to take part in this blog tour.

One of the main things I enjoyed most about The Unadjusted was the mix of science fiction and fantasy that was managed to be included within a dystopia setting. I loved the way that this book just seemed to be a little quirky and different, it included fantasy creatures but they were not your typical magic creatures. I think this gave the novel a little bit of an edge which made me want to read on. This and the plot of the book just had me hooked. You are not only reading about the different mutations of the ‘creatures’ but also you get to attach an emotional connection to the characters as you are finding out what is effecting them in the background.

As always I want to reduce the amount of spoilers in my reviews but I feel that it is important to note that for someone who is not the biggest sci-fi fan this book is one I could feel myself picking up again and re-reading as it was so easy to get into. The characters and the story have great development without making it too complicated to read. It is very well written in this sense.

I found that The Unadjusted was an easy read, the author writes the story so well that it makes it very easy to read it in a short time period. Due to this I feel this would be an amazing book for those who may not read a lot of books of this genre but want to get into reading them. Or for those who enjoy this genre but never seem to have the time to read them.

I have not read anything by Marisa Noelle before but I know this will not be the last time I turn to pick up on of her works.

Star Rating:

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Does this sound like a book you would enjoy?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

The Anonymous Bookaholic tag

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13th Jan 2021

Happy January!

I hope everyone is safe and well. Today, I thought we would have a little fun this Wednesday and so I am doing the Anonymous Bookaholic tag. I was tagged to do this a couple of days ago by the wonderful Danni @_ForBooksSake. Thank you for the tag I had so much fun answering the questions it has been a while since I have done a tag.

1 – What do you like about buying new books?

I cannot be the only one who just loves being able to spend time browsing the bookshops. I think that one of my favourite things about buying new books is that I know I will always leave with an unexpected purchase.

2 – How often do you buy new books?

Honestly not as much as I would like to but I would say at least ones a month.

3 – Bookstore or online book shopping: which do you prefer?

BOOKSTORE! There is nothing like a good browse around a bookshop. As sad as it sounds bookshops are one of my favourite places to be and often to people watch because I find it so interesting to find out what people are buying.

4 – Do you have a favourite bookshop?

Oh I have so many favourite bookshops but I must admit that the Boon Books bookshop in Lewes is one of my favourites. Also the 15th century bookshop in Lewes if I happen to catch it when it is open. I also really love the City Books bookshop in Hove they always have the most beautiful window displays and the nicest staff.

5 – Do you pre-order books?

very rarely but if it is a book by someone I know I like I may pre-order

6 – Do you have a monthly buying limit?

Nope. I should but it is also very rare that I will go on a massive book spree, as I mentioned before I do not buy books as often as I would like to.

7 – How big is your wishlist?

In all honesty we know it is forever growing so at this point who knows

8 – Which three books from your wishlist do you wish to own right now?

Only 3 AHHHH okay let me think…. I would have to go for

  • The Bridgerton Books because I hate to admit it but I am obsessed with the series and must have more of the Duke immediately
  • A Discovery of Witches – Deborah Harkness
  • Women Don’t Owe You Pretty- Florence Given

I’m Tagging:

I hope you all have a great week.

Let me know what 3 books from your wishlist would you chose?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

The Apothecary- Maile Meloy

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7th Jan 2021

Happy January!

Well what a week it has been, the craziness of 2020 continues and with plans slightly changing this week, it means I have more time to create content for All Things Gee. So just bare with me whilst I figure out a more put together schedule for things over here. I thought today I would give you a little review on a book featured on Mondays Weekly TBR because it turns out I finished it a lot quicker than I thought I would.

My Pre-read thoughts:

This is a book that I figure will be up my street because who does not love a little bit of magic and a little bit of drama. I am looking forward to learning a little more about Janie Scott and her story!

Synopsis:

Janie Scott has just moved to London from sunny lA, and she’s finding it forbidding, dreary and cold. That is until she meets Benjamin Burrows who dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin’s father – a mysterious apothecary – is kidnapped, he entrusts Janie and Benjamin with a powerful book, full of ancient spells and magical potions.

But there are others who seek the book’s secrets- spies in possession of nuclear weapons that could destroy the world…

My Review:

Firstly this book is magical not only is there magic there is a case to be solved and a little mystery. We all know that this is something I love within a book. I must admit I was not expecting to enjoy the book as much as I did but I was hooked from the moment I started reading. Resulting in a late night and finishing the book within a day. Whoops. This being said due to the book being set in 1952 the magic is somewhat over taken by the explosions and the issues they face possessing The Apothecary book. However, it is very interesting to read children’s book set in these times it is not something we see very often.

This children’s book is one that may not be the favourite of many adults due to the amount of questions you are left with but I have to admit I love that it is a little quirky and something different for people to read. This is one that could be easily shared among the family no matter your age.

The book includes the most charming pencil illustrations by Ian Schoenherr’s which open each chapter and are sprinkled throughout the text. The reason I think they work so well is they bring the story to life whilst leaving the depictions of the main character completely up to your imaginations.

One thing I love about this is that there are both male and female characters who equally have their share of the story allowing it to appeal to more people.

Yes the book does leave you with a few questions but if you are willing to ignore this and just enjoy the book for the story provided. You will love it. Again another book I would be happy to recommend to my nephews in a heartbeat.

Star Rating:

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Have you read The Apothecary? What did you think?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Weekly TBR!

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4th Jan 2021

HAPPY JANUARY!!

I hope that you are having the best start to 2021 you can in this current madness! To start with the new posting schedule I thought I would share with you what I will be reading this week. There is only two books on this weeks TBR but that is because uni work is currently having to take over from reading for a couple weeks. I thought for the first week I would choose two books that have been on my TBR for months.

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy:

The first book on this weeks TBR is The Apothecary by Maile Meloy! This is a book I picked up on a spontaneous trip to Lewes a few months back but fell completely in love with the cover and the synopsis!

Synopsis:

Janie Scott has just moved to London from sunny lA, and she’s finding it forbidding, dreary and cold. That is until she meets Benjamin Burrows who dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin’s father – a mysterious apothecary – is kidnapped, he entrusts Janie and Benjamin with a powerful book, full of ancient spells and magical potions.

But there are others who seek the book’s secrets- spies in possession of nuclear weapons that could destroy the world…

Pre-read thoughts:

This is a book that I figure will be up my street because who does not love a little bit of magic and a little bit of drama. I am looking forward to learning a little more about Janie Scott and her story!

The Man Who Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh:

The other book on this weeks TBR is The man who didn’t call by Rosie Walsh. When I say this has been on my TBR list forever I mean it was one of the first books I purchased of 2020. So I will finally be able to review this! Ticking it off my TBR.

Synopsis:

Imagine you meet a man, spend seven glorious days together, and fall in love. And it’s mutual: you’ve never been so certain of anything.

So when he leaves for a long-booked holiday and promises to call from the airport, you have no cause to doubt him.

But he doesn’t call.

Your friends tell you to forget him, but you know they’re wrong: something must have happened; there must be a reason for his silence.

What do you do when you finally discover you’re right? That there is a reason – and that reason is the one thing you didn’t share with each other?

The truth.

Pre-read thoughts:

I must find out why he didn’t call. I love a good romance book however this novel had me hooked at how many twists and turns the book is set to have. I am very much looking forward to finding out the truth.

Have you read any of these? What are you reading this week?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

2020 WRAP UP!

allthingsgeexo

8 comments

1st Jan 2021

Wow what a year 2020 has been! It has been a crazy year and with all that being said I thought it would be a good way to end the year with a little wrap up of some of my favourite things of the year!

Firstly I have to note that we ended 2020 with 237 of you guys following the blog and I could not be more grateful. Sending Hugs to you all! I thought a good way of wrapping up the craziness that was 2020 would be to share with you all some of the best bits of the year for me!

Favourite books of 2020:

Amari and the night brothers

I have obviously linked to my blog tour review of this book but WOW just WOW! It would have been wrong not to include this one because it is just everything I never knew I needed in a book and will be a book I recommend forever!

May Day

Listen it has VAMPIRES and a confusing relationship. What is not to love. We know by now that I love me some vampires but through in a complicated relationship that you should not ship along with a case that needs solving. You know I am going to love it! Super excited to read the second book in the series.

I could spend hours discussing my favourite books from 2020 but we would be here forever so limiting to two seems smart!

Favourite blogs of 2020:

This year I have found so many new blogs that I have been loving so I thought I would share with you some of my favourites!

Andonshereads:

Like me Andonshereads is a book blog but they are also one of the nicest people ever and it would be wrong not to include this lovely lady!

The Artsy Reader:

Oh Noly! you know how much I love you and it was only right to include you on this favourites list for not only an incredible blog but for being a wonderful friend!

Holly loves books:

Holly has been a blog I have loved since day one so it was only fair we mention her again and her constant support and friendship does not go a miss!

Serenity Places:

Well we all know I love my Emily and her blog so obviously it would be included!

Mind Beauty Simplicity:

This is a blog I was lucky enough to find towards the end of 2020 and obviously have to share it with you all.

My Endless Critic:

Again one I found at the end of 2020 but just had to be included. Mia you are the most lovely person I have met thank you for all your support!

Olivia Lucie Blake:

Another sweetheart that just had to be included! Her blog is so aesthetically pleasing!

The Write Reads Gang:

I just had to include a little shout out to the wonderful book twitter peoples and more specifically the group chat of the write reads gang, never have I met a group of more supportive people who are as insane and weird as I am. I could not be more grateful to be a part of the group of weirdos. From the unreal amount of support you guys provide All Things Gee to the amount of bear hugs and love that is shared you guys are the best and something I am so grateful to be taking into 2021 with me.

Some Bookish Goals for 2021:

  • Read out of my comfort zone
  • Take some Bookish trips
  • Read more books than 2020
  • Focus on All Things Gee a little more
  • Read more genres.

Happy New Year! I hope 2021 is full of magic for every single one of you! I am super excited to share with you the things I have planned for 2021!

What was your favourite thing about 2021?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Amari and the Nightbrothers – BlogTour

allthingsgeexo

4 comments

21st Dec 2020

Happy December!

We are back with Blogmas Day 21 but with something a little different we have another Book Tour but for a book I have been so excited to get my hands on! The newest Magical universe! Amari and the Nightbrothers! Once again I would like to thank Dave at The Write Reads for getting me involved in this tour! One of my favourites to date! I would also like to say thank you to B.B.Alston for having me on the tour and for writing a book I didn’t know I needed in my life but most certainly couldn’t live without!

*Disclaimer I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis:

Amari Peters knows three things.

Her big brother Quinton has gone missing.
No one will talk about it.
His mysterious job holds the secret . . .

So when Amari gets an invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain this is her chance to find Quinton. But first she has to get her head around the new world of the Bureau, where mermaids, aliens and magicians are real, and her roommate is a weredragon.

Amari must compete against kids who’ve known about the supernatural world their whole lives, and when each trainee is awarded a special supernatural talent, Amari is given an illegal talent – one that the Bureau views as dangerous.

With an evil magician threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is the enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton . . .

Review:

WOW! In all honesty that is the only word to start of this review! I am astonished at how amazing this middle grade novel is! Anyone who knows me knows that I am always down to read books that are based around magic and a kick ass female character and let’s be honest Amari and The Night Brothers has this in abundance. There is so much I want to talk about with this book but I know that there is a high chance this will spoil it for everyone else so I am going to do my best to stop any spoilers!

I’ve seen it being comparied to Harry Potter, and for me, I can see where they come from but this book for me stands out on its own. Anyone who knows me knows that HP is something I am a little obsessed with! (Full Fledged Slytherin here!) But Amari and the nightbrother’s brings me into a completely new world of magic, mysteries and Weredragons YES I REPEAT Weredragons. This was something I didn’t know I needed but to be incredibly clear Weredragons are needed in my life.

Amari is an amazing protagonist, with one of the most distinct voices I’ve ever read, and her story from the moment we meet her sat outside the headteacher’s office is one I just new I was going to be invested in! I genuinely think we could use more characters like Amari! I love how Amari was introduced. The book would have been very different without her because she is quite literally the voice of the book! Amari captures your attention, but the rest of the cast are just as well written and developed and so believable as characters, and all are essential to the narrative in some way or the other.

I loved that although the magical elements were hidden from the ‘real’ world throughout this book they are woven into the ‘real’ world and we get to see how they are hidden! This is so so clever and possibly one of my favourite parts of the book.

This is a must add addition to anyone’s bookcase, adult or a child because everyone needs the magic contained in these pages. Who does not want to get lost in a world of magic, imagination and just pure incredible writing! I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for this series and I will be making sure this is a book I recommend to my Nephews and little step sister to read because I just know they will love it.

This has quickly been added to my favourite books of 2020 list!

Stars:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Does this sound like a book you would like to read?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Favourite Things About Christmas- Blogmas Day 14!

allthingsgeexo

4 comments

14th Dec 2020

Happy December!!

We are officially into the second week in Blogmas! How quickly has it come around! Today’s post is all things Christmas and most specifically my favourite things about Christmas! Although Christmas this year is going to be slightly different I have still included some of my favourite things to do around Christmas time which unfortunately this year we may not be able to. As you know this is my favourite time of the year so I love a lot of things about this time of the year but I thought I would keep it to a minimum. I hope you enjoy!

One of the main things I love about the Christmas period is how everything just more cosy and you get that warm feeling. (maybe it’s just me) but I am at my happiest when I can bring out the unnecessary amount of candles, and fairy lights and have my room full of Christmas decorations! Yes, I go to the extreme of having Christmas bedding and a lot of blankets but who doesn’t love curling up in a cosy bed with a hot chocolate and a Christmas film. This year this has been taken further as I have decorated my my first apartment! Just to be clear the decorating started at the beginning of November!

One of the main things I love about the Christmas period is how everything just more cosy and you get that warm feeling. (maybe it’s just me) but I am at my happiest when I can bring out the unnecessary amount of candles, and fairy lights and have my room full of Christmas decorations! Yes, I go to the extreme of having Christmas bedding and a lot of blankets but who doesn’t love curling up in a cosy bed with a hot chocolate and a Christmas film.

Had to include this pic again this year because we all know I am missing my fellow Christmas Elf this year.

Speaking of Christmas films they are definitely another reason why I love Christmas and I will honestly start watching them from like mid-November! I have way too many favourite Christmas films but one that is always a tradition in my family to watch normally on Christmas Eve is A Muppets Christmas carol. Which is 100% one of my top favourite Christmas films.

The food… we can not argue that the excuse to have whatever food you like because it is Christmas is not the best thing about Christmas! That and the fact you can have multiple roast dinners in a week and no one can judge you!

This was last years little housemates Christmas and will forever be my favourite times of the year!

Another thing I love about Christmas is the number of things there are to do that put you in such a festive spirit. The markets, ice skating, Christmas Lights, Christmas Shopping! The list could honestly go on forever! However this year things are unfortunately a little different which means that these things will not be the same. It does however mean that next year these things will all be so much more special and fun and let’s be honest we all know I am going to be literally like a kid.

Lastly, the best thing about Christmas for me is being able to spend time with my friends and family. Sometimes life gets busy and we do not have the opportunity to do this as often as I would like to. Again this year that is super different however I cannot wait to be able to see all my family and friends again. However it has meant that I have actually written Christmas cards out this year!

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

Love Always,

Gee xo

Christmas Gift Guide (Small Businesses)- Blogmas Day 12

allthingsgeexo

3 comments

12th Dec 2020

Happy December!

Welcome to Blogmas Day 12! Today’s post is a Christmas Gift Guide. With only 12 says left until Christmas Eve it seemed like the perfect time to share with you something that I have wanted to put into Blogmas for a while but was not sure of where to put it. I have decided that this year I was going to do my best to include as many different small businesses in the gift guide as I feel that especially this year it is so so important to support our small businesses.

*It is incredibly important for me to note that a couple of business I have included here are some people that are my friends and one case is a small business I currently have the pleasure of working with, however all of my opinions are mine and I would not be including them if I did not think they deserved a spot*

Happy Christmas Shopping!

Candles/wax melts:

Serenity places

Anyone who has been following me for a while will know home much I love the gorgeous Emily and how proud of her I am, however if you have been following me over the last few months you will know that one of the things I love about her are her amazing candles she has brought out! If we are being real who does not want a candle for Christmas I know I would. All candles are also vegan friendly which is incredible!

I believe the 16th of December is the last day she is posting products to get to you in time for Christmas so why wait?

I have attached links to all social media and her store and I would love it if you guys could check her out for me!

Instagram:  Serenity Places 

Shop: shop here 

Inside the fragrance:

Again anyone who has been following me over the last few months will know just how much I love these wax melts and let me tell you the Christmas scents are insane but Alisha literally has a scent for everything. One of the things I love about these wax melts is quite how long the scents last they do not seem to wear off as quickly as others I have tried but they are also not to over powering.

How cute would these be as a little extra gift for Christmas or even a stocking filler. I know my Christmas would be made!

Once again I have attached all social media links and would love for you to head over and check her out.

Twitter: Inside The Fragrance/ Inside the Voyage

Instagram: Inside The Fragrance

Books/Poetry:

Poems By Post

*Disclaimer- I have the absolute pleasure of working as part of the team at Poems by post at the moment. However, my thoughts and feelings of this are my own and if you know me you will know I am a little obsessed.*

Poems By Post is a subscription service which was created by a street poet called Alex during the first lockdown. This platform has been created to support the arts, small business and also has donated to several different charities. The platform was created to give a voice to the arts and to small business, whilst really trying to champion their voices.

Poems by Post is a subscription service where you can receive a Poem typed up on a type writer and a newsletter with all the information you could want about the artists, small businesses and charity of the month that you would be supporting. The poet changes every month and through the newsletter you can hear the poem spoken by the poet themselves which I think is a really cool little addition.

As someone who has friends who work within the arts or have had that opportunity taken away from them by the pandemic I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of! I am extremely grateful to Alex for taking me on as part of the team. This being said I just knew it was something I needed to feature on this years Christmas gift guide.

Anyone who loves literature, art, poetry or even just the idea of being able to support small businesses will love this platform. I know I do. As someone who does nothing but read it is something I had to tell you all about!

Who doesn’t want to support artists, support small businesses all while getting a beautiful poem to read. Why not gift it to a friend or family member. Anyone looking for something a little quirky this year why not gift poetry and make someones Christmas!

All social media links and the link to the website have been listed below:

Instagram: Poemsby.post

Twitter: PoemsByPost

Facebook: PoemsByPost

Website: Poems by Post

Other little ideas:

Alongside these wonderful people there was a few more people that I knew I wanted to be involved in today’s small business gift guide.

Connie & Cooper:

I found Connie & Cooper Catering a few weeks ago and I loved the idea they have of being able to have afternoon tea delivered to your door. Who doesn’t want that in their lives. They also do the most amazing looking themed picnics, brownies and cakes.

They have so many different things that I think would make amazing Christmas presents that are not ‘traditional’ presents. know I would love to get one of their afternoon teas for Christmas.

All links are below:

Instagram: Connie & Cooper

Twitter: Connie & Cooper

Website: Connie & Cooper

The Crystal Therapy Shop:

Again you all know how much I love Lorraine and her little store located in the Open Market in Brighton but she also now has an online store.

Not only does Lorraine sell everything from candles, crystals to Tarot decks she also offers a wide range of sessions you can have with her. I personally have visited Lorraine on many occasions for Tarot Readings, and Crystal healing sessions. And we all know I will be heading back!

Where better to get a Christmas gift for the special person in your life who is obsessed with all things magick and Crystals.

Once again all links are included below:

Instagram: Crystal Therapy Shop

Website: The Crystal Therapy Shop

Like I care – Anxiety busting pots:

This is something I wanted to include for several different reasons. Firstly good things take time is a saying that is frequently used within my friendship group so I love that it is on these pots. Two Soph over at LikeICare blogs is one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting through this blog. So I knew I had to share with you her incredible idea of Anxiety busting plant pots.

When you buy a box, you will receive a plant pot and saucer in a colour of your choice, a packet of seeds, a recipe card (that correlates to the herb seeds you’ve chosen) and a little book. Inside the book, there will be 30 days’ worth of activities to help you manage and ease your anxiety, even if only slightly. There is then space, in the book, for you to come up with 30 more days worth of activities on your own, using the activities previously set out for inspiration. By the end of the 60 days, you should be able to identify 4 practices or activities that were most effective in helping you to manage your anxiety.

This is such a creative idea and a perfect present for anyone in your life that is struggling with anxiety and looking for alternative way to deal with it. I love how gorgeous these pots are. I think they would make the cutest gift this Christmas.

Links:

Blog: LikeICare

Website: Like I Care

Insta: Like I care

Happy Christmas Shopping my lovelies!

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Blogmas Day 11- A Letter to Santa

allthingsgeexo

1 comment

11th Dec 2020

Happy December!!

Welcome to Blogmas day 11, I thought this year I would include some of the posts I had been to unsure of posting last year. One of the ideas I loved the most from looking at other peoples Blogmas post ideas was writing a letter to Santa. It seems silly really but it was something we used to do when we were children and then one day we stopped. However as someone who has five nephews all be it two that may tell everyone they are far too old for a letter to Santa, it is an activity I would love to be able to do with them one day. I truly believe there is nothing quite as heartwarming as the magic of Christmas. This being said I have decided for Blogmas day 11 I will be doing the letter to Santa post. 2020 could use a little Christmas magic.

Dearest Santa,

Well what a year 2020 has been, I hope you and all your elves and of course your reindeer have managed to keep save and sound this year. I am more excited than ever for Christmas this year, I think it is going to be a whole new kind of special. I am looking forward to being able to celebrate with some of the people I love the most. Sadly not all of them but next year they will not be getting away without massive hugs and cuddles.

2020 has taught me many things but I think the biggest lesson for me is to never take the time with have with the important people in our lives for granted, and you will never know when some of the world’s nicest people will come in to your life. Sometimes this happens of the back of doing or apply for something on the off chance it may happen. Either way I have a lot to be grateful for this year. Even when seeing all my friends and family is not an option.

This year I graduated from my undergraduate degree, moved to my favourite place on earth and became a masters degree student all whilst in the middle of a pandemic! It is crazy to think how much my life has changed over the last few months but it is crazier to see how much I have changed and how proud this actually makes me. However as proud as I am of myself for doing this things I am just as proud if not more of my friends and family for all the wonderful things they have been getting up to the last few months. I cannot explain how much I miss them but also how special the moment we get to reunite will be… I guess that is my wish this year to keep them all safe and well so that as soon as I can, I can smother them in so much unconditional love.

One of the best things in my life is that I get to be an auntie to the most beautiful boys in the world! (TO FIVE OF THEM YES FIVE) and I cannot wait to find out what they have asked Santa for this year. I hope they all made it to the nice list which I have no doubt that they will have.

This year I do not think there is anything I would really like for Christmas apart from this wish above… but no one can really have enough books so maybe some more books to read.

When was the last time you wrote to Santa? If you were to write a letter to Santa, what would you ask him to bring you?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Winter Q&A – Blogmas Day 10!

allthingsgeexo

6 comments

10th Dec 2020

Happy December!

Welcome to Blogmas Day 10! And a Winter Q&A to keep things nice and festive. I hope all are having the best run up to Christmas! I wasn’t sure about what to post for today or whether or not there was going to be a blogmas today but we have some exciting news from a friend of mine that just had to be shared at the end of this post! I thought it was best to keep things simple with a Winter Q and A.

What are your favourite things about Winter?

How cosy home feels when it’s cold outside, Spiced apple , Christmas food, snow, Christmas, spending time with family and friends. Also wrapping presents. This year one of the things I have loved the most about winter is being able to get my own decorations for my little flat. It is funny how it really is the little things that mean the most as you get older.

What is your favourite winter outfit?

A cosy knitted jumper, or dress tights and boots! However this being said this year I have been more drawn to longer dresses and ankle boots but layering it with a coat. Anyone who knows me well will know that I often refuse to wear a coat.

What is your favourite Winter Food?

Christmas dinner! Or this being said one of my favourite things about Christmas is the markets and the food at the Christmas markets. However we know this year Christmas markets won’t be a thing so I am very much looking forward to a Christmas Dinner with my family.

What is your favourite Winter Drink?

Mulled Spiced Apple is one of my newly decided favourite drinks for the weekend. However I also Hot Chocolate is one of my favourite drinks for the winter time.

What is your dream way to spend a Winters Day?

Cuddled up with a hot chocolate, in my pjs with a blanket on the sofa with the heating on, watching a festive film. That or a good book. This time of year A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a must read.

How do you like to do your makeup in the Winter?

I like to wear darker lip colour.

What are you hoping Santa brings you?

There are a few books on my list this year but more than anything I just want to be able to spend time with my favourite people. It has been hard this year not being able to see people as much as I would like to.

What are the first three things that remind you of Winter?

Cinnamon Everything, Christmas Markets and Dark evenings.

What is your favorite Winter Song?

I’ve answered this one before, and Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin Stevens was my answer however I have changed that to Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea as my favourite song this year. It gives me such warm vibes.

What is your favorite Winter Memory?

How magical Christmas was as a child. Especially lying in bed on Christmas Eve getting excited for Santa to visit. Spending Christmas Eve with my sister and nephews. One of my favourite winter memories is going to see the London Christmas Lights being turned on during my first year of university and Matt Terry was performing and I do not think I could have been happier.

What is your favorite Winter Scent?

Anything Spiced Apple and Cinnamon scented. Also adding to the list this year the one of my favourite scents comes in the form of a candle and it is the DW Warm Tobacco Pipe candle. I have definitely mentioned it before.

Finish this sentence… If I could have anything this Christmas, it would be…

To see my friends and family. I also cannot wait to get back into the theatre therefore this is also on the list for this year.

What’s your favourite thing about Winter? Let me know in the comments below. 

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Now for the most exciting news my darling friend and favourite blonde and her wonderful partner have released a Christmas Song! Yes you heard me this woman has a Christmas Song! I could not be prouder and it is awesome! Please head over and give it a listen!

New Favourite Christmas Song pending

Ryn (yep that feels weird to write) I am forever grateful that we got the opportunity to meet you and now I have you in my life you are not allowed to leave! But I am so freaking proud of you! You are killing it and I could not be more happy to have you in my life.

Brighton Lights at Christmas- Blogmas Day 8!

allthingsgeexo

7 comments

8th Dec 2020

Happy December!!

Welcome to Blogmas Day 8! For today I thought I would share with you my favourite things about Brighton at Christmas! Although things this year looks a little different this Christmas there are still some beautiful things happening at Christmas in Brighton.

One of my favourite things about Christmas in Brighton is the Christmas Lights! The lanes and all along town just look so beautiful when they are covered in Christmas lights. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year however it never really feels like Christmas until i have seen Christmas lights.

Since it is my first year living in Brighton during Christmas I am fully in love and a little obsessed with Christmas Lights. So I decided that I would share with you some of my favourite Christmas lights in Brighton.

The Clock Tower is my favourite of all the Christmas lights because it just makes me feel like a canopy of lights. How beautiful does it look honestly.

The little Open Market on London Road has the cutest Christmas trees! Let’s be real we all know that the Christmas tree is gonna be full inspiration for next years Christmas tree.

I could spend hours walking round getting lost in the Christmas Lights. In all honesty it is my favourite escape from reality.

I find it so easy to get lost in Brighton, there are just so many quirky little shops which have some of the nicest Christmas shop fronts. I love finding the little cute book shops and the little shops that are full with magical finds.

What do your Christmas lights look like this year?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

How to Stuff Up Christmas (A book Review) – Blogmas Day 7!

allthingsgeexo

8 comments

7th Dec 2020

Happy December!

Today’s Blogmas Post is a review of How to Stuff Up Christmas by Rosie Blake.

Synopsis:

Tis the season to be jolly. Unless you’ve found an intimate picture of another woman on your fiance’s phone…

Eve is heartbroken after discovering her fiance is cheating on her. Being surrounded by the joys of Christmas is more than Eve can bear, so she chooses to avoid the festivities by spending Christmas alone on a houseboat in Pangbourne. Eve gets an unexpected seasonal surprise when handsome local vet Greg comes to her rescue one day, and continues to visit Eve’s boat on a mission to transform her from Kitchen Disaster Zone to Culinary Queen.

But where does Greg keep disappearing to? What does Eve’s best friend Daisy know that she isn’t telling? And why is there an angry goose stalking Eve’s boat?

My Opinions:

This book is everything I love in a festive read and more. I loved that for this book the author did not go for the typical ‘family’ set up but it was still full of all the christmassy things that I love. The Characters in this novel had my heart from day one. I love that the storyline includes a lot of humour and it is not just sad.

The book is started off with a recipe made by Eve’s friend in order to attempt to cheer her up after finding out that her ex partner cheats on her. The whole story follows Eve as she makes plans for her festive season.

I love that the book is full of festive recipes throughout, I very much need to try these things out. I so enjoyed this book and absolutely raced through it because it was such a fun read. I appreciated the idea of trying to avoid Christmas but still paying homage to the festive season and that is just the kind of thing that Eve is doing in this book. I thought the story was told really cleverly because this is not an overtly Christmassy tale, but a romantic comedy about a strong female-I loved it!

I really liked the character of Eve. She was totally relatable and so I found myself really wanting all the best for her. She makes decisions and then sticks to them (nothing worse than a wishy washy heroine who can’t make up her mind!) and I really respected her as well. The other characters in the book are also well written. We all have a friend or relative who seems to have it all and therefore seems that little bit unapproachable, that is Eve’s sister.

We all know the guy who seems to blow hot and cold and we just can’t quite figure out and that is the very handsome vet in this case. This character I think is someone we all related to… because we all know someone who acts in this way. There is also a strong sense of community between the character which really keeps with the Christmas message especially in Christmas of 2020!

I loved the fact that this novel is set at winter as it made me want to stay snuggled up with the book, a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.

My favourite things about this books is that it is not a typical break up story Eve does not just roll over and get sad over the break up, she in fact turns around and decides to better herself. Eve learns a new skill and let’s be honest she absolutely bosses the self love and determination.

Have you read how to stuff up Christmas? What is your favourite thing to bake?

Love Always,

Gee xox

Winter Night in Essentials (COSY)- Blogmas Day 6!

allthingsgeexo

6 comments

6th Dec 2020

Happy December!!

Welcome to Blogmas day 6! I hope you are having a wonderful start to December and that you are starting to feel all festive and ready for Christmas!

I thought today would be a great time to share with you the things I do when having a cosy night in and the essentials for having the best winter night in! Slightly more Christmas themed this year though because I think 2020 needs a little more festivity.

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For me the perfect cosy night in starts with the little extras that take it from just a normal night in to something a little more special.

Candles:

Now everyone knows I love a good candle and especially this time of the year. Most of the candles I pick up this time of year are anything cinnamon  or Winter Spiced scented. I say this but honestly, anything that smells Christmassy to me is a win this time of year. Any excuse to have my room smell like Christmas is a good excuse to me.  Lighting a few candles just makes everything feel that little more cosy and homey. It is also such a simple way of being more festive and who does not want to be more festive. This being said the current candles I have had burning have been little winter spice scented tealights and a DW Warm Tobacco Pipe scented candle. (It smells very similar to the Tom Ford aftershave and someone told me that it smells like Harry Styles and let’s be honest that’s just another win for me!)

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I have also been loving burning this Apple Cinnamon scented wax melt! It to me reminds me of the smell of walking around a Christmas Market!

Blankets:

Another STAPLE for me is a good fluffy blanket! It turns out I actually own one too many blankets but you can’t go wrong with a good movie and cosying up in a blanket. I just feel they are a necessity. Especially when at my Mumma’s she has a lot more fluffy blankets and you can never say no to being wrapped up in a fluffy jumper watching a film.

Entertainment:

As you all know I am a book geek so any excuse to curl up in a ball and read a good book is always a favourite. At the moment I am currently reading How to Stuff up Christmas by Rosie Blake and Rewrite the Stars by Emma Heatherington. If I am not in the mood to read a good film is normally my next go-to. Since it is December you best believe that I will be watching as many childhood classic Christmas films as I can fit in during the festive period. (we all know what I really mean is I have been watching Christmas Films since November.) A go-to for me is normally ELF, Miracle on 34th Street or A muppets Christmas Carol. However I am currently making my way back through the Harry Potter Movies!

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Drinks and snacks:

As it is December and it is cold/freezing most of the time it is about the right time to have a hot chocolate stash in the kitchen. So for a cosy night in I tend to turn to a hot chocolate or a cup of tea. If it is a night where I want a more sweet treat I will add whipped cream and marshmallows to the Hot Choc! If we have them in the house we also add Candy Canes. This is my favourite thing to do because when they melt they give the Hot Chocolate a festive peppermint flavour!

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I also really love making a really simple Hot Spiced Apple. It just feels like the most festive drink ever!!

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Snacks wise I like to keep it simple with popcorn or chip sticks (salt and vinegar flavoured crips.) Or as I have already said at this time of year we tend to have a stash of Candy Canes so I will just go for one of those. However I have recently been baking more than I would normally so there is often a stash of Spiced Christmas Cookies around.

What is one of your essentials for a winter cosy night in?

Love Always,

Gee xo

Favourite Christmas Traditions-Blogmas Day 5!

allthingsgeexo

6 comments

5th Dec 2020

Happy December!!

I hope you have all had an amazing first week of December and Blogmas! I cannot quite believe how quickly it has gone already! How has it been five days of Blogmas already! It is mental how much For today, I was feeling a little sentimental and thought it would be a nice idea to share some of my favourite Christmas memories/traditions. I thought I would put a limit on how many things I talked about because I could have gone on forever! So here are five of my favourite Christmas Memories and traditions!

1. Christmas Eve with my sister and Nephews!

This used to be a yearly thing where we would go and have a Chinese at my sisters and swap Christmas presents with my Nephews a day early. I used to love watching them open their presents and seeing their little faces light up. It also meant I had the opportunity to spend time with my sister and her partner! Although not something we do anymore it still is one of my favourite memories. Spending time with my Nephews will never get old. I could not be more proud to be an auntie.

2. A Muppets Christmas Carol:

This one of my favourite Christmas films as you would already know if you had read my first Blogmas post but it is a tradition every year that my Mumma and I sit and watch this at least a couple days before Christmas if not on Christmas eve. It just gives me such warm and fuzzy feelings. It puts me right in the Christmas Spirit. This being said any time we can watch a Christmas film is something I will never say no to.

3. Boxing Day with my dad:

As I spend Christmas day with mum, I always used to spend boxing day with my dad. Although it has not worked out like this for the last couple of years, I have such fond memories of being picked up on boxing day by my dad then getting to spend up until New Years-ish with my family on my dad’s side. Always full of fun and laughter!

4. Christmas lights turn on:

Whether it be the London lights turn on since being in uni or the local lights beforehand. I have very rarely missed the Christmas Lights being turned on. I just think it makes you feel so much more Christmassy and ready to be in the Christmas spirit! This year this has been so different because of Covid but Brighton has come through with some of the nicest Christmas lights I have ever seen.

5. Pantomime 

Again another tradition of Mumma and I! We never miss the local pantomime it just makes it feel so much more Christmassy and is such a good night full of laughter and amazing acting. The cast of the local pantomime is always the best and come across so well! You cannot help leaving with a smile and you most certainly want to do it again. I cannot wait for the Panto this year it is set to be the best yet! Although it is likely to be very different from the years before but I still cannot wait to get all festive with some of my favourite people.

What are some of your favourite Christmas Traditions?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Christmas Playlist- Blogmas Day 4!

allthingsgeexo

8 comments

4th Dec 2020

Happy Christmas!!!

Christmas songs. Every year, around October, they slowly start to creep on over sound systems as you browse through the clothing racks of your favourite shops. Love them or loathe them, we all have ones that stick out in our mind. AND LET’S BE HONEST WE ALL KNOW I LOVE THEM!

With everything that has happened this year, I’ve been ridiculously festive this year well realistically every year and I annoy everyone by playing Christmas songs before it’s socially acceptable. I am living my best life I don’t even care.

Over time you develop a list of favourites. So here is a list of my top 10 Favourite Christmas songs:

10. Mistletoe – Justin Bieber… That being said Christmas Eve by Justin Bieber is up there with a fav. Mistletoe is just such a feel good Christmas song and very much a song that I can have playing in the background whilst reading a Christmas novel.

9. Fairytale of New York- The Pogues. This is one of my favourites however it is also one my mums least favourite Christmas songs but it is one you cannot help but sing along with.

8. It feels like Christmas- The Muppets Christmas Carol this is a family favourite. I just love this song and especially when it talks about where you find love it feels like Christmas! Again literally could be a soundtrack to another Christmas novel.

7. It’s beginning to look a lot like christmas- Michael Buble

6. When Christmas Comes Around- Matt Terry – Saw him sing this live a few years ago at the Christmas light turn on and I swear I almost cried. This is one of my favourite memories with some of my favourite people and I have so much more love for this song because it brings back the best memories.

5. It’s the most wonderful time of the year- Andy Williams

4. I wish it could be Christmas everyday- Wizzard.

3. Merry Christmas Everyone- Shakin Stevens

2. Step into Christmas- Elton John because it’s ELTON JOHN and a Christmas song! That is all.

1.  Driving Home For Christmas- Chris Rea. Driving Home For Christmas is my favourite Christmas song of all time. It is just such a feel good song. It also is so much more meaningful since I live away from home.

Let’s be honest I love all Christmas songs and this was really hard to narrow down. This year my house has been hitting festive season since November so I apologise to my neighbours which have heard these playing since the Start of November.

What is your favourite Christmas song?

Love Always,

Gee xo

Small Business Spotlight- Blogmas Day 3

allthingsgeexo

5 comments

3rd Dec 2020

Happy December!!

For today’s Blogmas we have another Small Business Spotlight and today’s small business spotlight is on the wonderful company called Catkin Studio. Who are a florist with a twist but I was first drawn to them on due to their baubles.

Catkin Studio is a florist with a twist they Specialise with dried flowers that have a celebratory feeling to them whilst bringing fun & colour to their unique pieces. This is something I wanted to include as a small business spotlight during Blogmas due to the fact they are making the most adorable dry flower baubles. Something I think people would love this time of year.

This spotlight is being done slightly differently as Louise has provided a lot of information about how she got started with this incredible small business so it just had to be shared. Louise has also kindly sent some photos of her products to be put in this post so you can all see just how amazing this company is!

About Catkin:

All Photos provided by Louise

Please can you provide a short background to how you got started in floristry?

Floristry inspired me when I was lacking direction in my second year of graphic design and looking for my creative niche. I wanted a change from screen-based work to setting where my interests in nature and colour would be better serviced in creating art not just in the image of but formed from the world around us. This led me to start studying floristry and spent time working in shops to gain experience and further developing my own unique style.

What makes your work different to other florists in Scotland?

I’d say Catkin is different because I’m doing what I believe is current and true to my own artfulness. There are endless ways to modernise floristry and that keeps me interested in new scenes and styles that has my work constantly evolving and the trade popular.


How are you as a business ethical?

All of my arrangements are free from plastic floral foam,single use plastics and will feature recyclable materials where possible. I’m continually look for more ways to promote ethical floristry and improve this within my work.

They are based in Glasgow & the West of Scotland. 

Social Media and Website Links:

Instagram: @catkinstudio

Twitter: @catkinstudio  

Facebook: @catkinstudiogla

Website: www.catkinstudio.com 

My Notes:

Working with Louise on creating this post has genuinely been a lovely experience. I would like to thank Louise for giving me the opportunity to write about this wonderful company and also for being so lovely through-out.

Anyone who knows me well knows that my obsession with Christmas goes a little overboard regularly but that means I love looking for quirky additions to my decorations and that is how I fell in love with this adorable little company. Dried flowers in baubles isn’t something I thought I would need in my life but it 100% is.

What are your favourite flowers?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

December TBR- Blogmas Day 2!

allthingsgeexo

13 comments

2nd Dec 2020

Happy December!!

I hope you are well and safe! Welcome to Blogmas Day 2! For today’s post I thought I would update you all on what I plan to read this December! It will be absolutely no surprise that the majority of them are Christmas themed. I have attempted to keep the amount of books to a reasonable amount! That being said we all know that by the time December is over there will have been more than these read and added to my December TBR!

So let’s get into My December TBR!

🎄 How To Stuff Up Christmas – Rosie Blake 🎄

‘Tis the season to be jolly. Unless you’ve found an intimate picture of another woman on your fiance’s phone…

Eve is heartbroken after discovering her fiance is cheating on her. Being surrounded by the joys of Christmas is more than Eve can bear, so she chooses to avoid the festivities by spending Christmas alone on a houseboat in Pangbourne. Eve gets an unexpected seasonal surprise when handsome local vet Greg comes to her rescue one day, and continues to visit Eve’s boat on a mission to transform her from Kitchen Disaster Zone to Culinary Queen.

But where does Greg keep disappearing to? What does Eve’s best friend Daisy know that she isn’t telling? And why is there an angry goose stalking Eve’s boat?

🎄 Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland – Heidi Swain🎄

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself? 

🎄 A Miracle on Hope Street – Emma Heatherington 🎄

Can a single act of kindness change a life forever?

To many people Ruth Ryans has everything: the perfect job, a home to die for and a loving family. But it’s all lies. As Christmas approaches, Ruth feels lonelier than ever.

Then Ruth meets Michael. A man who, on the night of her father’s death the year before, she showed kindness to during his darkest moment. That one single act, his miracle, helped change his life forever.

Can one act of kindness really change a person’s life? Ruth decides to find out and plans to make this Christmas the most perfect one ever, opening up her home to those who need her help – the lonely, the lost and the ignored.

This Christmas actions will speak louder than words and Ruth Ryans’ kindness will create little miracles for everyone … including her own battered heart.

🎄 The Magic of Christmas – Nora Roberts 🎄

Two sparkling Christmas reads from the multi-million selling ultimate Queen of Romance!

When it comes to women Prince Bennett has always enjoyed a challenge. So after meeting the quiet and beautiful Lady Hannah Rothschild the dashing prince cannot rest until he breaks through her careful reserve. Love has always been a game to Bennett but with this elusive, mysterious woman he discovers his heart is on the line and he’s playing for keeps…

Her legacy has been as much a curse as a blessing so Anastasia Donovan has learned to keep it hidden but when single dad Boone Sawyer swept into her heart she longed to reveal everything despite her fear of the consequences. Then fate stepped in. 

🎄 Christmas at Conwenna Cove – Darcie Boleyn 🎄

A heartwarming, romantic and Christmassy novel set in the gorgeous Cornish village of Conwenna Cove.

When Grace Phillips travels to Conwenna Cove to help her parents move there 30 years after their honeymoon in the village, she sees why they fell in love with the place. The festive decorations, carols in the air and constant supply of delicious mince pies certainly make it hard to leave. Grace soon meets local vet Oli Davenport and initially finds him rude, but learning about his passion for animals and how much he cares for his two kids helps Grace to see a softer side to Oli.

It’s been two years since Oli lost his wife to cancer. Though he loves eleven-year-old Amy and five-year-old Tom more than anything it’s hard to be mum and dad. He has no interest in romance until he crosses paths with beautiful and kind-hearted Grace. The sparks fly but both Oli and Grace are holding onto fear about letting someone into their heart.

As the snow falls and Christmas wishes come true can Conwenna Cove work its magic and help Grace and Oli find the happiness they both deserve?

I cannot wait to get round to reading all these, they seem all like they will make the cosiest Christmas reads.

Have you read any of these? Let me know what you thought? What are you reading this December!

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

My Favourite Christmas Films- Blogmas Day 1!

allthingsgeexo

11 comments

1st Dec 2020

Happy December!!

It’s about to get real festive up in here! I hope you are all well and safe! For today’s post, I thought I would keep it simple yet festive with my favourite Christmas films. This was hard to limit them because I could honestly put all Christmas films here because I would honestly go on forever about these. If you know me you know that as soon as Halloween is over I am obsessed with Christmas and Christmas films.

Don’t you think one of the best things ever is being curled up in comfy clothes, with a Hot Chocolate or a cup of tea, a candle burning watching a Christmas film? Me and one of my best friends and old housemates honestly have an obsession with watching themed films together whether it be Christmas or Halloween. Which I must admit I have very much missed this year!

All that being said here’s a list of my favourite Christmas films:

  1. ELF!!! This is always top of my list, a feel-good family Christmas film that’s not only set in New York but is a Christmas Comedy, Romantic yet a family favourite. Will Ferrel is also a fav! This is a film I will always and forever rant about! Lat year I was lucky enough to see the theatre show of Elf and I felt like a child! It was so magical!

2. A Muppets Christmas Carol- This is a family tradition, this will get watched at least 5 times before Christmas Day and is my mums favourite Christmas film. Let’s be real who doesn’t love The Muppets and Michael Caine telling a Dickens classic.

3. The Holiday- because who doesn’t love a Christmas Rom-Com. I swear it’s every girl’s dream at least once to stay in the little holiday cottage. Okay maybe just me. In all honesty, I have watched this so much this year! If you do not fall in love with Jack Black in this movie!


4. The Grinch- he really does have a heart and watching him find that he can love is worth all the pain of watching him steal Christmas.

5. Home Alone!! – This should be an obvious one but it is such a classic and a family favourite! It is one that you cannot help but watch the moment it is on TV.

6. It’s a wonderful life- it is just a beautiful and classic film. It had to go on the list. I feel like you cannot go wrong with a good classic Christmas movie!

7. Christmas Chronicles – This is a newer film but it is up there with one of my favourite christmas films because the little elves are so freaking cute!

8. Love Actually – Let’s be honest there is something for everyone in Love Actually but we all know the reason it is on my list of favourites is due to my mildly unhealthy obsessions with Mr Hugh Grant. Also the little scene with Ant and Dec.

9. Last Christmas- Again one of the newer Christmas films but most certainly one that tugs on your heart strings! It is however a beautiful film and a brilliant watch!

10. Miracle on 34th Street- All you need to know is that this is an absolute classic and one that never fails to make me feel all fuzzy and warm!

That is it, that is a list of my top 10 favourite Christmas films!

What is your favourite Christmas film? I would love to know! Leave them in the comments.

Love Always,

Gee xo

BLOGMAS 2020!

allthingsgeexo

19 comments

30th Nov 2020

Happy Monday!

It is officially the last day in November so you know what that means tomorrow is the start of BLOGMAS!!! Which everyone knows is my favourite time of the year! This year I have decided to put a lot more time into preparing for Blogmas and I am super excited for you guys to see what I have got planned for Blogmas 2020!

I thought a small post to explain what it is and how it is going to work would be a good place to start but did not want to waste a day of FESTIVITIES on this explanation.

What is Blogmas?

Blogmas is when you write a blog post for every day in December leading up to CHRISTMAS DAY!! That is 24/25 posts depending on whether you have one for Christmas day. As you will know that is a lot of writing and putting them together, so I may have started this a little early to make sure they are all up to date and ready to go! For context this post was written at the beginning of October!! However that being said I am super excited for Blogmas this year.

Just like Blogtober I have had the wonderful Michelle create me a logo for my Blogmas this year and I am obsessed! Fully obsessed with what she has come up with and it gave me the opportunity to support a small business and I hope you like it just as much as I do.

BLOGMAS LOGO:

Blogmas Schedule 2020:

This Blogmas I have tried to mix things up a little so I hope there is something for everyone. It’s time to Step into Christmas over on All Things Gee!

  1. Favourite Christmas Movies
  2. December TBR
  3. Small Business Spotlight
  4. Christmas Playlist
  5. Favourite Christmas Traditions
  6. Winter Cosy Night in Essentials
  7. How Stuff Up Christmas (Book Review)
  8. Brighton Lights at Christmas
  9. DIY Advent Calendar
  10. Winter Q and A
  11. A letter to Santa
  12. Christmas Gift Guide
  13. Day off from Blogmas
  14. Favourite things about Christmas
  15. The Magic of Christmas – A Book Review
  16. Christmas Decorations 2020
  17. Christmas baking ideas
  18. Favourite Christmas books
  19. Favorite winter lipsticks
  20. What Christmas means to you
  21. BlogTour- Amari and the Nightbrothers
  22. Blogmas Post Ideas
  23. How you get into the Christmas spirit
  24. Christmas Eve Festivities!
  25. Happy Christmas!

Anyone who knows me will know this is something that is right up my street as it is my favourite time of year! So let’s do this!!

I hope you enjoy my take on Blogmas! If you are taking part in Blogmas Good Luck! I cannot wait to read them all. Please feel free to leave your links in the comments I would love to see more of you! If you are not taking part what is your favourite thing about Christmas!

Let the festivities begin.

Love Always,

Gee xo

Small Business Spotlight – Inside the Fragrance!

allthingsgeexo

2 comments

26th Nov 2020

Happy November!

We are back today with the second small business spotlight… Today we are talking about Inside The Fragrance! I am so proud of Alisha for starting Inside The Fragrance. On a side note she is the loveliest human ever! It has been a pleasure getting to support her!

A Little about Inside The Fragrance:

Inside The Fragrance was started back in September 2020.

They have the best smelling WAX MELTS ever!

A little note from Alisha:

Hi, I’m Alisha, and I created Inside The Fragrance in September 2020. Initially, my small business started as a multi-level marketing company called AF Scents, where I sold designer inspired fragrances. However, this quickly dwindled, and whilst out with my sister in Home Bargains, she introduced me to wax melts.

I know at the age of 22, and I had only just discovered wax melts. After buying a wax burner and a few scented melts, I was instantly hooked and frantically searched the internet for more to buy. Throughout this search, I discovered FizzyWhiz and realised not only were they selling wax melts but everything you would need to create your own. I was very intrigued and quickly purchased everything I needed. Thus, Inside The Fragrance was born – my name a play on my blog Inside The Voyage. I’m not one to start of slow and take my time, so I jumped right in.

I created all of my social media handles and began promoting the only four scents I had. Luckily, my friends and family were my first and most prominent supporters. After receiving some fantastic reviews, I purchased more fragrance oils and began to build my stock. I was sending out tester packages to bloggers – receiving constructive criticism to enhance my business further. I then bought a small stall on my local arts and crafts market and began to sell my products to a broader audience. Unfortunately, the second lockdown commenced the week after this and I was only able to run my stall the once. However, it is still early days, and though lockdown is keeping most of us tied to our houses, I am immensely proud of how my business is coming along.

Now I have more than 20 fragrances and several supporters across the UK. I want to say a quick thank you to anyone and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and those who continue to support me today and thank you to Gee for giving me this platform to share my business further.

My Notes:

I was lucky enough to be sent some of these amazing wax melts by the lovely Alisha and I was thrilled to receive some that smelt like Christmas. If you know me well then you will know that Christmas is my favourite time of the year, I literally turn into a big kid. So the fact that when I opened the package it smelt so much like everything Christmassy, I was already in love.

I was kindly given several different Wax Melts to try out and they all smell so good! I was so happy to get a mixture of different scents. That being said my most favourite scents have been the Apple Cinnamon scent because in all honesty it reminds me of some of my favourite Christmas memories!

Working with Alisha has been an utter pleasure and I have loved getting to know more about Inside the Fragrance!

Social Media Handles:

Twitter: Inside The Fragrance/ Inside the Voyage

Instagram: Inside The Fragrance

What are your favourite Wax Melt Scents?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Small Business Spotlight!- Serenity Places

allthingsgeexo

4 comments

7th Nov 2020

Happy November!!!

Today I thought I would start of a new series I have been considering and start a monthly\maybe every two weeks depending on the response. I wanted to do my little bit to promote small businesses during lockdown and beyond. I thought one of the best ways to do this would be to have a spotlight feature once a month for different small business. It just so happens that I have changed the order of the line up as someone extremely close to my heart has recently started up a small business and my order arrived today. And therefore it was only right for them to be the first spotlight.

Today’s small business spotlight is for Serenity Places and more importantly the gorgeous girl Emily who is behind the blog and now the small shop where she is selling the most wonderful smelling candles. At the moment there are two scents available but I know she has some wonderful things planned for the coming months.

Emily launched Serenity Places candles at the beginning of November and I cannot explain how proud of her I am. The story currently has two scents available these are CASSIS & BERGAMOT and EARL GREY & CUCUMBER. Two very different scents but I have to admit that I am obsessed with them both. They both have very different vibes to them and I know exactly where they will be in my house, the Earl Grey and Cucumber has taken pride of place in my kitchen as you can see from the picture below.

Whereas the Cassis and Bergamot will 100% take pride of place within my room as soon as I have worked my way through my christmas scented candles.

One of my favourite things about these candles is that the packaging is 100% recyclable and it is so clear to see how much thought that Emily has put into the packaging and the candles themselves.

I have included a link to her shop here and it would be amazing if you could head over and check her out.

Have you heard of Emily/Serenity Places before?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Emily this little bit is specifically for you. I am so proud of you and everything you have achieved! I am forever grateful to be able to class you as a friend and have you as part of my life. I cannot wait to see where things go for you. xoxo

November TBR

allthingsgeexo

3 comments

2nd Nov 2020

HAPPY NOVEMBER!!!

I hope you are all keeping safe and well! It’s a little weird in the UK as we go back into a month long Lockdown. The world in a weird state so I hope you are keeping safe. I thought I would hold myself a little accountable this month and share with you my November TBR!

The Magpie Society – Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch

This is one I have been looking forward to reading since it was announced. It is right up my street and I love the cover it looks so cool. I have been keeping up with the updates for this book and I got way too excited for the release.

Christmas of mistletoe Cove- Holly Martin

I am yet to read this one yet, however I was sold by the snuggle up and fall in love… line! It sounds right up my street who does not want to snuggle up and fall in love with a novel set around Christmas!

One perfect christmas and other stories- Paige Toon

As a lover of Paige Toon this has been on my shelf for a while and I have fully decided now is the time to give it a read!

No One Cancels Christmas- Zara Stoneley

This is one I have read before but I fell so utterly in love with this story that I decided to make myself feel better this November. It is such a heart warming story.

What is on your reading list this November?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

My ideal cosy night in- Blogtober Day 25!

allthingsgeexo

6 comments

25th Oct 2020

Happy October!

With Halloween just around the corner I thought I would share with you some of my favourite things to do when trying to create a spooky cozy night in.

Candles:

Now everyone knows I love a good candle and especially this time of the year. In all honesty, most of the candles I pick up this time of year are pumpkin scented. Any excuse to have my room smell like autumn and pumpkins is a good excuse to me.  Lighting a few candles just makes everything feel that little more cosy and homey.

Blankets:

It turns out I actually own one too many blankets but you can’t go wrong with a good movie and cosying up in a blanket. I just feel they are a necessity. This year I picked up a burnt orange blanket because I decided that it would have to be on theme.

Drinks and snacks:

As it is Autumn and it is getting a little colder it is about the right time to have a hot chocolate stash in the kitchen. So for a cosy night in I tend to turn to a hot chocolate or a cup of tea.

Snacks wise I like to keep it simple with popcorn or chip sticks (salt and vinegar flavoured crips.)

Entertainment:

As you all know I am a book geek so any excuse to curl up in a ball and read a good book is always a favourite. At the moment I am currently reading Once A Liar by A.f.Brady. If I am not in the mood to read a good film is normally my next go-to. Since it is October you best believe that I will be watching as many childhood classic Halloween films as I can fit in during October. A go-to for me is normally Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus or more recently Practical Magic after finally watching it for the first time with one of my best friends and fellow Halloween lover last year.

What are your favourite things to do on a spooky cozy night in?

Love Always,

Gee

The Autumn Tag- Blogtober Day 14

allthingsgeexo

1 comment

14th Oct 2020

Happy October!!

Welcome to Blogtober Day 14! Hold up how has it been two weeks already! I genuinely think I have blinked and it is almost over! This year man what a strange year! I thought for today’s post I would do something I also did last year but love doing. I am bringing back the Autumn Tag! With some same and some different questions.

The Autumn Tag:

1- Favorite thing about Autumn?

 Sweater Weather – The fact that I can wear fluffy jumpers again because who doesn’t love being cosy. And as much as I love the sunshine and being in flowy dresses, I also can not help but love it when it’s time for tights and knitted dresses and boots.


2- Spooky Autumn or cozy Autumn?

A little bit of both! Spooky is always fun! However you cannot go wrong with a cozy Autumn.


3- Haunted house or Halloween party?

Halloween Party 100% Haunted Houses are very much not my thing. I do not like being made jump or being scared. I think I would literally just end up crying the whole time. However any excuse to dress up or decorate if I am hosting is right up my street.


4- Carve pumpkins or paint pumpkins?

Despite the mess of carving it is definitely one of my favourite things to do this time of the year. I even did a post last week on Pumpkin Carving Ideas


5- Go apple picking or go on a hay ride?

Apple Picking I think would be my choice because I am sure I can’t just say both


6- Pumpkin spice lattes or mulled apple cider?

Pumpkin Spice Lattes are my favourites! Always a must have for this time of year!


7- What did you dress up for Halloween last year?

My go to is always a witch sometimes more specific so I have been Elphaba several times! However last year I went as Harley Quinn as our group had a DC theme. Fully DIY as well and I think we looked great.


8- Falling rain or a crackling fireplace?

Both! I know that it is kind of a bore to say both but I just love the sound of rain but how cute would it be to have the sound of rain whilst you are curled up with a book by the fire.


9- Have you purchased any fall decor yet?

Far too much! I have a post about this years decorations.


10- Favourite photo that you took last fall?

this was one of my favourite days ever!


11- Favourite Autumn-themed movie?

You’ve Got Mail! I Have only watched this for the first time this year however I fell in love with this movie.

12- Favourite Autumn-themed book?

This I spent a while considering and I will be honest my favourite book to read around this time of the year I am not sure I would say is Autumn Themed. However I feel it fits with the Halloween vibes so I would say my favourite book to read this time of the year is either Dracula or The Castle of Otranto.


13- Best way to spend a rainy day?

Tucked up in a cosy place with a hot chocolate and a good book. It is like my favourite day to have. If you are on Tik Tok and you see the dark academia vibe videos imagine that but with so many blankets it’s unreal.


14 – Favourite Autumn quote?


15- Favourite Autumn accessory?

I do not know how to answer that because if we are talking house decoration then truthfully this year we have too many to choose from but if we are talking like an accessory then my little pumpkin earrings or scrunchie.


16- Black cats or owls?

Both I love cats and most of the cats we had when I was growing up were black cats but also owls are adorable and yes the love from them does come from Hedwig and I am not even sorry.


17- Favourite Autumn scent?

Anything Pumpkin scented!


18- Favourite Halloween movie?

This is a tough one so I have put three. I would say Hocus Pocus as this is a house favourite or maybe Practical Magic a newfound obsession of mine. But also I have to mention BeetleJuice!

Feel free to also participate in the autumn tag this year.

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

The Wolf And The Water Blog Tour- Blogtober Day 12!

allthingsgeexo

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12th Oct 2020

Happy October!

Today’s blog post is another blog tour which is super exciting and I every time I get so happy that Dave asked me to participate. The other reason that todays blogtour is super exciting is that I will be reviewing yet another book by the amazing Josie Jaffrey! A massive thank you to Josie for sending me a physical arc. It is highly appreciated. As I am sure you are all aware I fell in love with May Day! So you can imagine the excitement of reading this book. However, this time round there is no Vampires… no Vampires. So I must admit I was not sure how I was going to feel about this.

Title: The Wolf and the Water
Author: Josie Jaffrey
Release Date: 8th October 2020
Publisher: Silver Sun Books

Synopsis:

Some secrets are worth killing for

The ancient city of Kepos sits in an isolated valley, cut off from the outside world by a towering wall. Behind it, the souls of the dead clamour for release. Or so the priesthood says.
Kala has never had any reason to doubt their word – until her father dies in suspicious circumstances that implicate the city’s high priest. She’s determined to investigate, but she has a more immediate problem: the laws of the city require her mother to remarry straight away.
Kala’s new stepfather is a monster, but his son Leon is something altogether more dangerous: kind.
With her family fractured and the investigation putting her life in danger, the last thing Kala needs is romance. She would rather ignore Leon entirely, however difficult he makes it. But when she learns the truth of what really clamours behind the wall at the end of the valley, she faces a choice: share what she knows and jeopardise her escape, or abandon him to his fate along with the rest of the city.

If she doesn’t move fast, then no one will make it out of the valley alive.

My Review:

Now I have to make this very clear I had relatively high expectations for The Wolf and The water as I loved the way Josie writes in all of her other books. Now this is her first book without my beloved Vampires in it so I was very intrigued by whether or not I would also love this book. In the need to be honest I found that to start with I found the book a little slow however once I had got into the book I really enjoyed reading it.

However from the start there were already things that I loved. Firstly, I have said it multiple times before but I will mention it again. THE BOOK HAS CONTENT WARNINGS! I love that this is something Josie includes and it is something I think should be put in all books! It is very easy to be triggered by a book if you do not know that some things are featured. This is something I love that Josie includes so although you are still surprised by the content of the book you know the themes and can be prepared.

The Wolf and the Water is the first book in Josie’s Deluge series, which is a mix of LGBT fantasy and YA historical fiction, and “follows a series of characters as they uncover devastating truths hidden in ancient landscapes”. Which anyone who knows me well knows that I love fantasy books when they are written well and you can feel like I almost walking through all the action whilst its happening. Another reason I love this book is because I am loving the increase in LGBT fantasy books! I love that this is becoming more of a thing and I AM SO HERE FOR IT! I am not normally one for books with a strong historical theme however this time round I loved it!

Yet again just like in May Day, I am loving the relationships between the characters and how they develop. And I mean all the relationships even the not so good ones, are so well developed I wanted to read more. I have noticed that it seemed to have more intense characters, but in all honesty I am here for it as I did not feel like it was hard to keep up.

Overall, I loved this book in the end. It is up there on my list of favourites Josie Jaffrey has written. For me it does not quite top the Vampires but I will 100% be reading the rest of the books just as soon as they are available.

Once again, I want to send a massive thank you to Dave who is literally my favourite person in the world for having me on the blog tour again it is always a pleasure to be involved. Also a huge thank you again to Josie for sending a physical arc x

Star Rating:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

If you have read it what did you think? Would you read it?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

Autumn Bucket List- Blogtober Day 11!

allthingsgeexo

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11th Oct 2020

Happy October!!

I know it is a little late into autumn and spooky season for a bucket list however I thought it would be pretty cool to create a list of thing to do during autumn and spooky season! Even if some will have to wait until next year! Autumn is one of my favourite seasons as all things Autumn and Spooky Season.

  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Pumpkin Carvings
  • Decorate the house (Decorating the house for the different seasons is a favourite thing to do.)
  • Halloween Movie night
  • Halloween/ Autumn Baking
  • Change out your wardrobe back to autumn/winter clothing
  • Make Candy Apples
  • Make a autumn wreath
  • Create a Halloween Playlist
  • Take some country walks
  • Host a Friendsgiving
  • Make an Autumn home decoration
  • Watch some fireworks
  • Go apple picking
  • Make your own Halloween costumes
  • Make hot apple cider
  • Catch Up with Those Books on Your To-Read List

What is the thing that is the top bucket list?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo

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