"The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green

In the past I've tried to define what I want to do with this blog: do I want to be a beauty blogger? Lifestyle blogger? Fashion blogger? But truth be told, I dislike labels and I don't think I could ever stick to one thing. In my opinion, limits kill creativity and I don't want to feel pressured (by myself) to write about one thing and one thing only. Why do that when I can blog about whatever I like? Exactly!

That being said, you may or may not know I'm an English student, so I read an awful lot, whether it's for class or on my own. A while ago, a good friend of mine started reading John Green's infamous book The Fault In Our Stars, which you have probably heard of by now as the movie is due this year I believe. She said I had to read it "but not in public because you're going to cry your eyes out" and so I did!

In a nutshell
Hazel Grace is a 16 year old girl who has been diagnosed with lung cancer. In order for her to leave the house and cheer up a bit, her mother suggests she should attend a Cancer Suport Group at the church. There she meets charming and charismatic cancer survivor, Augustus Waters, and together they will embark in the adventure of finding out what it truly means to be in love and to feel alive. 

Thoughts

In all honesty, it has to be one of the best books I read in 2013. I found myself smiling more than once while reading it, but when I finished I also felt like I'd ran out of tears. It's obviously a sad story, but it's portrayed in a way that doesn't make you think of the characters as "ill kids", but just kids. Teenagers living their lives. It's brilliant, devastating, funny and frustrating at the same time.

What I found particularly thrilling about the way this book is written is that the author is an adult man, who could've easily failed at portraying the mind of a 16 year old girl, making her sound like a parody of a teenager. It's nothing like it - John Green makes you believe every word that comes out of Hazel Grace. When it comes to female lead characters I always find it very difficult to really like them, because one way or another I always end up thinking they are annoying and/or selfish. With Hazel, though, you've got no other choice but to end up loving her like a friend.

Worth the hype?
YES. Definitely. Don't hesitate to pick it up if you haven't yet because you won't regret it. I know I don't - it's a story that I'm certain will stay with me for a long, long time.

As you can see in the pictures above, I'm now the proud owner of that lovely box thanks to my grandma, so I may or may not be writing my thoughts on the other books soon! I already started reading Looking For Alaska (I'm only 17 pages in, though!) so we'll see. :)

See you soon,

Tania x

January/Sales Wishlist

Hello everybody! How's January treating you all so far? I probably shouldn't be blogging since I have the scariest test of my life on Wednesday, buuuut... I needed a break! (And a great friend told me, "If you're feeling overwhelmed either write on your blog or talk to me" ❤)

It's that time of the year again when we're dying to go shopping and splurge some of our Christmas money on the January sales. I am particularly excited this year and thought I'd share with you some of the items I want to get my hands on this month.

1. Borg denim jacket

I have been trying to get one of these jackets for so long but I never seem to find any when I go shopping! Hopefully that will change soon. The one in the collage above is from Topshop (76€), as seen on Harry Styles' sister Gemma and Zoe Sugg/Zoella in her vlogmas videos. 

2. Tartan scarf

Another classic that my closet is lacking. Probably not a very exciting item, but I really can't wait to have one. The one in the picture is from Boohoo ($24). 

3. Black ankle boots

Now I don't know why they look brown-ish on the picture, but I've had my eyes on a pair of black ankle boots from H&M (can't find the link, but they are about 30€) since I tried on a similar pair in New Look back in September when I went to London. I already have all kinds of outfits in my mind to match with these boots so I better find them!

4. B&N skirt

When shopping with my friend Nerea last week, she got a skirt that I absolutely love but they didn't have my size so sad times for me. Anyway while looking for a similar one to add to the collage I randomly found this one from Mango which I really like as well! I have not seen it in stores here in Spain but hopefully it will be there when I go shopping next!

5. Black collared shirt

I have never been one to wear collars, but then again, I haven't tried one on in about ten years. I'd like to change that and give them another try and I'm in love with that plummy red colour so I think if I could find a similar shirt I would be a very pleased gal. The one in the picture is from Oasis (£38).

6. Album & DVDs

I wasn't sure whether I should include these or not but I really want them, so why not! I have been obsessed with Now You See Me ever since I watched it a couple of weeks ago (Dave Franco might have had something to do with that... but really, it's GOOD) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of my favourite books and I do believe they did a wonderful job with the movie, so I'd like to purchase both of them. Also, Fall Out Boy's new album Save Rock and Roll needs to be mine since I'm going to see them on March! Yipeeeeee!

What about you guys? 

Anything that Santa forgot & you can't wait to have? :)

Tania x

 

Happy 2014!: NYE and Resolutions

Third post in four days and, most importantly, my first post of the year! Hopefully it's just the first of many more to come... But we'll get to that.

I hope you all had a fabulous start of the year. For me, these pictures basically sum up my night. I decided to stay home for NYE this year instead of going out so I spent the first few hours of 2014 laughing, dancing, eating and drinking with my lovely family. I even learned that, while my two year old cousin may not be able to say much just yet, she sure does know how to say "fiesta!" and there may or may not be a video of me dancing to Best Song Ever with her. This cheeky little kid.

To be quite honest with you I don't recall ever having New Year's resolutions. 2013 was not nearly as good as I wanted it to be, though, so why not try and twist things around? That being said, this year I hope to...

> Stop being so much of a worrier. 
If there's a solution to the problem, just find it and move on. And if there isn't, going crazy about it won't do much anyway!

> Stress less/stop putting extra pressure on myself. 
The last few months of 2013 were awful partly because I kept pushing myself harder and harder, so I'm determined to find a way to take things easier this year.

> Come out of my shell a little bit.

I definitely need to open up, step out of my comfort zone and stop being so shy. I'm hoping the first two resolutions above will help me accomplish this one!

> Blog more! 
"I don't have the time" needs to stop beingan excuse to avoid writing. I'm yet to find the direction I want to take with this blog, but I will find the time, simply because I love it.

>Stop putting things off.
If you want to do something, just do it! Don't put it off. Take risks. Bring your projects to life. "Time passes by, young lady. You have a long life and you can start by making it great right now." :) (OTH S3E14)

So that's about it. I honestly couldn't wait for 2013 to come to an end so I'm really happy and excited for what's to come this year. I hope it brings you all lots of love and happiness!

Happy 2014 ❤

Tania x

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