April Goals

April Goals

Wednesday, 8 April 2020

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Hello April!


It's been a long old time since I last sat down to write a blog post. Months even. I have a couple of reasons, none of which I'll bore you with now, because you'll have heard my excuses before. The important thing is I'm back now and glad to be posting again.

5 Books to Read on Holiday

5 Books to Read on Holiday

Wednesday, 7 August 2019

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Holiday season is well and truly upon us now, folks! Everywhere I look people are packing up and heading to the sunshine. Even I’ve gotten in on the act and have just got back from four days in Paris.

How To Read More

How To Read More

Wednesday, 16 January 2019

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Read more is probably one of my most frequently set monthly goals. Because I love reading, always have, and I just don’t do it enough. It’s a story I’ve told time and time again. Reading was my passion, two English degrees killed that passion - don’t study what you love kids! - and, in the four years (!) since I graduated, I’ve desperately tried to claw it back, but try as I might I just couldn’t seem to get in the right mindset to read more and incorporate reading into my everyday life. For something that used to be completely effortless for me, it’s been really hard work. But finally, FINALLY, I’ve cracked it and am reading more than I have in years. Here’s how: 

Accountability

Having a book club with my best friend has been amazingly helpful to get both of us back into reading. It works really well as we love the same kinds of books - trashy crime thrillers mainly - and have a soft spot for pretty books. We also don’t trust people who say they don’t read and both of us organised our bookshelves by colour, something that is aesthetically pleasing, outrageously statisfying and completely useless! Anyway, having that accountability to another person is a great motivator to get reading. Plus spending an hour or two talking about books over hot chocolate and millionaire’s shortbread is a delightful use of time. It’s the best! 

Consciously choose to do it, and then do it

Firstly, I must apologies for that particularly wanky phrasing, I couldn’t think of a better way of framing it. Let me explain, I was listening to The High Low, my fave podcast, when Pandora Sykes was asked how she read so much and her response was brilliant. She basically said that people have the attention span to carry out whatever task they need to do, including reading, and that it just comes down to being aware of your distractions - phones,  music, social media etc -  so you can minimise them. I’m notorious for trying to read and listen to music at the same time and sometimes I can concentrate on what I’m reading, but more often than not I can’t. I’m also really terrible for taking out my kindle and then playing on my phone. It’s so easy to get distracted. So when I say choose to read I mean getting rid of all distractions - phone, music, food, whatever - so I can focus entirely on my book. It’s infuriating that it works but it does. 

Make time

I managed to read 22 books in the second half of last year purely by reading on my commute. Instead of spending my bus journey pointlessly scrolling through Instagram, I’d get a book out instead. Also when filling my hot water bottle. That’s an oddly specific time that’s probably not applicable to everyone. I really feel the cold, guys! But if you, like me, are a cross between a young grandma and a lizard and take a hot water bottle to bed with you too, then this is a great time to read. It takes roughly 10 minutes for me to fill and boil the kettle twice so my hot water bottle gets full. You can do a lot of reading in 10 minutes. Just sayin’. I think the most important thing to remember is that there are definitely pockets of dead time that aren’t being used effectively, you just need to find them. Reading before bed is also a great shout, for loads of reasons, it helps you sleep, it’s relaxing, and, my personal favourite, it’s cosy af!

Audiobooks

Personally, I prefer reading to audiobooks. However, that’s not to say I don’t love an audiobook every now and then. Because I do. I think they’re a great way to get through a lot of books in a short space of time. They’re basically a podcast but longer! They’re also great if you’re on a particularly busy tube, feeling lazy and/or reading more than one book at a time, which is how I tend to use them. They’re also good for when I’m at work and not really in the mood for either music or podcasts. Side note: I’m currently listening to Jog On by Bella Mackie, it’s excellent! and she has such a soothing voice. 

Hopefully these will help you read more if you’re struggling. Let me know if you have any book recommendations! Xxx

Autumn Reads

Autumn Reads

Wednesday, 31 October 2018

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It's that time of year where all I want to do is curl up in a cosy corner with a mug of tea and my dog and read all of the books. I just love the idea of sitting by a window, with the leaves falling, and getting completely lost in a book. But in all honesty it's been a very long time since I've done that. And this year, for the first time in a very, very long time, I’ve actually done it. I  have read loads! Loads!  I haven’t read like this since before I went to university, and ultimately, destroyed my concentration and ability to focus on anything that wasn't instagram for longer than 30 seconds. Over the last six weeks I've made reading a serious priority, and have really reminded myself of how much I fucking love books and reading. I love it so much. Why did I stop? Anyway here's just some of the books I've read and loved recently.

No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister

If you love a slightly trashy but compelling crime novel (my fave!) then look no further (is that a pun?!) Told from the perspective of both sides, No Further Questions is a courtroom drama, about sisters, Martha and Becky, who are embroiled in a court case, where one of them - Becky - stands accused of murdering the other’s baby. Despite the quite dark subject matter, not going to lie I don’t love reading about children being murdered, I was completely consumed by the story, which drew me in from the very first page and kept me reading until the bitter end. It’s a fantastic read.

What Would The Spice Girls Do? by Lauren Bravo

What Would The Spice Girls Do? is an exploration of the Spice Girls and their undeniable impact on pop culture and, not to be overdramatic, the world. More importantly, it's about the Girl Power generation and how we grew up. 

I was only five when Wannabe came out and set the world on fire, so I am a fully paid up member of the Girl Power generation and a former Baby Spice wannabe. I grew up with the Spice Girls. I was obsessed with them. I loved them! And I loved reading this book because of that. Reading it was so nostalgic, because I lived it all. I was obsessed, I had the dolls, I had the photo cards, I had the Impulse body spray, I ate the crisps and I even had an unofficial blue Spice Girls t-shirt that my mum got me from the market. And you probably did too. 

Now even if you didn't love the Spice Girls - you did, you know you did! - it's still a fascinating and hilarious read. It's whip-smart, hilariously funny and stridently feminist without being preachy. I'm a total Lauren Bravo fangirl, and the way she writes is just *italian chef finger kiss* It's brilliant.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

Set inside a Women's Clinic in Mississippi which has been taken over by a shooter, A Spark of Light is an incredible book about abortion and the different arguments on either side of this very contentious topic. Starting at the end, the story works backwards and is told from multiple perspectives, including that of the shooter. It's very cleverly and sensitively done, but it's also incredibly well written. I'm reading it at the moment, and I'm about half way through but I'm finding it to be a really compelling read. It's utterly addictive and compelling but thought provoking and incredibly relevant. I think it's amazing and I can't wait to find out what's going to happen. 

My Thoughts Exactly by Lily Allen

You don't have to be a fan of Lily Allen's - I wasn't particularly, I am now - to think that her autobiography is a spectacular piece of work. It's honestly incredible and I wasn't expecting to be as emotionally invested in it as I was. My Thoughts Exactly is Lily's answer to all the tabloid stories and trolling and all other horrible bull shit she faces on a day-to-day basis. It's her story told  in her words, and those words are bloody brilliant. She's very open and honest, to the point where it's painful  at times, but she's also funny and warm, and her story is really moving. I loved it.

This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Phillips 

Okay, so this is the only one I haven't read yet, but it's next on my reading list. Lately, like the rest of the world, I've become a bit obsessed with Busy Phillips. Her autobiography, This Will Only Hurt a Little, from what I've heard, is funny, brutally honest, refreshing, heartbreaking and awesome. I cannot wait to get stuck in. 

So those are my reading recommendations, what are yours? Let me know xxx

January Favourites 2017

January Favourites 2017

Tuesday, 14 February 2017

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Firstly I must apologies for these pictures. I'm really not happy with them, but I'm so short of time at the moment that I'm having to work with what I've got. It doesn't help that I mostly use natural lighting and it is so dreary at the moment. When I've got some time, and some decent lighting, I will definitely be re-shooting.

*Blog update: I have re-shot and I am much happier with the pictures now :) *

October & November Non-Beauty Favourites 2016

October & November Non-Beauty Favourites 2016

Saturday, 10 December 2016

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I had way more lifestyle and non-beauty favourites in the last two months, so much so that they necessitated their own post rather than just being chucked in with the rest of my favourites (read that post here). But when it came to actually writing it I found that I couldn't remember half of them. So here, for your reading pleasure, are the favourites that I could remember.

5 Books to Read on Holiday

5 Books to Read on Holiday

Thursday, 1 September 2016

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Reading is one of my absolute favourite things to do on holiday. Lounging by the pool with my kindle in one hand and maybe a cocktail in the other is my idea of a little bit of heaven. After a week in Bulgaria where all I did was sunbathe and read I thought I'd put together a list of some of the books I didn't get round to, but will start making my way through now that I'm home  - just in case any of you lot are heading off for some last minute sunshine.

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern - Kindle Edition/Paperback £4.99/£4.00 from Amazon

Ahern's first YA book Flawed is a bit of a departure from her usual chick lit style of writing. Set in a dystopian future, Flawed takes place in a society where flaws and mistakes are punished harshly, those who are found to be Flawed are branded and imprisoned. Celestine North is perfect, and always has been, until one day she reacts instinctively in a situation which means she could be found Flawed. I haven't started it yet but it sounds like it's in a similar sort of vein to the The Hunger Games and Lauren Oliver's Delirium series, both of which I loved, so I can't wait to get stuck in.

Yes Please by Amy Poehler - Kindle Edition/Paperback £5.69/£6.49 from Amazon

I can't quite believe that I still haven't read Yes Please because I love Amy Poehler, a lot! I've just never got round to reading it and honestly, I don't have an excuse as to why. But I'm guessing it will be absolutely hilarious, well written and very clever, because how could it not be when the author is such a bad ass?!

The Beauty of the End by Debbie Howells - Kindle Edition/Paperback £3.79/£3.99 from Amazon

I absolutely LOVED Debbie Howell's first book, The Bones of You, it's an incredible story and is beautifully written. I was hooked from the very first page and I could not put it down! I'd even go so far as to say that it is the best book I've read this year. So I couldn't wait for The Beauty of the End to come out to see how it would compare. I've had a nosey at the blurb and it sounds like it's gonna be a good 'un.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert - Kindle Edition/Hardback £7,15/£7.50 from Amazon

Big Magic is the book on everyone's lips, it's everywhere, almost to the point of becoming a blogger cliché. I've read Elizabeth Gilbert's other books, Eat Pray Love and Committed, and found them inspiring, funny and really easy to read. I'm imagining Big Magic will be similar. I've been wanting to read it for ages and I'm thinking now might be an ideal time to do it.

On the Other Side by Carrie Hope Fletcher - Kindle Edition/Hardback £6.49/£6.49 from Amazon

On the Other Side is the debut novel from youtube sweetheart Carrie Hope Fletcher - we all know I love her - and I'm really excited to read it. On the Other Side is about Evie Snow, who after dying peacefully in her sleep at the age of 82, finds herself in the afterlife locked out of her own personal heaven. She is too heavy, burdened with secrets from her past, she has to rid herself of these secrets in order to be light enough to get in. It sounds awesome. I've read the first couple of chapters already and am really enjoying it so far.  I'll keep you posted.

I have a ton of other books on my to read pile, including: The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k by Sarah Knight,  How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran, Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler... seriously there are loads. I'll let you know how I get on.

What's on your holiday reading list? Any recommendations? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

What Happens in New York Book Review

What Happens in New York Book Review

Saturday, 25 June 2016

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*Sponsered post*

Nearly a year after finishing my Masters Degree in English Literature I'm finally, FINALLY, getting back into reading. So when Kristina got in touch and asked me to review her new book, What Happens in New York, I was eager to get stuck in.

What Happens in New York is about best friends Hollie and Fayth. Hollie, an aspiring designer, is stuck in a dead end job she hates and Fayth, working behind the bar at her family pub, is struggling to cope with the loss of her mum and sister and her estranged cheating husband. Fed up with their current situations they decide to go to New York for a couple of days. On their first night in New York the girls meet Astin Mack, a former model turned stuntman and Liam York, a floppy-haired movie star. It's your typical, lighthearted, girls go to New York, find love and friendship kinda story, very Sex and the City-esque, but it does touch on more important issues like loss and anxiety. 

The book gets off to a shaky start, I had to read quite a few chapters to get into it, and there are a few technical writing choices that I'm not keen on, I blame my MA! I analyse everything like I'm writing an essay on it, but overall it's easy to read and a nice story. It's a good holiday read, that will make you want to jump on the next plane to New York. If you're a fan of Lindsey Kelk's I Heart series then chances are you'll like What Happens in New York. 

What Happens in New York  is available on Amazon 

Are you gonna read What Happens in New York? Have you already read it? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* This is a sponsored post. An ebook version was sent to me for free, to review. This in no way changes my opinion of the product. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own, 

April Favourites 2016

April Favourites 2016

Sunday, 8 May 2016

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So another month of 2016 has disappeared in the blink of an eye. I'm a month older but none the wiser but I do have loads of favourites to talk about so let's get down to it.

Beauty Blender - £16.00 from Beauty Blender

Until recently I didn't really understand the hype surrounding the beauty blender, I just thought it was an overpriced make up sponge, nothing really remarkable about it other than it's shape. But I have since seen the error of my ways. The beauty blender is a make up application game changer and I LOVE it. If you google beauty blender there are literally thousands of ways to use it, but my favourite is for concealer and as the final step when applying foundation. It blends everything in so seamlessly and when damp sheers out really heavy and cakey looking foundation. It also adds a ton of glow to the skin, which my complexion desperately needs. I also like to use it for blending out my contour as it makes it look so natural and non-Kardashian-esque.

Look Good Feel Better Finishing Brush - part of The Makeover Brush Set £24.99 from Boots

I picked up LGFB's Makeover Brush Set at the beginning of the month (read more about it here) and have been using them pretty much constantly ever since. The finishing brush is my favourite, I've been using it for my foundation because it's really soft, gives flawless coverage and because the bristles are synthetic it doesn't soak up too much product, minimising wastage. It's a great little brush.

Avon Big & False Lash Volume Mascara - £8.50 from Avon

The Big & False Lash Volume mascara is Avon's answer to Benefit's They're Real mascara, and if truth be told I actually prefer Avon's offering. It has a blacker than black 'fibre infused' formula and a big, fluffy brush that lifts, separates, defines and packs some serious wallop when it comes to volume.  Love it.

YSL's Rouge Volupté Shine in Corail A Porter - £26.00 from YSL

I really upped my fancy pants lipstick game when this bad boy made it's way into my collection. Everything about it screams premium! From the weighted gold packaging - that is so beautiful I could eat it -, to the incredibly satisfying click closure and the dreamy peach scented formula. High gloss lipsticks aren't usually my cup of tea, however after seeing how beautiful this one was, an exception had to be made. Corail A Porter is a deep pink-y coral with a super glossy finish. It also has a really nice formula, it's moisturising, it smells amazing and is very pigmented with a reasonable wear time. I like it a lot, and it is super fancy.

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Brave Red - £15.50 from MAC

This was a birthday present from a particularly lovely work friend of mind, and it's as if she read my mind. Brave Red is a classic pillar box shade, a bit more yellow than I'm used to, but a really gorgeous bright, bold red. It's another one with a glossy finish, but it actually looks quite dewy on the lips and is very comfortable to wear. I like it, and the sweetheart who bought it for me, a lot.

Blogosphere - £40 for Issues 1 - 8 at Blogosphere

I hadn't really heard of blogosphere until quite recently, but after seeing that 4 of my favourite bloggers had already been featured on the cover (Esteé Lalonde, Fleur De Force, Samantha Maria & Lily Pebbles) getting a subscription was a complete no brainer. Written for and by bloggers Blogosphere is a gorgeous magazine, full of insider tips and tricks for up and coming bloggers - like myself... she said wishful thinkingly - it's quickly become my go to bedtime read and I've read all 8 issues cover to cover, I can't wait for the next issue to come out.

Buzzfeed Video - Subscribe here

I've been talking about Buzzfeed non-stop lately (read more about it here and  here) because the content they create is brilliant and so addictive. Whether it's funny, informative or even a little bit gross, it's always interesting and very well executed. I dare you to watch just one, because in my experience it isn't possible!

The Bones of You by Debbie Howells - Paperback/Kindle Edition £3.55/£3.37 from Amazon

Lately I've been really getting into thrillers,  I blame Gone Girl, and The Bones of You is one of the best I've read. The book is about Rosie Anderson, an 18 year old girl who goes missing, throwing the tiny village she lives in into turmoil. When Rosie is found dead a few days later Kate, a friend of Rosie's mother, becomes obsessed with solving the mystery surrounding her death, revealing some dark secrets along the way. The story is a multi-narrative told from the points of view of Kate and Rosie herself, working backwards from her death, it's beautifully written, tense, suspenseful and the story has more twists and turns than a corkscrew. Think Broadchurch but even more shocking. I can't wait for Howell's next book, if it's anything like her first it's bound to be a good 'un.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell - Paperback/Kindle Edition£3.85/£4.99 from Amazon

Rainbow Rowell is one of my favourite authors because her writing is incredible, the best way I can think to describe it is kinda like a really good piece of cake  - or chocolate... insert applicable food here - you want to savour it because it is delicious. Landline is about tv writer Georgie McCool whose family and married life suffers the more successful she becomes. When she has to work over Christmas her husband Neal takes their daughters to back home to Omaha leaving Georgie alone in California. Unable to face her home and the problems in her marriage she goes to stay with her mother. In her teenaged bedroom, surrounded by pictures of pugs, Georgie discovers she has a direct line to 1998 and a young Neal who loved her, by using her ancient yellow rotary phone. I won't give away the ending but it is amazing! It's really funny and sweet and manages to be both completely realistic and a little bit magical. I loved it, definitely worth a read if you liked Eleanor and Park.

What were you loving in April? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

Mini Book Haul

Mini Book Haul

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

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Lately I've been making a conscious effort to be more positive. Naturally I'm a bit of a pessimist, I'm definitely more of a glass half empty kinda girl BUT I'm trying to train myself to be more optimistic and positive because, honestly, being negative hasn't really gotten me anywhere. These are just some of the books I've picked up to help me see the glass as half full.

Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson - Paperback £8.00, Kindle £9.99 from Amazon

I've had a bit of girl crush on Kate Hudson since forever and was desperate to get my hands on her new book Pretty Happy. I haven't had the chance to have a proper read yet but, after a cursory flick through, I can tell you that it is stunning and full of tips and tricks on health, happiness and well being.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert -  Hardback £7.50, Kindle £8.99 from Amazon

Elizabeth Gilbert is the incredible woman behind Eat Pray Love. Like EPL Big Magic is about chasing after your dreams by embracing, and ultimately conquering, your fears. Unlike EPL there is very little pizza. Still definitely worth a read.

Radical Self-Love by Gala Darling - Paperback £8.99, Kindle £7.49 from Amazon

I've been following Gala Darling's blog for a few years now, she was one of the first blogs I ever read, and I find her message of radical self love very inspiring. Self-confidence is something I really struggle with so I can't wait to get stuck into this. 

What books have you been loving lately? Any recommendations? Let me know in the comments below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

June Non-Beauty Favourites 2015

June Non-Beauty Favourites 2015

Thursday, 2 July 2015

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I had so many Non-Beauty Favourites this month that I thought they really deserved their own post. So let's talk Non-Beauty Faves!

Pitch Perfect 2

I love this film! I kinda thought I would because I was already a huge fan of the first one, and obviously the insane girl crush on Anna Kendrick continues, but I was surprised by how much I liked it.  It's so funny, it has some really amazing music in it and is all about the girl power. It's awesome, and really stands up alongside the first film. Roll on Pitch Perfect 3! This brings me to my next favourite...

Crazy Youngsters by Ester Dean

I am obsessed with the Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack, obvs, but this song is one of my absolute favourites from it. I've been listening to it pretty much constantly because it gets me so PUMPED! If I went to the gym (I'm working on it) this would be my new favourite work out song. I seriously love it. 

Wish I Was Here

I've been a massive Zach Braff fan for years and Wish I Was Here has been on my to watch list for ages but I'd just never got round to watching it. Well I finally did and it's fantastic! It's funny, bittersweet and completely heartbreaking with a terrific soundtrack. It has a fabulous cast including the incredible Kate Hudson and the so-talented-she-makes-me-feel-like-I-need-to-get-my-shit-together Joey King as Braff's daughter Grace. Plus if you're a Scrubs fan, like me, there are loads of cameos from former cast members. It's such a good film, definitely give it a watch if you're a fan of funny, awesome, indie movies or Zach Braff. You know what just watch it. 

99 Days by Katie Cotugno

I was a HUGE fan of Cotugno's first book How to Love, it's actually one of my favourites, so I was desperate to get my hands on her latest offering and I'm happy to say that it is fantastic! 99 Days is about Molly, a young girl who has returned home for the summer after escaping to boarding school a year earlier. Before she went away Molly had been in a relationship with this guy Patrick for years, they had grown up together and everything was great until the day they broke up and she slept with his very handsome older brother Gabe. To make matters oh so much worse Molly's mother, who I hated btw, is a famous novelist and wrote a book about the whole thing. After returning to her small home town over a year later Molly has to survive 99 days of summer and the wrath of Patrick and his bitchy sister Julia before she can leave for college and never look back. Luckily handsome Gabe is also home for the summer to make things a bit better. Now I really, really loved this book, I also had a bit of a crush on Gabe but that's beside the point, it's heartfelt and very moving and really highlights society's hypocrisy of applauding guys and shaming girls when it comes to sex. It's a fabulous, fabulous book and I will be reading it again very soon. 

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Speaking of fabulous books... I've had The Rosie Project on my kindle for ages but hadn't had the chance to read it so when my lectures finished for the summer and I had a bit more time for reading this was the first book I reached for and I loved it. The Rosie Project is about Don Tillman, a geneticist with Aspergers Syndrome who has no idea that he is on the Autistic Spectrum, who after a series of disastrous dates starts 'the wife project' in order to meet his perfect match. Instead he meets Rosie, a bar maid who brings chaos into his neatly ordered world. For any Big Bang Theory fans out there this is very much a love story told by a Sheldon Cooper-esque figure. It's excellent, well written, very funny and actually quite sweet,  the best part  though is the fact that it's the first in a series and the sequel The Rosie Effect is really good as well. 

What were your Non-Beauty Favourites? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* I own all images except for those of  Pitch Perfect 2, Wish I Was Here & the music video for Crazy Youngsters. All media used for entertainment purposes only. Images/Videos Via, Via, Via

2014 Non Beauty Favourites, Part 3: Books & Music

2014 Non Beauty Favourites, Part 3: Books & Music

Sunday, 1 February 2015

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At last we come to the end of my 2014 Favourites, it only took all of January but hey ho! Now this post is probably gonna be on the longer, ramblier side of things. I love books and I love music so I'll try to keep this short and sweet but you've been warned, it may get lengthy.

Love Rosie (Where Rainbows End) by Cecelia Ahern

I read this back in the summer, before I saw the film (which I also loved), and I loved it so much I read it twice. It's just such a lovely story. For those who don't know Love Rosie is about childhood best friends Alex and Rosie told through emails and letters as they grow up and life gets in the way of things. I loved it, a lot. 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I read this over Christmas and completely loved it. We Were Liars tells the story of the seemingly perfect Sinclaire family who spend every summer together on a private island owned by the family patriarch. BUT all is not what it seems. I seriously loved it, I read it in a day because I couldn't put it down. It is so beautifully written and a really good story. If you do read it make sure you have some tissues to hand because it gets really sad.

How to Love by Katie Cotugno

This is one of my favourite books, I read it at least 5 times last year because it is that good. I've definitely talked about it on here before so I won't bang on about it too much just trust me it is an incredible book, made all the more impressive considering its Cotugno's first one, and well worth a read. I seriously love it. 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

I reviewed this ages ago when I first read it so I won't go on about it. I love it because Mindy is my favourite everything and it is laugh out loud funny. 

Delicious by Ruth Reichl

Another book I read over Christmas and loved. Delicious!  is about aspiring food writer Billie Breslin as she moves to New York and starts working at Delicious! magazine. It doesn't sound great but trust me it's such a good book. It is so well written. If this book was a cake I would eat the whole thing in one go because it's amazing.  

Those were the books I was loving last year, now onto music. It's no secret that I'm a music lover, I could talk about music I like all the live long day... I won't but I could. Anyway instead of boring you with random music things that only I would care about I'm just gonna give you a rundown of the Top 6 songs I loved last year. I can't imagine that any of these will come as a surprise.

Kodaline - High Hopes

Kodaline -  Latch 

Twin Shadow - To The Top



Jake Bugg -  Broken



The 1975 - Robbers



Karen Gillan's cover of Chandelier from Selfie

I've definitely mentioned some of these songs on here before but I was basically listening to them on repeat for pretty much the entire year. You'll notice that there is a recurring theme here are two songs they're all heartbreakingly sad BUT they're all amazing and  sad  songs are just my favourite kind of song. There are two by Kodaline and that's because I was, and am, obsessed with them and their first album In a Perfect World and I just couldn't decide which was my favourite out of the two. 

Those were my favourite books and songs from last year but I want to know what were yours? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also while you're at it check out my instagram, facebook, BlogLovin & pinterest. 

You lovely people have a fabulous week and I'll see you soon. 

Until then... 

Love love love xxx

Images Via , Via, Via, Via, Via

*Disclaimer* I own  nothing, all images and videos used for entertainment purposes only.