Join me in my adventures!

Hope you’re having a lovely Saturday, guys!

This is my first post of 2013, so I thought I’d kick it off with something that has recently become a huge deal for me. I’ve started doing book reviews on YouTube! I started this in early 2011, took a break and never really got back into it, which was a shame because I really loved it.

I hope you keep up-to-date with my bookish adventures in 2013!

xox Maisie

2013 - New Year Resolutions

2013, you are just around the corner. And that scares me just a little. I’ll tell you why. There will be so many changes for me. I’m not the biggest fan of change, but I’m finally coming to terms with the fact that I need to embrace it, because it will change me for the better. Opening my life up to new experiences. I’ll be flying the nest in September. Off to University (it’s all dependent on whether I get the grades, of course!) so I’m a little hesitant, naturally.

With change creeping up on me, I’ve decided to share my New Year’s Resolutions with you all. 

Maisie’s 2013 Resolutions

Laugh. A lot.

Write your own personal mission statement.

Go to Glasgow, Scotland.

Read all those books that are still brand new but you’ve never got around to reading.

Drink a lot of tea.

Be with those who really make you see the value of your own self.

Take a road trip.

Go to Paris

Be fearless (at least as much as you can be)

Volunteer for charity.

Cycle a half marathon in aid of charity.

Finally write that novel.

Appreciate all the golden moments.

Do not fear getting hurt.

Make the best of your situation.

Go ice skating.

Trust those who know you best.

What will your 2013 resolutions?

xo Maisie

December, how I love you so...

Brrrr! It's freezing here!

As my dear Daddy keeps saying "It's proper winter weather!"

I couldn't agree with him more. When the days draw to a close quickly and it's dark by around four in the afternoon, that's when I get excited knowing it's perfectly acceptable to cuddle up on the couch with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and watch some Christmas classics.

Recently, I've discovered a newfound love in terms of a Christmas film. It's A Wonderful Life is now one of my absolute favourite Christmas films. I discovered by love for the classic black and white films through watching It's A Wonderful Life. If you've never watched it, I would highly recommend doing so, I can't believe I waited til last Saturday night to watch it for the first time.

Now, you can probably tell I love Christmas, and I really do. I think it's the most wonderful time of year, where people are so jolly and cheery without any reason other than the fact it's Christmas.

Some things I'd recommend doing this Christmas:

• Decorate! (I even decorated my wheelchair for the holiday season!)
• Make Christmas cookies!
• Smile and wish people a "Merry Christmas"
• Drop spare change in charity collection tins.
• Wrap your gifts
• Make paper snowflakes (I still love doing this, even now!)
• Drink hot chocolate.
• Watch Elf
• Make plans with friend/family member(s) to go and look at all the gorgeous Christmas lights.
• Volunteer your time to your favourite charities 
• Wear Christmas socks (this is a MUST!)
• Spend a whole day or two (or even a week, if you're feeling especially festive) wearing a headband with reindeer ears on!
• Watch Elf whilst wearing your reindeer ears!

See you all soon & Merry Christmas!

xox Maisie 

My Christmas Traditions!

Why, hello December! As you know you are my favourite month, I’m very excited your here!

If you didn’t already know, I love Christmas. I love everything that comes with the festive season. Here are my little loves of the season:

Christmas trees. 

Writing Christmas cards.

Buying gifts.

Singing madly out of tune to Mariah songs.

Chocolate coins.

Christmas CDs I’ve had since I was 2. 

Hot chocolate.

The advert calendar I’ve had since I was 4.

Christmas Eve pyjamas

Wrapping gifts whilst watching Christmas films.

Elf. (if you haven’t seen it, watch it!)

What do you love about Christmas? 

xox

Getting back into the swing...

Hi everyone!

I know, I know! I've been gone for two weeks exactly and I feel really bad (mostly because I keep forgetting my passwords!) How are you all? I hope you've been well.

I've been reading like crazy lately. I just finished a brilliant little guide entitled The Ultimate Guide to a Healthy Body Image by Anne-Sophie Reinhardt. I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a little pick me up and wants to reconnect with what is import to them.

It certainly had a good affect on me!

Buy on Amazon - click here


I'll be back with more in the coming days!

Much love,

Maisie xox

Book Review #1: The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern

Hello everyone and welcome to November! I can't believe I'm actually saying that. This morning when I woke up I was like "Oh my God! It's November!"

Anyways, this post as you can probably already tell is my review of The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern.

Now, if you've read her first novel P.S I Love You (or, at least, saw the massively successful movie) you'll probably have very high expectations of the talented phenomenon. I know I certainly did. And, with this book, she exceeded my expectations and really delivered.

What is the basis of the plot, you may just be wondering? 

Well, the main character Lucy Silchester lives in Ireland, busying herself with all of life's stresses. When she leasts expects it, she figures out that she hasn't been paying much attention to her life, that's when it intervenes. Life. In the form of a full grown human man.

Initially, I'd seen this book lying around at the library and even at the supermarket. I'd been interesting in reading it but never actually had the chance to pick it up. Then just over a week ago, I found it in my local bookstore, and it was part of a deal (who doesn't love a good bargain when it comes to books?!) so I picked it up. I REALLY enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone that loves a good story that is so original, quirky and, if I'm honest, absolutely hilarious. I'll be honest, I was a little skeptical at first but once I got into the story, I was addicted. The book was constantly in my hand, whilst I read and ignored pretty much everyone as I was getting through the last twenty or so pages. What? It was just that good.

A definite 5/5 stars from me!

Happy reading!

Maisie xox

Why I read & Monthly Book Reviews!

How are we all this fabulous Monday? 

I hope you've got a smile on your face, because I certainly have!

I've been inspired to a create a little series on my blog. I'm going to be doing monthly book reviews! Isn't that exciting?! (well, if you're an avid reader like me, I hope it is)

I've been an avid reader since I learnt to read. I started with Horrible Henry books when I was around 7, and always had books since then. Now, I have two bookcases in my room, because the one I was bought for Christmas, not even a year old yet, is packed full of paperbacks. I've always loved literature. I love words and being able to string them together. Now, I don't think it's much of a surprise I've been writing continuously for the past three years, whether it be writing about my life or a story based on characters that wander round my brain on a 24 hour basis. 

I like it. It challenges me, but also fills me with confidence. 

For the past three years, I've been told that my talent lies in writing. I like to think that my circumstances (being in a wheelchair, basically) is great material for my writing endeavours. Let's just say that before I started writing on a regular basis, I couldn't muster the courage to outright state that my circumstances didn't bother me. And at the time, being in a wheelchair really did get to me, but now, I believe that through words, I can hopefully inspire people that may or may not be in the same situation as me. I've been through so much in my life and being in a wheelchair has taught me so much. It taught me that mentally, I could gain strength and get over whatever was "blocking" me. 

Books have always given me an insight into life. Made me realise things I probably wouldn't have realised for a long time if I hadn't read some of those books. This is why I love books so much. Some say that books are an escape route, I would agree to some extent, but it can also make you reflect on your own life. That's why I love books.

I'm excited to say that sometime in November will be the first official monthly book review! Eeek! I'll be reviewing The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern. 

I hope you all have a lovely week!

Love and hugs, 

Maisie xox