Currently Reading September 2014

The British Tag - WITH SAMMY

Brownie Lip Scrub DIY

The finished product

Chocolate Brownie Lip Scrub

This easy lip scrub is not only made of ingredients that can be found at home but makes your lips feel amazing and smells like delicious chocolate brownies

You Will Need:

1 tsp Salt

1 tbsp Muskavado/Soft Brown Sugar

1/2 tsp Good Cocoa Powder

1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence

2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (or 50:50 Veg Oil & Coconut Oil)

 1) Smush together the dry ingredients (Sugar, Cocoa and Salt) in a small bowl until they have fully combined into a light brown powder.

2) Mix in the Oil and the Vanilla Essence

3) Compact the rough mixture into the bottom of an old make up tin or a small container.

This should be the texture you get

This scrub should remove any dry or dead skin from your lips. The oil will they moisturize the lips after the roughness of the salt and sugar granules. You will need to use a lip balm afterwards to keep your new soft lips. 

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Book To Adaption Wish List

Nine Books I Want To See Adapted:

1. Clockwork Angel is the first book in the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. Along with the Mortal Instruments, Clare's series have become international bestsellers. The Victorian Steampunk styled book is a fun read and would make an amazing book. I'm thinking Sweeney Todd meets Harry Potter.
2. The Looking Glass Wars has amazing cinematography potential and a unique and interesting story line, all which lead to the possibility of a breath taking and enjoyable film. Frank Beddor's novel follows the story of Alice from Alice In Wonderland, only with a twist. It is also part one of a trilogy which leans towards a series of fantastic films.
3. Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief has already been transformed  into a film as part of the ongoing Percy Jackson's franchise. Although I did really enjoy the films and the casting of Percy, I felt like I wanted more. Possibly a film that had stuck closer to the books story line instead of changing it completely. I just want a do over. 
4. Beyond The Deepwoods is a book that is very close to my heart as it is one of my childhood favourites. Again, this is a book that has great cinematography already suggested and the possibility of a franchise as it is part of the Edge Chronicles. But also it could be a stand alone film. Personally, I feel like this could be adapted in a similar way to How To Train Your Dragon as it has so many fantastic fantasy creatures that a animated feature might to it more justice. And also then it could feature some of the amazing art that the book contains. 
5. Glass Houses is the first book in one of my favourite book series, The Morganville Vampires. The novels have a web series in production, but I feel that the books deserve a real TV series along the lines of Game Of Thrones or The Vampire Diaries. The characters are appeal and possible eye candy for both male and female audiences. The story is intricate and enjoyable, a highly recommended read.
6. The Outsiders, as far as I can gather, is a studied novel in American High Schools. It is also an interesting book about life in the 1950's written by a teenager about her friends. The film was previously adapted in the 80's staring the Brat Pack and has become a cult classic, but that was 30 years ago and the story may need a new adaption. If not, the current film is enjoyable if not slightly confusing. 
7. Inkheart is another book that already has an adaption, but was negatively received by critics and didn't remain very faithful to the book. Again, this has the potential to become a franchise. As well as having a story line that is very easy to immerse yourself into, the plot is different and creative and a truly enjoyable fantasy novel. 
8. The Wind Singer is a novel that stands out in my memories from my childhood. It was read to me by a teacher and since then I couldn't find it until recently. But re-reading it, I realised that this book would fit in with the recent film trend of dystopian post-apocalyptic novels. Only this would be perfect for a younger audience as well. It's set in the city of Aramanth, which is divided into segments based on a family test result. The message of the novel could be converted well into a film. 
9. The Cuckoo's Calling really stands out to me as a BBC television series. You may have already seen the review I posted earlier in the week about the second novel in the series, The Silkworm, and from that you can probably tell that I love the Cormoran Strike Novels. As crime novels usually follow a basic storyline, I enjoy the fact that these novels mix it up a bit by moving in different circles than ones usually covered. The background of the main characters are also intreguing and draw you in. They could make an amazing series of crime fiction worthy of the BBC.

To buy the books mentioned, click the links listed below
 The Infernal Devices: X
 The Looking Glass Wars: X
 Percy Jackson And The Lighting Thief: X
 Beyond The Deepwoods: X
 Glass Houses: X
 The Outsiders: X
 Inkheart: X
 The Wind Singer: X
 The Cuckoo's Calling: X

Splendour

As a born and bred Nottingham gal, it is basically law to attend the resident Nottingham music festival "Splendour" each summer.

Last year myself and Holly went and saw the likes of astounding Nottingham artists such as Dog Is Dead, Kagoule and Jake Bugg (as well as nonlocal artists by the likes of KT Tunstall and Nina Nesbitt). This was my first year of Splendour, hosted at Wollaton Hall, and it was excellent; this of course left me with high hopes for the 2014 lineup.

With forecasts of rain, hail, thunderstorms and sunshine for yesterday's festival, the weather was the typical British summer. This however didn't dampen our spirits (only our clothes) and we enjoyed many acts, my personal favourite being the Happy Mondays!

The stalls were also especially good this year, as I picked up a lovely skirt for £2 and a backpack for £3 to add to my wannabe vintage goddess wardrobe. There was also multiple tshirt stalls, including a "Save the bees" tshirt that I need to order!

Overall it was a fun day out with friends, and I won't soon forget the weather which made my raincoat pockets into tiny ponds!

Til next time,
Maya xo