Sunday 31 March 2013

Story Time - My March Books

Well that's March done with, this year is flying far too quickly! Hope you all got some nice easter treats, but didn't eat too much chocolate! lol! I have been super busy so haven't managed to write half the posts I had planned for this month sadly, so much for you all too see and for me to catch up on post wise, and I have had almost no time to read all your lovely blogs, I'm very sorry but I hope to get a little bit of blog reading and commenting in this week. I thought I could just about sneak in a Book post for this month though. So here you have the books I have managed to finish this month.

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes is the 2nd book in the Mortal Instruments series, the first being City of Bones and the last City of Glass. These books are all centred around the main character a rather brave teenage girl called Clary. This is a fantasy/sci-fi type genre book aimed at teenage readers really, although isn't dystopian like many of the other books I have been reading recently. Think Vampires, Werewolves, Warlocks, Fairies and Shadow-hunters - the usually these days!
The book picks up right after the events in book 1 so I wouldn't really advise you try jumping in on number 2 as the story line is pretty confusing. Clary is trying to get to grips with the idea of her crush being her brother, being a shadow-hunter, her mother being in a coma, her best friend turing into a vampire, her dad being an evil controller of demonds and wanting to destroy everyone and all the general teenage emotions normal humans cope with. So as you can see she has a lot to contend with, but can she really escape from her fathers control, and save everyone she loves and is she really 'special'.

My Thoughts: Now I have a bit of a Love/Hate relationship with these books, I really fancied reading the series after seeing the great covers and reading the blurb which totally sounded like my type of book, but I find them really hard going, over descriptive and long winded. The first took me ages to read so I simply had to take a break before tackling the next, 2 months on I thought I would try number 2. It took me a while to remember everything that had happened in the first and work out what the heck was going on all over again (maybe 2 months was too long to take a break) but I eventually got there. Sadly this was exactly the same as book 1, they are really quite big and everything drags on a little too long for my liking. It takes me ages to plough though them and they just dont grip me enough to keep my attention for long periods of time, like other books do. But I was determined to finish it and I did ( and I will tackle the final one at some point just so I know the end of the story). I still can't say I loved it and it was't really any better or worse than the first one. But I still think they are worth the read if you can manage it.
The storyline is pretty interesting, if complex. And the action and magical parts are really great if you like your fantasy, she has some great interesting concepts.

I would give this a 3 out of 5 stars, as although I enjoy it, it really is a struggle to read sometimes. If you fancy it though you can get it on amazon.co.uk or amazon.com

The Giver by Lois Lowry
Now I picked this up dirt cheap at The Works when I was up in Scotland with Jon a few weeks ago and I got it because after reading The Hunger Games a lot of people said some of the concepts were taken from The Giver so I figured it might be worth a read.

This is the first book in a quartet of books by Lois Lowry and it is another Teen Dystopia novel series (I know, I am readying lots of them!) Based in a world where a committee of Elders decides everyones life paths, from who you marry to what you do for a living and when you will be allowed you 1 boy and 1 girl child, Jonas is a 12 year old given the future job of The Receiver of Memory, a greatly prestigious role that no one, other than the current Receiver, understands. Jonas thinks his world is perfect but when he starts being given the memories of the world from The Giver he realises it isn't all as rosy as it seemed, but how will he cope with the pain of the past and the changing of the world in the future.

My Thoughts: This is such a easy ready, I wouldn't really class it as a teen novel more childrens really, although some of the concepts may be a little complicated. I read this all the way through in 2 sittings over 2 days. Book one really doesn't take very long or even give enough of the story for me and I really want to get my hands on the second book (and rest of the series) to blitz through that too. The ideas are pretty logical and common place in Dystopia novels now, ruling elders/committee/society, young person discovering more to truth/life/society so rebels - blah blah blah. But that being said I kinda really like the concept of this one - pain and bad history are taken away and only remembered by The Receiver of Memory of which there is only 1 in each life time, but how does not remembering the past affect the future, its a really clever idea although I don't see many Hunger Games ideas in it yet.

I would give it a 3 out of 5 stars though as I just don't think there was enough to this first book, and was far too easy to read. Get it from amazon.co.uk or amazon.com

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This on the other hand was not such an easy read. This one is a lot more difficult to explain too. Written from the perspective of Death we follow the life of a little girl called Liesel during the time of Nazi Germany. I don't really want to say too much about this book as it really is quite good and I don't want to spoil it for others as it isn't that obvious a storyline and is quite unusual. I was sent it for xmas by my Aunt who really loved it.
Liesel is sent to live with foster parents when her mother can no longer look after her, and lives her life on Himmel Street. She leads a slightly tragic life, although finds happiness in books and her friend Rudy. This is all tied into storylines about Nazi training, Jewish concentration camps, the World War, keeping secrets and stealing books. It is a hard read in places, and can be upsetting in others, although every now and again there is a comic moment and a feeling that the human race isn't all bad - compassion for others is a major component.


My Thoughts: At first I wasn't sure about it, I read the back and saw it was based during a war which usually puts me off, as I just don't really like historical books. But as my Aunt had recommended it I figured I should give it a go, and I am really glad that I did. I loved the whole thing, even though it can be confusing and quite upsetting in certain parts and you really do feel so sorry for Liesel. You can see that although a work of fiction this is really what the lives of some Germans must have been like during the war - they had very little choice when it came to being in the Nazi Army, it was join or be killed. It gives you a look at what it must have been like on the other side, and the loss people like Liesel must have gone through. She is almost an inspirational character as she battles on throughout. 
Zusak is an incredibly emotive writer and I really enjoyed his style, even if the book was a little hefty in places, I think it all added brilliantly to the heartship of the storyline, I will be looking for other books of his.

I give this a 4 out 5 as I enjoyed it but thought it was a little slow to start and it places could drag a little, but it does make you think of the other side of Nazi Germany. Get it from amazon.co.uk or amazon.com

Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson


This one was suggested by my House Mate after she had read it after seeing it on one of the TV book club things. I managed to pick up a copy in the local charity shop so figured I would give it a go.
Christine is in her 40's and married but every morning when she wakes up she has no idea who she is or who is sleeping in the bed next to her. After a horrific 'accident' at the age of 29 Christine lost her ability to remember her life before her teens and early 20's or make and retain any new memories, so every time she goes to sleep she loses everything she has remembered or been told about her life. But she starts to keep a diary and begins to piece together parts of her life and her past but certain things dont add up. Why is her husband lying to her, what really happened to her, will she every remember her past. This is a drama and a crime story all rolled into one

My Thoughts: It is a great idea for a story, all Christine has to rely on is her own Diary of the past few weeks and the fragments of her memory when they come to her in flashes. I really enjoyed the uncovering of her past and little facts that don't seem to make sense or add up, and the idea that something is wrong and she just cant quite put her finger on it. Some nice bits of suspense as we get to the end and the gripping final part when the pieces start to fall into place. It really has you guessing all the way through. Usually I can work out who the 'bad-guy' is (due to watching too many crime TC programmes) but this one really had you jumping back and fore between suspects, I didn't get it until page 333 which is almost the end, so I liked that part. For me it could just have done with a little more storyline, it could have been extended further.

I give this a 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it but thought there could have been a bit more too it over all. Get it from amazon.co.uk or amazon.com

So there you have it all the books I managed to finish in March and what I thought of them. Did you read any good books? Any suggestions of what I should read next? Currently reading DaisyChain by GJ Moffat but I am so busy I really haven't managed to make a proper start on it yet, but I'll let you know what it is like at the end of April

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Review - Bill's Restaurant, Cardiff

My parents, Jon and I went to try out one of the new-ish restaurants in Cardiff a few weeks ago. Bill's! It's kind of an unusual restaurant, without any specific cuisine type, but the food is all really yummy. It is quite a quirky place, with mismatched tables and chairs dotted all around and fun stuff hanging and displayed all over the place. And there was a really great friendly atmosphere in there, it seemed to be full of lots of parties of friends all having a really great time.

So I thought you all might like to see what we had to eat
Bill's Fizz a yummy sparkling wine cocktail, with raspberries
Mum's Tiger Prawn and Avocado Cocktail, she said it was very good, but could have done with a few more prawns
My duck liver terrine with seriously yummy chutney - it was so good, I would go back just to have that again
 Mum had a posh fish finger sandwich, which was made with fresh battered cod fingers or home baked bread and crispy chips. She really enjoyed it
 I chose the halloumi cheese and houmous burger with their crispy fries. It was really yummy! It is meant to be made with sweet chilli but I had it without as it is too spicy for me and it was really tasty. 
 Dad and Jon both had these zesty chicken skewers which they both said was very good.

Apart from our wonky table which we had to jack up with drinks mats the place is lovely and the service was really good too. It isn't cheap sadly, but it isn't really expensive either, I think it all came to about £20 a head for the 4 of us, that was for 2 starters 4 mains, coffee and a round of drinks - so not too bad really. If you want to find out more about Bill's or see if there is one in your area check out their website.

Have you tried a Bill's? What do you think about it?
Been to any other nice new restaurants recently?

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Sponsor Spotlight - Barratts

I was lucky enough to have a repeat sponsor this month too, in the form of Barratts Shoes. And really as women we just cant have too many shoes can we? 

Plus if you get over to the site quickly you will find they are having a 20% off sale, you just need to enter 'FASHION' at the checkout to get 20% off everything! So why not have a look for a new pair of summer sandals or great evening shoes for a night of partying.

Here are just a few of my fav pairs and accessories from the site at the moment, and how much they will cost with the 20% off discount.

I was also lucky enough to be gifted another pair of shoes by them, and this time I went for a sensible and practical pair of pumps but with a cute little twist in the form of 3 bows! I haven't had much chance to wear them yet, but they are so cute!

Have you bought any nice shoes recently?
Want to sponsor Daisy Dayz next month then check out my sponsorship page for info and rates

Monday 25 March 2013

Filmaholics Anonymous - My March Films

Almost the end of the month again so I thought it was time for my Filmaholics Review for March. Actually didn't get to the cinema at all this month so didn't manage to see any really new movies but I did squeeze in a few other films.

Stallone Medley

I bought Jon the Stallone box set for Christmas so last week we had a Stallone Film Fest night. We watched Tango & Cash, Cobra and Assassins none of which I had seen before. 

Well as you would expect they are all pretty cheesy, like all Stallone films really. But I kinda liked Assassins and Tango & Cash. Both have pretty decent storylines, are well filmed and produced, and even well acting, at least from the supporting cast! Lol! I am a pretty big action film fan anyway so these are the kinds of films we often like to watch. 

Assassins was probably my favourite as I love a bit of Antonio Banderas and love Julieanne Moore even more! Plus it isn't really cheesy at all, just a good action film! Tango & Cash has just the right amount of cheesy 80's action moved and bouffant hair! Cobra was a little weaker for me though, too much cheesy action! (maybe I should have a cheesy action film scale?)
I'd give Assassins and Tango & Cash a 3 star but Cobra only a 2 star

You can buy the Stallone box set we have here on amazon.co.uk

Bridesmaids
I love Bridesmaids!! I love it, I love it! Need I say more! It was pipped as the new female version of the Hangover but it was totally better. I am a huge Melissa McCarthy fan so was super happy to see her in the line up. I saw this ages ago but bought the DVD recently as I simply love it. Jon fancied a comedy film so I chose this to watch last week

As well as an awesome cast it has a brilliant script with utter comedy genius moments! Some of them are laugh out loud funny, others are cringe worthy funny and others still are just sweet funny! It is an all round brilliant film that everyone will like. Nice clean (although a little icky) humour!
Total 5 star film in my opinion!

Every girl must own this film and you can get it on amazon.co.uk

Thir13en Ghosts
Thirteen Ghosts was on TV recently and I had never seen it so figured I would watch it. Wow what a rubbish film, but with a pretty decent cast (Monk from monk, Miss Honey from Matilda, Shaggy from Scooby Doo and Nadia from American Pie) Considering its a horror film it isn't really particularly scary just kinda bloody for the most part. 

I don't even know what else to say about it as it really is just silly. So just a 1 star from me - and that's only coz of a decent cast, you can't blame them for a crappy script and storyline.

But if you are a fan it's super super cheap on Amazon.co.uk if you want to buy it

Surf's Up
Yes it's a kids film but I had yet to see this one, which surprised me as I thought I had seen most of them, lol. Surf's Up is really cute and I watched it with my mum when I was home the weekend before last. I love a bit of kids entertainment, and we like penguins! hehe! So what could be better.

This is definitely one most kids will enjoy, but so will most adults. It is pretty, cute and sweet. It's got a nice moral boosting storyline and some good moral storylines as you will find in many children's films. But it isn't quite as good Happy Feet!

I would give it a 4 star I think but I really loved it
Get it on amazon.co.uk

So there you have it, that's what I have watched this month and what I think of them all. Have you seen any interesting films this month? Anything worth checking out?

Sunday 24 March 2013

Sunday Catch-Up - 24th March

Havent done a Sunday Catch-Up in absolutely ages so thought I should squeeze one in this week. But for some reason over the last few months I just havent been using instagram or my iphone to take pictures, so I don't have lots of pictures like I used to but here is a Sunday catch-up for March.
The Mandatory food picture I know you all like to see
1. American Brekkie at Cafe 37
2. Cawl in the Green Room at work
3. Canadian Breakfast Pancake at Crepes and Coffee in Swansea
4. Awesome goats cheese, sweet potato and spinach pie from The Raven Pub in Bath

I went home for a few days and spent some time with my rents and this ever growing bundle of fluff, Pasha, who looks cute when he is asleep but is a right little bugger when he is awake!


I want on a hen party for one of my sisters best friends. We did a cocktail making class then heading out for a night on the top. Here are a few pictures for you

Pre Hen Party Lunch
 Me and Rachel
Briony and Rebecca

Cocktail Making Class
 
Me whooping Becca's arse in a cocktail making and drinking race. I had made and drank it all before she even shook hers in the cocktail shaker! hehe!
 My sister, the Bride Hannah and her sister Emma making mean Mojitos!
 Oh yes then I had to make a cocktail blindfolded through Colette's arms, and I didn't spill a drop!
All the girls and our awesome teacher (think his name was Will, but I could be wrong!)
 Me and my 'little' sister
 Nearly all the party!
Awe aren't they all beautiful! Briony, Rachel, Becca and Rachel
Me and my 'little' sis again

So there you have it, my little Sunday catch up. No links this time as my life has sadly revolved around proofreading work, been so so busy! Done anything fun this week?

Saturday 23 March 2013

Sponsor Spotlight - Bryony Jade Jewellery

You will have spied a new ad in my side bar this month. The lovely Bryony from Bryony Jade Jewellery agreed to be one of my sponsors this month and I was more than happy to promote her brilliant, cute jewellery. Bryony is an etsy seller so you will find all her beautiful pieces in her Bryony Jade Etsy Store.
You may also be thinking that the name sounds familiar or that some of her items do, well that is because I featured Bryony Jade Jewellery in one of my Shop Local features last month so if you want to read more about the women behind the designs then check out the feature here.

So here are the items I love the most from her store!


So what do we think of Bryony Jade Jewellery? I am think of getting a few of the ceramic button heart necklaces as gifts for this year, so cute!

If you would like to sponsor Daisy Dayz please check out my sponsorship page and get in touch

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Outings - Flying visit to Bath

Two of my best friends now live in Bath, which is only an hour away from Cardiff on the train, so it is nice and easy for me to nip up for an afternoon or the night. I had one such flying visit 2 weeks ago and her are a few snaps from my trip. Heather and Pete took me to a great Cafe called Tea Monkey, I had a tiffin cake and really yummy Dragon Pearl Tea!

Look at the cool tea infusers and our yummy Tiffin cakes!
 Heather enjoying her tea
 Pete enjoying his Brownie


 And me, look how big that mug really is! We got 2 of those out of the infusers and they were around £3.50 - so not bad really.
Dress: Henry Holland
Top: Next
And my yummy tea! 
This is Tilly, their little pussy cat - if you saw my twitter while I was there you will know she brought in a poor little defenceless tiny mouse, which I then had to rescue (while Pete and Heather screamed like children) and release back into the wild. I hope it was ok, she hadn't bitten it at all, but it probably died of shock! 
Just had to snap this picture of the Abbey at night as it just looked so beautiful!

Anyone else been to Bath? Or anywhere else recently

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