Shopping, Summer, Starbucks (and a Book Review)

Well, this is the fourth day of my long ten week summer holiday so I thought I fill in a bit of spare time by starting to write a blog, basically just to have a little rant and to share my thoughts on anything and everything! I love reading other peoples blogs, in particular make-up blogs and general lifestyle blogs.

Ok, so here goes....

I spent Monday shopping at an out of town shopping centre. I returned a top to Debenhams which didn't fit me at all and was pretty ...I have bad habit of not trying anything on before I buy it as I tend to know what suits me and fits me...but in this case I got it VERY wrong!! So I decided to take it back but I didn't have my receipt. I'd never returned anything without a receipt before and wasn't even sure they would accept it, I mean it had all the labels on and was in perfect condition but surely I could have literally picked up an item from the hanger and took it to the counter saying I wanted to bring it back?!?! Anyway, the lovely lady at the counter was very friendly and helpful and put my £25 on a gift voucher! I had a browse to see what I could spend my cash on. I was thinking make up, but I wasn't feeling particularly inspired by what I saw. I was thinking of getting some MAC but I haven't really liked anything since the spring collection. Next port of call was perfumes...I really could do with a new perfume for summer, something fresh but not too floral or fruity. I hate anything too artificially scented and I'm very fussy with perfumes preferring simple scents. As the store was super quiet I thought it would be a good opportunity to have a good sniff of them all and test them out. Ha, I was wrong- there seemed to be assistants ready to pounce on me wherever I turned. This totally put me off buying anything and I left the store empty handed. I'm quite private when it comes to buying things and I like to take my time and be alone in considering my purchases. I don't need assistants hovering around, keeping a beady eye on me. I know they're looking to make a sale but it makes me feel very uneasy and I am much more likely NOT to buy anything when assistants are too close by. I can't relax and I often just walk away from the counter as soon as I see their heads spin in my direction.

Then Tuesday I met up with a friend which was nice, we had a coffee at Starbucks, well I had a strawberries & cream frappucino which is my summer fave!! If you have a sweet tooth and can't get through a week without consuming ice-cream and milkshakes you've got to try this. It is gorgeous!!! It probably has about 500 calories though- if you're on a diet best stick with the skinny latte, sorry! We then had a walk in the countryside and then chilled at my house for a bit. My partner who I live with is working away this week so I've been all on my own, which I don't mind, I'm not one of those people who craves constant company, but if I don't keep myself busy I would probably go a little crazy!

Yesterday I awoke at midday oops then went to Sainsburys and got a few bits n bobs including instant coffee for when I can't be bothered doing a cafetiere and two tubs of haagen dazs as it's on offer at half price! I chose the strawberry cheesecake flavour which reminds me of the strawberries & cream starbucks and the cookies & cream. I'm ashamed to say I had half of the strawberry cheesecake last night and the second half this afternoon- oops!! I have a major sweet tooth, which I've inherited from my Dad's side of the family- everybody on his side loves chocolate, sweets, toffee, ice-cream etc and we literally cant leave a packet of biscuits unopened, once it's open it will be gone ten minutes later!

So after my supermarket trip I came back, changed into my denim shorts, slathered on the suncream and read a book in the garden as it was a beautiful day. I read very quickly and got through a whole book in about two hours. I would definitely recommend the book, it's by Tess Gerritsen and it's called 'Life Support'. I have read two books by her previously. One was ok and the other was a very exciting read which I would highly recommend and is called Harvest. It's a medical thriller and because Tess is a trained doctor she includes a lot of detail which brings the book to life. She reminds me of Michael Crichton, an author I love because there is so much research behind each of his books which makes it all the ore realistic. Tess writes a detective series featuring Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles but I would recommend her stand alone thrillers, I think there are four and harvest and life support are the two I have read. The plot of Harvest is based around organ donors...but the organs actually come from orphan street kids who are murdered to provide organs for the wealthy. The plot is an interesting idea and the book is written in a fast paced, exciting manner as is life supprort. I think if I had to choose one I would probably go for harvest as the idea was very fascinating. The main character is both of her books are very likable, strong, independent women, but they are also very hard working...possibly too hard working and a little lonely, so there is a little bit of non cheesy romance in each book too!

As I have so much free time over the next ten weeks I am looking for interesting exciting reads. I'm in the mood for those books which you literally can't put down as they are so intense and which leave you wanting more. I used to read all the time, but over the past few years I've been so busy (and I mean working 24/7 including weekends and I haven't had time to read, lame excuse I know. So now I'm really hoping to get back into my reading and I would appreciate hearing about some good reads.

Anyway, I finished my book and there was about 20 minutes left of the England match which I watched.I don't mind football (or soccer) but I haven't really been able to get into the world cup as of yet. I'm just not feeling the hype yet everywhere I go I see england flags from cars and houses!

I've also been watching dribs and drabs of the last ever UK Big Brother!!! Over the ten years I haven't religiously watched any series. I did enjoy the first, second, third and fifth series and watched quite a lot of those episodes if there was nothing better on and I wasn't out. However, the other series I didn't really watch at all. I have a feeling I will soon get bored with this series too. I started off really likeing JJ the Aussie guy as I thought he was quite funny and HATED Shabby as she is very extreme and annoying. But now I thik JJ is dull as dishwater and am loving Shabby as she is the only one who is bringing any entertainment to the house whatsoever, and even that isn't much. So...if you're not watching BB don't worry as you're not missing anything!

Over the last few days I've also watched all of series four of the hills which I bought on DVD and yes I did feel rather embarrassed taking it to the counter of HMV and had prepared an answer to any questions "haha, nooo of course it's not for me, I don't even know what it's about- never seen it before, it's a birthday present for my little sister, she likes that sort of thing"...I haven't even got a little sister! I do admit that I can quite happily settle down with a tub of ice cream and watch a few back to back episodes!! I find it is a good program when you need to switch off and escape reality. But the flash cars, private jets (yes really) and hollywood hills condos of these young twenty somethings, does make me feel a bit physically sick at their indulgent self absorbed lifestyles. My favourite character is actually Spencer, as without him the show would be dull as dishwater. He adds a bit of spice which is why I love him!

Today has been quite non productive. I'm planning to get up early tomorrow and head into town perhaps for some book/dvd/make up purchasing. With my £25 voucher I'm thinking of getting a YSL lippie as I don't yet own any but have heard very good things about them. I prefer natural pink or peach shades. I find nice peach shades very hard to find- they are often too orangey or bright. I want something much more pale and low key but so far no luck. My dinner tonight will be a chicken tikka masala curry from sainsburys. They are perfect when you're on your own and can't be bothered cooking- just stick it in the microwave or oven and voila!

Well, I may get back to watching TV....come dine with me seems to be on 24/7, or pop on a DVD (I have paranormal activity but haven't yet dared to watch it on my own) or maybe read another book or do some cleaning...least likely option.

Ciao