BOOK CLUB TAKEOVER: Rebecca from 'itsrebecca'

Here are my thoughts… I LOVE hearing other people’s views and reviews on pretty much anything especially books! Some of my favourite reads are ones that have been suggested by other people. So thinking along those lines,’ The Book Club Takeover’ was born! Hopefully each week I will bring to you a post from one of my lovely and amazing fellow bloggers who will in turn share with you what their favourite book is, why they love it and a review. I hope you enjoy this feature as much as I do!

Hi all. My name is Rebecca of itsrebeccauk.blogspot.co.uk, and I jumped at the chance to take part in Gemma’s Book Club feature as I LOVE reading!

I mainly write my blog about beauty and lifestyle, and what it is like to be married to a member of the Royal Air Force, but in my spare time I have a real love for film and literature and I hope over time to incorporate this love into my blog as well.

I kept Gemma’s review style for this post so I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Thanks for having me Gemma J

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

 

The Blurb

July 1209: in Carcassonne a seventeen-year-old girl is given a mysterious book by her father which he claims contains the secret of the true Grail. Although Alais cannot understand the strange words and symbols hidden within, she knows that her destiny lies in keeping the secret of the labyrinth safe...

July 2005: Alice Tanner discovers two skeletons in a forgotten cave in the French Pyrenees. Puzzled by the labyrinth symbol carved into the rock, she realises she’s disturbed something that was meant to remain hidden. Somehow, a like to a horrific past – her past – has been revealed.

The Review

 

First up, if you caught the televised version of this that was on a few months ago but haven’t read the book, then you NEED to read this because it is infinitely better. The TV series misses out such huge chunks of story and plot, and left me with a real misunderstanding of the story and I have actually read the book!!

 

Magic and mystery? Check! Men in armour? Check! Mean seductress? Check! Plucky young heroine? Double Check!! I knew this would be right up my street when my Nana recommended it to me; I am an absolute sucker for a historical novel.

If you have read any of dan Browns novels, you will be familiar with the popular storyline surrounding the ‘Holy Grail’. Kate Mosse’s ‘Labyrinth’ is a refreshing take on the idea and quest for the ‘Grail’, and I particularly enjoyed Mosse’s spin on what has become quite an almost over done plotline. Historical elements are heavily but easily weaved into this storyline, and the scenic descriptions are breathtaking. (Having read this novel I looked up Carcassonne and found Mosse’s description to be so effective that I what I had imagined was literally the real thing...Amazing!)

The plot weaves back and forth from Alice in modern day back to Alais in 1209; these two lead characters are clearly connected throughout the plot resulting in a really lovely flow to the story. Mosse’s cast are interesting and complex enough for you to really believe in them. All too often I read books where the characters are so 1D that they are utterly predictable but I really enjoyed the intricacy of these characters and I was gripped from the word go.

It’s tricky to offer a review without giving too much away, but I would definitely recommend this read if you are at all interested in history, and even if you are not I would still say give this a go! The story itself is so enthralling that you will pick up the historical elements as you go along and Mosse does a great job of explaining anything without being to patronising.

 

Kate Mosse has definitely become a favourite author of mine following this book. It is totally effortless to read and is a firm favourite of mine (my dog eared copy has been read about 3 times).

Thanks again Gemma for having me,

 

Rebecca x

H&M Nail Wrap

I came across H&M Nail wraps whilst browsing in one of their stores recently. I had not tried any Nail wraps yet so figured I would give it a go. They are so easy to apply! You basically get a sheet of nail stickers which you match to the size of your own nails. You then peel off the stickers and place them onto your own nails. You then peel off the stickers and place them onto your own nails, smoothing out any bumps. Then use a nail file to file off the excess sticker. Easy Peasy!

 

I was so impressed with the result, I think they looked great and I love the turquoise and silver ombre colour. However I did do them during our recent heat wave and wonder if the heat affected the stickiness of them. They started to peel off the next day which was disappointing. Therefore I wouldn’t say they are lasting but for fantastic looking nails on a night out or an event, I would definitely recommend these!

 

Review: Maybelline New York Eyestudio in 720 Iced Fudged/ Marron Glace

Lately I’ve been living in the land of skint, god knows where my money goes but I’ve been living off limited funds lately. Therefore when my beloved MAC eye shadow ran out that I use daily I was faced with the dilemma of replacing it or paying a quarter of the price for a high street brand replacement. So for once I went with second option much to the relief of my bank balance!

 

After browsing in my local Boots I came across the perfect shade in Maybelline New York Eyestudio in 720 Iced Fudged/ Marron Glace. It’s a gorgeous brown/purple shimmery colour.

 

I was unsure if it would have the same staying power as my old MAC favourite, buts it’s great! It stays put all day and doesn’t fade. My only complaint is that the powder isn’t as compressed as MAC so after using it a few times you end up with quite a bit of loose powder. This is also reflected when you apply it to your lids as you do end up with a little bit under your eyes.

I have been using this shadow for a couple of weeks now and I do like it and have been converted but if my finances turn around I will probably break and return to MAC!

Monday Motivation! #20

The reason I started these motivational Monday posts was because I’m a huge believer that if you be positive, positive things will happen in return. In other words, what goes around comes around.

I have to put my hand up and admit that I hadn’t been practicing what I preach much lately. This past week has been pretty rubbish and has left me feeling pretty down. Basically I feel like I’m in a massive rut, I’m 27, I’m single, back living with my parents and not really getting to anywhere I would like to be. I feel like I need a sign that I’m on the right path or something exciting to happen. Any suggestions are welcome?! I can’t complain too much though as I know I have amazing friends and family and I enjoy my job. Do you ever just feel lonely and like your life’s not going anywhere? That’s where I am at the moment.

So to snap me out of it, or attempt to, I chose this beautiful quote from Marilyn Monroe. It made me cry when I first read it as it pretty much sums up where I am at the moment! Therefore I want to use this post to remind me that yes life can be shit but there are tons of positive things in this world, I just need to be more open to them and stop being swallowed by the negative.

So here’s to a more happy and positive week.

Happy Monday!

Alternative to Ombre Hair

So I used to fully embrace the Ombre Hair look, it’s been on trend for a while but mine completely dried out my hair and by the time I was brave enough to venture to the hairdressers all they could do was cut a good few inches off. SOB! That was a few months ago and I was desperately trying to make my hair grow long, so I am still little traumatised by the whole situation!

However lessons were learnt and I’ve been on a massive mission to look after my hair and keep it in good condition. This has involved regular cuts, yes regular, I used to be terrible at this only going once every 6 months, now I go every 8 weeks, get me! I have also invested in Moroccan oil, which truly is a miracle product, as well as a tangle teaser and various other moisture products.

I’ve also been behaved and only coloured my hair dark brown as recommended by my hair dresser as she said it would help the condition. I’m still trying to grow my hair but getting a bit bored, anyone else find it gets to your shoulders and takes a year long pit stop there?? So to waiver said boredom I felt a colour change might to the trick! I loved my Ombre hair but was worried id end up back at square one if I did that again, so I made a compromise.... I coloured the middle layer blonde, so it looks like flashes of blonde at the end, with the rest of my hair a chocolate brown.

I love this look and I don’t need to worry about roots as you can’t see them! Also looks good up with I like. So I found an alternative to the Ombre look but one that suits me better! Happy Days!

Review: TOPSHOP Highligher in Sunbeam

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam

 

At this time of the year when we have actually been enjoying some amazing sunshine (I’m ignoring the fact it’s forecasted as rain this weekend!), I no longer want to look pale, pasty and like a polar bear. I want a beautiful sun kissed look and that’s going to be my mission of the moment! I will be heading out and trying all sorts of bronzers, highlighters and fake tan.

The first thing I’ve come across is Topshop’s highlighter in sunbeam. I was a little apprehensive about this product as it looks quite yellow in the pot. However I have read some great reviews so decided to check it out myself.

It is a powder, and you really do only need to apply a small amount! I applied it to my cheek bones, over the top of my usual blusher. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! It comes out a gorgeous shimmer colour and is beautiful. I can imagine it looking fantastic on its own with a good tan. I will definitely be taking this product on holiday with me, to highlight my sun kissed look at the beach bar in the evenings!

Don’t let the garish yellow colour put you off, id fully recommend giving this product a try.

 

 

Apologies for the garish photo I just wanted to give you the gist of what it looks like on!

 

 

 

 

 

I want! I need!

I am desperately in LOVE with these boots. I think a decent pair of leather boots are a staple for everyone’s wardrobe. Especially a good pair of leather ankle boots. They can be so versatile they can go with dresses, skirts or skinny jeans and can be dressed up or down. Most importantly for me they are usually pretty comfortable! I am useless when it comes to big heels, I like to be the last one standing so love flats or low heels. This isn’t so great being a complete shorty!

Hudson Encke Ankle Boots in Coal

£150

find them HERE

 

Hudson are a fantastic footwear brand and I can often be found drooling over their website. They are expensive but are good quality shoes and boots. I can’t explain how much I am lusting over these boots at the moment. Sigh. They are £150 and are slightly way out of my price range at the moment, so I can only dream!

 If anyone would like to lend me the money.....