Author: hscptcrash

Han’s Blogmas – Day Eight (What is on your list this year?)

To catch up on my previous posts, click the links:
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven

Today is all about my Christmas list. It’s going to be part in jest because I’ve never been one for writing a list.

5. A comfy reading chair. One that I can snuggle into and put my feet up to read once I’ve finished working for the day.

4. Tickets to see Christopher Eccleston in RSC’s Macbeth. I had tickets for myself and my ex to see Eccleston on stage last year, however for many reasons we didn’t go. I remember at the time saying that I was happy missing MY Doctor, because he was worth it.
I’ll never make that mistake again.

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3. Tickets, and company, to see the beautiful and amazing Sam Troughton in the transferring play Beginning. I have loved this actor since I first saw him in Hex oh so many years ago.

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2. A Bullet Journal, all set up with the basics and ready to go. I’m so rubbish at getting one set up and often so fearful of making mistakes that I never get past drawing up the first month.
I’d love be given a notebook with the basic layout done, with a starter kit that will help me add to the basics.

1. A relationship.
This one is not something people can wrap up for me, but I’m ready for a relationship. It’s not that I need a boyfriend. Hell, after the trouble the last one cause, you’d understand why I’d say that I’d actually be happy being single for the rest of my life.

Often, when I bring up wanting a boyfriend I’m told to ‘stop being desperate’ and ‘stop looking’ as if I’m some pathetic loser. I’m often told to get used to being on my own after breakups while I watch other people dragged out to speed dating and the likes.

Well, I’m not desperate, I haven’t been looking… and it’s okay for me to say, at this time of the year, I would very much like to have a bloke in my life. If he was ginger, that would a bonus.
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Han’s Blogmas- Day Seven (Handmade gifts: giving or receiving)

I’ve actually been all about the handmade this year; I’ve drawn my Christmas card and made up my own Christmas teabags by buying all the bits and printing my own labels.

For people in work, I’ve made a Christmas trio of biscuits. They seem to have gone down well, the flavours I think Paul Hollywood would approve of, but the bake was not so great.

My all time favourite hand made Christmas/birthday presents have both been knitted; one an Otter called Martin, who has since been on many trips with me as he fits perfectly in my pocket.

The other was a Hufflepuff scarf that keeps me toasty warm even on the coldest of days. The giver, one of my beautiful friends, went one step further and penned me a letter from Newt explaining why I was receiving the gift.

Han’s Blogmas – Day 6 (when do you open presents)

Short and sweet, but they’re opened before breakfast and as soon as we get up on Christmas morning.

For a few years before my mum died, I’d get to open one on Christmas Eve. It was always pjs and given to me right before I had my bath and got ready got the evening film.

However, I’m not very patient when it comes to opening presents and equally I don’t like opening them in front of the giver. So often I’ll tell people I’m saving things to open Christmas Day, but temptation will mean that I open it as soon as I’m alone.

I once did this with all the Christmas presents I found; only I didn’t wrap them very well and I was told off. My mum was very disappointed because it was one of the first years she could spoil me and it meant I didn’t have any surprises.

Han’s Blogmas- Day Five (Favourite Christmas food)

1. It’s not Christmas without Salt Fish. Boiled, slapped on a plate with a pile of thickly buttered bread. Watch out for the bones!

2. Sprouts. The contentious food item of Christmas is one of my favourites; if cooked well. As a child, they’d be boiled grey (literally) and having no flavour, I didn’t develop the dislike most people have for them.

However, today I prefer them shredded and fried with bacon and chestnuts.

3. Cheese wrapped in bacon. It’s a new one really, but ever since M&S have sold them, they’ve been on my plate for Christmas dinner.

4. Orange and lemon slices. I actually hate them now, but I still have to buy them. It’s not Christmas without them.

5. Pate. Any and all (maybe not fish). Many years ago, a boyfriend took me home to ‘meet the family’ for Christmas. Family turned about to be 20 strong and the mother had put on a (no word of a lie) 8-course Christmas banquet.

I’m not one to say when I don’t like things, so I ate everything. Including a home made pate. I couldn’t eat it all, but it was no longer on my list of ‘hate’ foods.

Blogmas- Day Four (Favourite Music)

1. Christmastime (Don’t let the Bells End)- The Darkness

It’s such a fun song. It’s taken a few years, but (much like another song of theirs) the Yuletide tongue-in-cheek song has grown on me.

2. Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby and David Bowie

Anyone who knows me, knows my love of Bowie. That voice is a dream and this song is perfect for a mellow evening.

3. Santa Baby- various

I never fussed who is singing it because it’s the link to Ally McBeal that makes it one of my favourite songs.

Han’s Queens of Geekdom end of Year Round Up (2017)

This has been inspired/ lovingly stolen from Richard’s (@thehumposhow)  The Humpo Show End of Year Awards [2017]

Favourite Film of the Year
(1) Thor: Ragnarok

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(2) IT
(3) Spiderman- Homecoming

Favourite non-2017 Film
(1) The Thing (1982)

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(2) Poseidon Adventure (1972)
(3) Hunter for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Favourite Book of the Year
(1) Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

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(2) Book of Fire by Mich Kenney
(3) It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne

Favourite non-2017 Book
(1) The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
(2) The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
(3) Replica by Lauren Oliver

Favourite audio Book
(1) Alien: River of Pain by Dirk Maggs and Christopher Golden [narrated by Anna Friel, Philip Glenister, Colin Salmon and Alexander Siddig]

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(2) You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day [also narrated by Felicia Day]
(3) Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris [adapted for audio and narrated by Neil Patrick Harris]

Favourite 2017 TV Show
(1) Stranger Things

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(2) Rick and Morty
(3) Star Trek: Discovery

 

Favourite non 2017 Tv Show
(1) White Collar

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(2) Buffy the Vampire Slayer
(3) Private Practice

 

Favourite Podcasts 2017
(1) The Sunnydale Stacks

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(2) Hey, Do You Remember?
(3) The Franchise

Favourite WordPress Bloggers
(1a) https://goldenbooksgirl.wordpress.com/  Amy is a woman who I consider a wonderful friend. She never fails to like and comment on my posts; I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her positivity. Her blog is fab and has many guest posts to share the love.
(1b) https://acupofwonderland.wordpress.com/ Hannah, for me comes as a pair with Amy. I feel the three of us bonded over our love of Greys. Again, a brilliant human being who has been there for me so much over the last few months. Her blog is a mix of round ups, readathons and reviews.
(2) https://jilljemmett.com/ Jill is a very supportive reader and has a beautiful blog that looks at YA, graphic novels and best ofs… Jill is currently taking part in Blogmas and is certainly worth a read.
(3) https://confessionsofayareader.wordpress.com/  Kristi Housman’s blog is wonderful, beautiful and contains reviews, monthly book hauls and giveaways.
Favourite Posts from Bloggers
(1) https://goldenbooksgirl.wordpress.com/2017/11/28/the-greys-anatomy-tag/
(2) https://acupofwonderland.wordpress.com/2017/11/06/a-greys-anatomy-tag/
(3) http://www.nosaferplace.co.uk/2017/09/finding-your-tribe.html

Favourite Posts From Moi
(1) Otherworld Written by Jason Segel and Kristen Miller ( https://queensofgeekdom.com/2017/08/01/otherworld-written-by-jason-segel-and-kristen-miller/  ) This was my first book review and, as a result, rebranded my blog. Not only has it caused my third attempt at breaking into the blog world to be a success, this review got me published on the cover of the book. I’ve never been so happy.
(2) A Greys Anatomy Tag (https://queensofgeekdom.com/2017/10/21/a-greys-anatomy-tag/ ) It was put out there as a bit of fun, but I’m very happy to see that quite a few people have completed it.
(3) Mental Health- The Rabbit Hole and the App that saved me #mentalhealthmatterso (https://queensofgeekdom.com/2017/08/12/mental-health-the-rabbit-hole-and-the-app-that-saved-me-mentalhealthmatterso/) My first post looking at mental health. I was a bit nervous about the reception of the piece.

Favourite Quotes
(1) “They forgot nothing real can be perfect.”- Otherworld

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(2) “A creepy old man cut my hair off!” – Thor Ragnarok
(3) “I may be a pretty shitty boyfriend, but turns out I’m actually a pretty damn good babysitter.” —Steve, Stranger Things Series 2

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Twitterers to Follow
(1) Zoe Collins host of the wonderful #nspbookclub, very active blog and vlog. If that wasn’t enough talent, she has added a book subscription box business.
(2) Rachel (@_sectumsemprah) host of #SundayYA
(3) Suze Lavender is worth a follow for the giveaways and access to her blog.

I hope you’ve all enjoyed reading this as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. This isn’t the only post Queens of Geekdom will have over the final month of the year; both myself and Gem will be doing a countdown of our top books of the year and crowing one QoG’s Book of the Year 2017.

Han’s Blogmas- Day Two (What Christmas Means to You)

Christmas means many things to me. It’s always been more about the build up and preparation rather than the day itself. There are two things Christmas does mean to me though:

Family
I couldn’t imagine being anywhere other than home this Christmas. I’ve always spent Christmas day with my family. I don’t think I’ve been beyond my road on Christmas Day; ever.

Doctor Who
Even though I’m no longer loving my Time Lord’s adventures, I will always come home for Christmas. Doesn’t matter how full, tired or drunk I am; it goes on and I pay attention.

 

 

 

If There’s No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout

Release date: 14th December 2017
Buy it here https://www.amazon.co.uk/If-Theres-Tomorrow-Jennifer-Armentrout/dp/1848456875/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512218609&sr=8-1&keywords=if+there%27s+no+tomorrow+by+jennifer+l.+armentrout
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34225450-if-there-s-no-tomorrow

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Description: Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She’s ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances.

Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn’t looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her and her friends’ entire existences have been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn’t even guaranteed?

Characters
I don’t trust Lena as much as perhaps I should. I know she’s an unreliable narrator owing to her memory loss; however, even when she regains her memory, she isn’t just pulling away from her friends, she pulls away from the reader too.
Sebastian is a little too perfect for my liking. He’s not an undeveloped character and I doubt for a second he is that perfect. However the things we know about him are from Lena, and I’m afraid she has him on a pedestal.

Plot
The first half of the book jumps around the timeline, allowing the reader to feel the same confusion that Lena does. It’s a weird feeling, but it adds to the atmosphere of the narrative.
The plot follows in the manner as we might expect grief to; nonlinear, progressive with unpredictable pitfalls. It’s wonderful and painful.

Writing
It’s a solid, professionally written novel. So Clear and well written that could handle the time jumps; something other writers would make feel clunky and convoluted.

Blogmas – Day 1

jilljemmett's avatarJill's Book Blog

I’ve seen many people posting about blogmas, and I want to join in on the fun. I found an old post on Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom with a list of Blogmas posts that I’m going to use. The link is here https://familycorner.blogspot.ca/2014/11/blogmas-2014-25-days-of-christmas.html?m=1

Here is the list:

I’m so excited about Blogmas!

I will also be doing my own 12 Days of Christmas, where I will post a review for a Christmas themed book in the 12 days leading up to Dec. 25. This is a busy month for blogging!

So without further ado, here’s my post for day 1 of Blogmas!

When I was little, Christmas was my favourite day of the year because I got to see my entire family in one day. In the morning, we would visit my dad’s family at my Nana’s house. Then we would go home and open our own presents…

View original post 54 more words

Hannah Challenge for 2018

I want to get back into watching films but I want to do it in a bit of a different way. I want a focus; almost a study.

Have you ever noticed in films, that when they show the moon it’s always full? A gorgeous pearlescent orb, hanging in the air.

So, in 2018 I’m going on a Moon watch.

However, I need your help. I need you to nominate films for me to watch outside of my cinema viewing. As random as you like, the only exclusion are werewolf centred films; for obvious reasons.

Head here https://goo.gl/forms/871pJA323rKCsPtO2 and suggest a film for me to watch and review.

All the Wrong Chords by Christine Hurley Deriso #bookreview #hanreview @NetGalley

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Flux Publishing
Release date: 12.12.2017

From Goodreads:
Scarlett Stiles is desperate for a change of scenery after her older brother, Liam, dies of a drug overdose. But spending the summer with her grandfather wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. Luckily, Scarlett finds something to keep her busy—a local rock band looking for a guitarist. Even though playing guitar has been hard since Liam died, Scarlett can’t pass on an opportunity like this, and she can’t take her eyes off the band’s hot lead singer either. Is real happiness just around the corner? Or will she always be haunted by her brother’s death?

Preorder it here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrong-Chords-Christine-Hurley-Deriso/dp/1635830109/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1511710707&sr=8-1  Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34773854-all-the-wrong-chords?from_search=true

The Characters
Scarlett is a relatable teen for anyone who has suffered loss, crushed on the bad boy or used music as an escape. Her relationship with a number of other characters impacts upon her grief in such an understated and real way.

Declan, being the resident player of the novel, is drawn up to be someone rather sketchy and shallow. Others bring layers to the lead singer of the band; beautiful but vain.

Scarlett’s grandfather is much more than a plot device; he’s the exploration of how different generations grieve. While you might not agree with how he goes about things, you will understand completely.

The Plot
The plot is tightly woven over a summer, not too long after the death of Scarlett’s brother. While she grieves, she generates a crush for the lead singer of the local band.

Along the way, she discovers things about herself that helps her revaluate her view of society and the world. There are a number of twists and reveals that keep the plot moving forward until it reaches a satisfying end.

The Writing
Scarlett is given a strong voice throughout the book. It’s clear and engaging, despite a number of repeated phases that can occasionally jolt the free-flowing narrative.