Title Tuesday: The Shell Seekers book review

I had not actually heard of The Shell Seekers before being recommended it. I was intrigued as it was promoted as a modern classic and a story of family life 'to enchant generations of readers'. It was also one of the BBC's Big Read Top 100 best loved novels. A short way into Rosamunde Pilcher's 671-page novel I am enthralled by the story but also dismayed at the lengthy description of landscapes and scenery. However, this technique also goes a long way to fulfil an unexpected function of the book. 

As a reader in 2013, The Shell Seekers being published in 1987 and set in the 1980s, I am struck by how the book brings the 1980s vividly to life in a way the that numerous documentaries cannot. The book captures upper middle class lifestyle and concerns of the era in such a way that as a reader you come away learning more than you might from any history book. As well as capturing the world of just 26 years ago, a Britain still routed in a deep class divide and concerned with status, money and deference, Pilcher brings her characters alive. This is said of many authors, but I can think of few who make their readers so involved with their characters that they can feel strongly for them.

I came away frustrated at the flaky character of protagonist and mother of three Penelope Keeling. Over-romanticised for my taste, and although it is 'wonderful, evocative and inviting' in parts, its the tale of life and love throughout the book that ties it together. 

I would definately recommend this, but slow readers beware of the length!

Carpe Diem xx

Makeup Monday: What's In My Beauty Closet/Room Tour

Here are some snapshots from my room as it is now. Needless to say I have some work to do on my beauty closet and makeup and wardrobe organisation, but bare with me! Having moved out of my uni house, my hair and beauty stuff, clothes and books are now in one place for the first time in three years, and I feel like applying to be on 'I'm A Hoarder: Get Me Out of Here'. I am however a bit of an organisation freak and take tips from YouTuber Alejandra Costello, so this is a welcomed challenge. Watch This Space!

Happy Monday!

Carpe Diem xx

Foodie Friday: The Goods Shed Canterbury Restaurant Review

I went for lunch at The Goods Shed in Canterbury to celebrate my birthday with my parents. The Goods Shed is a tucked-away farmers market in a large warehouse building. On a mezzanine level is The Goods Shed restaurant, which serves fresh homemade dishes made from local produce, some from the Kent area.

For Main: I wasn't feeling hungry, so I just had a vegetarian...joking! So, even though I was very hungry, nothing could have prepared me for what would arrive when I ordered the vegetarian platter! The Christmas-turkey sized plate was packed with delicious rocket, stuffed mushroom on toast, apple and leek soup, couscous, roast carrots and boiled egg. Generally very good quality and fresh ingredients, but the quantity was too much for little me to be able to finish!

For Dessert: Of course I had to leave room to treat myself...with chocolate brownie and salted caramel ice cream and clotted cream! Slightly dry but delicious with the ice cream, which tasted home made.

When my mum first asked for a place to take me out for lunch I was a little dazed as Canterbury has one of the high streets most densely populated with cafes and restaurants than I've ever come across. However, slightly off the beaten track and off the main high streets, set in a charming farmers market setting and spacious surroundings, The Goods Shed was definately the best choice I could have made!

The Goods Shed: Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN, 01227 459153. 

Open lunch, Tues-Sun, noon-2.30pm (3pm Sat & Sun), dinner, Tues-Sat, dinner 6-9.30pm. Three-courses for about £30 a head, plus drinks and service.

Carpe Diem xx

Fashion Thursday: Dungarees and Hippie Hipsters

MOTO Bleach Denim Dungarees, Topshop £38

MOTO 70s Pocket Flare Jeans, Topshop £45

Butterfly Rhinestone Midi Ring Pack, Topshop £7.50

It's 2013 and DUNGAREES are gracing the fashion pages. Took their time didn't they! I know I lived in them as a 90s kid, and had about 3 pairs. So embrace the flower power and let's kick off festival season with some denim magic.

Groovy!

Carpe Diem xx

Title Tuesday: One Day review

I originally saw the Lone Scherfig adaptation of 'One Day' (Anne Hathaway) when the film came out in 2011. Having watched it with my parents and enjoyed it, I was nothing less than intrigued when I came across the actual book, published in 2009. 

David Nicholls brings the two central characters, Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, to life through clever description and dialogue that is simultaneously absorbing and neorealistic.

As a modern classic, and I would count it as one, it is, as most are, infinitely more comprehensive and effective than the film. And reviewers at the time seem to agree. The Guardian classed it as 'fantastic Labour boom-years comedy'. Yes, it is evocative of the 90s culture in which the majority of the text is set, but I believe it is bigger than mere 'comedy'. Nick Hornby is quoted on the cover as describing it as 'Big, Absorbing, Smart'. I largely agree.  It is only when you come towards the end of the book that you come to appreciate its 'bigness'. Following the main characters journey from late-teens university students to late-thirties, and charting the many trials and tribulations in between, 'One Day' reflects not only on the process of coming of age but on the idea 'you can live your whole life not realising that what you're looking for is right in front of you'. Through the story of friendship and love that occurs between the protagonists, Nicholls weaves a story that resonates with most readers. You may find that this classic does indeed 'stay with you long after you finish reading', as you are called to consider what you might be missing right under your nose.

Carpe Diem xx

Makeup Monday: Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe

To mark what would have been Norma Jeane Mortenson's 87th birthday (Saturday 1st June), this week's makeup Monday is dedicated to the Monroe beauty look.

Some of Marilyn's trademark beauty tricks included:

1) Use single false lashes on your outer lashes to accentuate their length and create a feline shape

2) Wash your face several times a day and moisturise regularly to maintain a dewy glow

3) Use white eyeliner on the inner lid to create a wide-eyed look

4) Use dark black eyeliner on the outer bottom eyelids to create the effect of a shadow from heavy lashes

I don't profess to look like Marilyn, she was doubtless a naturally beautiful woman, but I believe anyone can channel 1950s feminine chic. To achieve this look I used:

MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara

Vaseline Rosy Lips

Maybelline Effect Kajal Liner in Black

Revlon Really Red Lipstick

"I'm very definitely a woman and I enjoy it"

Carpe Diem xx

Title Tuesday: The Woman Who Died A Lot

"The seventh book in the Thursday Next series by Number One bestselling author Jasper Fforde. 

The BookWorld's leading enforcement officer Thursday Next is four months into an enforced semi-retirement following an assassination attempt. She returns home to Swindon for what you'd expect to be a time of recuperation. If only life were that simple. Thursday is faced with an array of family problems - son Friday's lack of focus since his career in the Chronoguard was relegated to a might-have-been, daughter Tuesday's difficulty perfecting the Anti-Smote shield needed to thwart an angry Deity's promise to wipe Swindon off the face of the earth, and Jenny, who doesn't exist. And that's not all. With Goliath attempting to replace Thursday at every opportunity with synthetic Thursdays, the prediction that Friday's Destiny-Aware colleagues will die in mysterious circumstances, and a looming meteorite that could destroy all human life on earth, Thursday's retirement is going to be anything but easy . . ."

Whilst fantasy fiction might not be for everyone, and at times have questionably childish aspects to their plots, Jasper Fforde is an original. His work might well appeal to lovers of Monty Python and Douglas Adams alike, but his Thursday Next series might likely entrance Austenians and readers of other genres. Fforde's genius weaving of adventurous plots, witty humour, intelligent puns and animated characters makes BookWorld literary detective Thursday Next and friends part of a fantasy fiction classic. I might go as far as to say, in other words, it is 'unputdownable'!

You may find yourself catching up on the first six books, and even anticipating the forthcoming series finale in 'Dark Reading Matter'.

Carpe Diem xx