Post lockdown I managed to keep on top of my reading I really wanted to share some reviews on the books that im raving about!

First up;

The Flatshare.. I put off reading the Flatshare for so long because from the description’s id heard on it I thought it was a cheesy YA novel. But during lockdown I just purchased it on a whim and I’m so glad I did! This book was something else for me. We meet Tiffy who is loud, bright, bubbly and in a sticky housing situation with a creepy ex boyfriend. So seeks out Leon, who’s a quiet, reserved nurse who needs some extra cash so rents out his place while he does the night shift. How bizarre right? Could you share the same bed with someone you’ve never met? Share the same living space and only know someone through items and notes. I really fell for this book for a few reasons. 1) The way Beth O’Leary switches between Leon and Tiffy in this book is the best writing I’ve found so far of displaying two characters as they are. She completely changed her style of writing when writing from Leon’s view and I adored this, and it completely set the scene. 2) it felt a like a love story how they should be told, from friends first. So many times, you read about love stories and within the first two chapters their in love without actually getting to know each other. These two really found friendship through their unconventionally way of living and I adored that.

My second one that I couldn’t wait to read is, Kiely Reid’s Such a fun Age! This book has been nominated for a booker prize and has been blowing up around Instagram in light of the Black lives Matter movement. The book follows Emira, a 25year old woman who is accused by a supermarket security for kidnapping the child she is babysitting because of her race. A black woman out with a white baby. Could you imagine? Or do you not have to because no one would question yourself? We watch and read what it is like being judged for your race and how to handle the situation and how not to handle the situation in her boss Alix Chamberlains case. It really was an important and uplifting story that I think everyone should read and I cannot recommend enough! I finished this in 6days and a part of me wishing I didn’t finish it so fast so I could keep enjoying it!

Let me know your books your currently raving about!
Im currently reading: Girl, Woman, Other.

I thought id save money during lockdown, with you know. Everything being closed. But somehow, I ended up spending waay to much money.
I think I justified it with the fact I got my pay-out and never treated myself and the fact I wasn’t buying food or random little things all the time I treated myself on other things.

My first treat to myself was my first film camera. Id been searching for one for over a year now but just couldn’t commit. Ive searched Junktion’s website weekly and I finally caved and bought this beauty.

Its not a straight point and shoot but the description said it was good for beginners. I’m excited taking photos and hoping they’ll turn out okay. Im excited about learning something new. I wanted one for a long time as im not a massive fan of technology and I didn’t want my kids seeing all the photos through a phone. Its one of my favourite past times going through all our old family photos. I want my kids to be able to do the same. If you live in Auckland I would recommend taking a trip into Junktion on Krd or at Takapunas Farmers markets, otherwise they do ship.

My second purchase was a cheeky one. I was buying yoga mats on warehouse and I saw Easter chocolate was all under 5dollars due to the fact we were all on strict lockdown over Easter. I took a gander and saw an egg that id always wanted to buy. A 1kg chocolate egg. And you bet for 5dollars I bought it! My inner child came out. I knew id never buy it at full price and its not often these are on sale. So I couldn’t resist. But damn when you’re alone and you have a 1kg chocolate egg and no one to share it with! I have lots left and I’m kind of regretting my choice! 

Now I thought I was done buying after my chocolate egg and yoga matt purchase but then it was my partners birthday so while I bought him a few bits I treated myself to a new cardigan. My last one was bought 5 years ago so I felt like it was time for a upgrade and this one seems perfect for the winter chill that keeps coming. 

Its big, its warm, its comfy. It came in multiple colours however I went for my classic black, because you cant go wrong with black. Although I was very tempted to go for grey.

At the start of lockdown I also caved and bought Revitalash serum. Before lockdown I went and got a Yumi Lash lift and the lash lady kept telling me that I should invest in some as I had a few broken lashes. I knew this as I’m an eye rubber. But I caved and bought some. I bought a small one which says it will last for 6weeks when used everyday. Now although I bought it to strengthen my lashes it honestly has worked. My eyes don’t feel as dry anymore, I rub them way less. And when I put mascara on it looks like I had my lash lift done yesterday. I would highly recommend to anyone. Even if you’re just wanting stronger lashes.

I’m hoping now we’re almost in the new normal and back out in the world I will actually save money now since I’ve got my spending itch out of the way. Plus I’m now wearing a uniform so I don’t need new clothes to wear everyday. I’m excited to see my bank account go up. She says.