Afternoon Tea Book Tag

Hello darlings!

As usual I wasn't actually tagged to do this tag but I found it somewhere and thought it would be fun to do. And it is about time I did another one, which it was I always say!
I love that it combines food and books together because I for one do enjoy having a snack and a cup of tea while I read sometimes.

I think book tags are fun and also a great way to share books that I have read and remind me of books I should reread as you will see!

So, without further ado, let's begin!


Tea - a book you find comfort in

I'd have to say Little Women, and I happen to be rereading it right now. I always find the story so lovely and heart-warming so I love to return to it in movie or book form often!

Scones - something hearty/a big delicious book

I don't often go for big, thick books and this is one of the only bigger books I have read. But I wound't have it any other way because I really enjoyed this one and it even gave me a mini book hangover! Talking about it now makes me want to pick it up again soon...

Clotted Cream - a book you didn't like at first but ended up loving
For this prompt, I have to say a series instead of just one book and it may be a bit surprising!
I love this series now but at the beginning, Christy got on my nerves. But as I carried on through the books, she grew up and matured and I enjoyed them more. Now me and my sister like to fangirl about all the sweet or funny moments.

Finger Sandwiches - a book you like but that's not quite satisfying
I'm going to say Worth the Wait by Karen Witemeyer. I quite enjoyed the whole Ladies of Harper Station series (however cliche it may be!) and I was wanting a story about Ben and Victoria since I was first introduced to them. So when I discovered that there was a novella about them I was pleased.
Unfortunately, though I was glad to have at least a small story on them, it was so short that it didn't quite satisfy my reading appetite.

Jam - your favourite pair/characters who are just sweet together
This is hard! But I think I'm going to go with Mary & Jem from Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Theirs is one of those love stories in which one of the parties has always loved the other but never confessed it. Jem has secretly admired Mary since they met as children and though their story has many ups and downs, I 'd say the ending is quite satisfactory and sweet.

Six Petit Fours - a favourite short story book
I am not sure if this prompt is meant to mean a book of short stories or just a short book. But I am going to say its the later because I don't often read short story collections.

An Eagle in the Snow by Michael Morpurgo is my pick for this prompt. Morpurgo's books are so wonderful yet so short. Yet he manages to write such compelling little stories that stick with you.
I must reread this one soon!

Strawberries & Cream - a dynamic duo
Using Little Women again...because for this prompt I think I'll say Jo & Laurie. I do think that Laurie and Amy make a good couple and don't truly believe Jo and Laurie would have made a good couple. But there is no denying that that have something special between them that is quite endearing.


Your favourite tea cup - a beautiful character too pure for this world
Beth...from Little Women! Sorry, but she was the only one that came to mind and I think we can all agree that her quiet spirit and pure, kind heart is simply beautiful.

What are your thoughts on my answers for this tag?
Do you enjoy eating and reading combined or is that a no-no for you?

keep blooming,

Audrey Hepburn Tag

Hello darlings!

When I came across this tag on Youtube I knew it was just the tag for my blog.
Audrey Hepburn is one of my favourite people in the history of fashion, movies and just history in general!
She has inspired my style in the last year or so and I have also enjoyed her movies.

This tag was originally created by Shirin from @shirinatra on Instagram and Shirinatra on Youtube.

Now let's get on with it!


1. How did you find out about Audrey Hepburn?
I feel as if I've almost always known about her. But I probably saw her first and found out about her by watching Roman Holiday {1953}.

2. What was your first Audrey movie?
Roman Holiday {1953} was my first Audrey Hepburn movie and still a favourite!

3. What is your favourite Audrey movie?
Ooh, that's hard! I still haven't seen all of her movies, but so far I think that How To Steal A Million {1966} is high on my list. It's funny, and there is both mystery and romance involved!

4. What is your least favourite Audrey movie?
Because I haven't seen many, it's hard to answer this one. I think from the ones I have seen my least favourite was Funny Face {1957}. I liked the fashion aspect, but the plot and the rest of the film, in general, didn't thrill me.

5. What is your favourite book about Audrey?
There are so many to pick from and I have looked at quite a few. One of my favourites is one I got for Christmas last year called Audrey & Givenchy: A Fashion Love Affair by Cindy De La Hoz.
This book has lovely photos of her many iconic movie looks and talks a bit about her relationship with the famous fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy.

6. What would you do you if you could spend a day with Audrey?
I think I would like to spend a day at her house and sit in her flower garden, eat food cooked by her, play with her kids and talk.

7. What is your favourite Audrey decade?
I'd have to say the 50's and early 60's. Fashion and style from the later years don't hold much appeal for me.

8. What is your favourite Audrey song?
Audrey only sings in a few of her movies so there isn't much to pick from and to be honest I actually don't have a favourite.


9. What is your favourite look from one of Audrey's movies?
This is the hardest question yet! Hmmm...I'll probably think of another one later but right now I'll go with this look from Roman Holiday.
With a simple white shirt, plain skirt and just a neck scarf to spice it up I think it's a great outfit for going out to have an ice cream and enjoy the sights of Rome!

10. Why do you love Audrey?
I love her style, and more importantly from what I have read she had a lovely character and was humble about her fame and beauty.
When asked to reveal her beauty secrets, she said:
For attractive lips, speak with words of kindness.
For beautiful eyes, seek the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with those who are hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
What I like about Audrey is that she understood that it is a beautiful heart that makes a beautiful woman.

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed doing this tag!

keep blooming,

The Mary Poppins Book Tag

Hello darlings!

I saw this tag on Jenna's channel , where she created this brilliant tag and I thought it looked too fun to pass up.
It combines the songs from both Mary Poppins movies(Mary Poppins & Mary Poppins Returns)and uses each song as a prompt for a book.
Since it has been a wee while since I did my last tag, I figured it was about time I did one again.

Just before I begin, make sure you subscribe to Jenna's YouTube channel and her blog for more fun bookish stuff like this tag(I'll link her info at the end of the post)!

Off we go!

1. Sister Suffragette - name a book that has a strong female character

I think I'd have to say Caroline Ingalls or Ma from the Little House series, even though she wasn't a fictional character. I admire the strength she displays through all the books. Whether it is simply going about her day out on the wild prairie and all of the hard work that entails or surviving the long winter they experienced, Caroline Ingalls faced them with a calm spirit and wise actions to help her family function and stick together.



2. Spoonful of Sugar - a really, REALLY sweet book 

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer! Set in 1800's America, two people meet and fall in love through telegraph messages, how sweet is that!
And that's not all! Amos, our male lead, is not like the other hunky cowboy characters in many books like this. Instead he is the nerdy type who rides a bicycle, wears glasses and works at a telegraph office. This sweet novel also had it's more suspenseful moments toward the end and a thread of mystery throughout the plot, it's winning combo!



3. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - a book that left you speechless

A book that left me speechless was Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar. The story kept me turning the pages and left me speechless in disbelief that it could get any worse. But it got a lot worse before it ever got better! I really enjoyed it though, the characters went through a lot and grew in many ways.
This was my first read from Tessa Afshar and it definitely impressed me! I cannot wait to read more from this author.



4. Let's Go Fly a Kite - a book that made you extremely happy

I could have gone with a few books here, but I settled on The Cherished Quilt by Amy Clipston. I had hoped to reread this series this year but that doesn't look like it will happen.
So, this, the third book in the Amish Heirloom series, is favourite out of all of them.
The whole series makes me happy but his one was just extra sweet and happy. I have a review posted here on the blog, if you'd like to read it here.



5. Underneath the Lovely London Sky - a book with a fun/beautiful/unique setting

For this prompt, I have chosen The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.
The setting is 1920's Australia but mostly on the little, beautiful island of Janus Rock. The imagery is beautiful! With parts talking about and describing the sea, sky, Janus Rock and the lighthouse which is rather unique. It is a beautifully written novel, though it may make you cry too!
Read with caution though, as some parts are a bit inappropriate and there is some swearing.



6. Can You Imagine That? - a book with fantasy elements

I have read very little fantasy. In fact, this is about the only one! But I did enjoy it and I am looking forward to the sequel (looking at you Kara!).
There are many fantasy elements to the story. The main female lead has the power to make fire through her fingers and there are many others who have gifted magical abilities.



7. A Cover is Not the Book - pick a book you wish had a different cover

I searched long and hard through my Goodreads shelves to find a book for this prompt. Finally I decided to use The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson.
The cover is nice, if it were a stand alone. But it is part of the Medieval Fairy tale trilogy and it should have a matching cover to the first two books.
I wish it would have been printed to match, and then all of them would look wonderful together. But instead, it doesn't even look like it belongs to the Medieval Fairy tale trilogy!



8. The Place Where the Lost Things Go - a book that made you sad

I'm going to go with The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel. I picked up the book because I had seen and loved the Hallmark movie adaptation.
However, this became one of those rare instances where the movie is better than the book. I believe it captures the title and the story in a much better way. The book made me sad because it didn't live up to the expectations I had after seeing the movie.



9. Nowhere to Go But Up - pick the first book in a series that was the perfect set-up for what was to come!

Last but not least, for this prompt I pick Summer Promise by Robin Jones Gunn. This is the very first book in the whole Christy Miller series.
This book, though not my favourite, was a great set-up for all the great moments and adventures to come! I thoroughly enjoy reading this series and I am almost up to starting The College Years!
I can't recommend them enough, and if you have not read them yet I don't know what you are doing!



That concludes my take on the Mary Poppins Book Tag, created by Jenna van Mourik. I'll leave all her info below!

Jenna's blog
Jenna's YouTube channel
Jenna's Instagram (@jennavanmourik)


I hope you enjoyed this tag as much as I did and that you got some new book recommendations too!


keep blooming,

xo, Hannah

20 Questions Book Tag

Hello, darlings!

It has been a ages since I have done a good old book tag post. I feel like there was a time when these sorts of post or videos were very popular and everyone was doing them.

Now they seem to be less common. But I found this one and thought it might be fun so here we go!

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1. HOW MANY BOOKS ARE TOO MANY FOR A SERIES?

Most of the series I read consist of about 4 books. Series are great fun so the more books in the series the better!
I'd say I don't think there is ever too many if you really love the series! I am slowly reading through the Christy Miller series, and I don't want it to end, and there a lot of books and spin-off books in this series! The only thing is that the longer the series and longer it may take you to collect all of them (and more money!).


2. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CLIFFHANGERS?

I haven't read a book with a cliffhanger before. Shocking I know!


3. HARDCOVER OR PAPERBACK?

Ahh, the great debate amongst the bookish community! Personally, I have come to like both. Paperbacks for comfort whilst reading and hardbacks for aesthetic purposes. Plus many old books are hardback and old books are so beautiful and mysterious to me.


4. FAVOURITE BOOK?

You mean books, right? Plural? Well, then here are a few of mine:

Aww, I really should reread some of these! They are all such lovely books and stories.


5. LEAST FAVOURITE BOOK?

I don't have an answer for this. If I am not enjoying a book I stop reading it. And I would rather not share negative opinions on books on here.


6. LOVE TRIANGLES, YES OR NO?

I don't mind them too much but they are getting old. You always know who the girl is actually going to end up with.

(My personal faves are the Friends to Lovers and the Hate-to-Love tropes!)


7. THE MOST RECENT BOOK YOU COULDN'T FINISH?

This is another question that I don't really have an answer for because I do generally finish most books that I start.


8. A BOOK THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING?

~ Love Defined by Bethany Baird (Beal) & Kristen Clark and I am loving it!


9. LAST BOOK YOU RECOMMENDED TO SOMEONE?

That would have to be Mandy by Julie Andrews. I also recommend that you read my favourite books mentioned above...


10. OLDEST BOOK YOU'VE READ BY PUBLICATION DATE?

Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott first published in 1868! It is such a lovely book that I really think every girl/woman should read.


11. NEWEST BOOK YOU'VE READ BY PUBLICATION DATE?

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews, published in March of 2019! You can read my review here.


12. FAVOURITE AUTHOR?

Again, how can you expect me to have only one? My list includes but is not limited to Melanie Dickerson, Julie Klassen, Robin Jones Gunn and Michael Morpurgo.


13. BUYING BOOKS OR BORROWING BOOKS?

I do like to borrow library books to try them out first, then if I like it I might buy it to add to my shelf. It all depends really.


14. A BOOK YOU DISLIKE THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO LOVE?

The only thing close to an answer I have is the Harry Potter books, though I have not read them and never will. They don't appeal to me but so many other people seem to be crazy about them.


15. BOOKMARKS OR DOG EARS?

My answer is and always will be to use bookmarks. I strongly disapprove of dog ears in books(I prefer dog ears to be on dogs!) and I have a good collection of fun bookmarks that I like to use.


16. A BOOK YOU CAN ALWAYS RE-READ?

Probably any of my favourite books like Sarah, Plain & Tall by Patricia MacLachlan, A Rose for the ANZAC Boys by Jackie French or the Amish Heirloom series by Amy Clipston.


17. CAN YOU READ WHILE LISTENING TO MUSIC?

Yes, if it is instrumental. But I don't usually listen to music while I am reading. I get more reading done when everything around me is quieter. Though, since I live with a big (noisy) family, I have learnt to read with kids making a lot of noise around me!


18. ONE P.O.V OR MULTIPLE?

I personally don't mind either way. I read both and tend to enjoy both reading one point of view or several, though several can be a bit confusing.


19. DO YOU READ A BOOK IN ONE SITTING OR OVER MULTIPLE DAYS?

I applaud the readers that can read in one sitting, I don't know how you do it. For me, it takes about a week for me to get through a book and I am happy with that since it is more than most people manage.


20. WHO DO YOU TAG?

Anyone who thinks this tag looks fun, consider yourself tagged! Or just answer one of the questions in the comments down below!

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keep on blooming,

xoxo

Hannah

A Few of My Favourite Things Tag

Hello, Wildflowers!
Here I am again, attempting to write an intro.....! Anyway, I was tagged by Danielle at Life is Like a Book.
The creator of this tag I believe is Beth at Beth in Boots. So thanks, Beth for creating a tag inspired by one of the bestest (yes, Grammarly, bestest IS a word because I say so!) films in the history of ever!
I will try to put things in this tag that you may not know about me and make it more interesting that way.

Ze Rules:
• Thank and link back to the person who tagged you
• Thank and link back to the creator of the tag
• Write about seven of your favourite things and include at least one picture of each thing
•Tag at least seven people, if you don't know of seven other bloggers just put as many as you can
• Put these rules in your post
• Include the picture above in your post
• Have fun!

My stainless steel bottle

A great investment as it will last me ages! I love it and use it daily. It helps me drink more water and be reminded of a scripture as well!

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Decorating my room

This is the picturesque part of my room. No, the other part is not messy! But it is in disorder because of some rearranging. 

One of my favourite things to do is DIY things for my room, thrift decor to put in it and make it pretty and cosy. It's a way to unleash my creativity in a space all of my own!

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My Bible & spending time reading it

What more can I say? I love this from the bottom of my heart! It is filled with all the wisdom and truth one needs for more than an entire lifetime! 

On a normal morning, having my quiet time is the first thing I do when I wake up(after waking myself up of course!).

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These earrings

I have lost count of the times I have worn this pair of earrings. I got them from a stall a market in my town for only $4! I love wearing them. I would love to build a collection of pretty jewelry that just goes with so many outfits and that I love. #goal All that's to say, these are a go-to pair of earrings for me!

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered

This is the perfect show to sit and watch whilst curled up with family and sipping a cup of tea (which is really what you do with most movies). There will be giggles, fuzzy feelings, occasional tear spillage, and lots of mail! 

I highly recommend this Hallmark series. It is and will remain to be a very fave of mine as far as movies go.

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River swims

A cool, natural river beats any man-made swimming pool in my opinion. I am sooo looking forward to going to the river near us on 26 degrees up days this Summer!
The water in a river just feels (this might sound weird guys but I promise I haven't lost my mind) more beautiful than at a public pool. Plus there aren't chemicals in the water, it's just clear and clean.

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Lace ♥

Ahhhh! Lace is one of the most beautiful creations man has ever made. Lace on my wedding dress will be a must!

The tiniest bit adds such lovely and quaint touch to a garment. That's all I have to say, I hope I have made my point! I'TS GORGEOUS OKAY!

I tag all of you who have a blog! I look forward to seeing your answers!

xoxo

Hannah

The Four Things Tag

Happy Tuesday! I just realized that I was supposed to post yesterday but it was a public holiday so I forgot.
Stealing this fun idea from Amaris! Go check her's out too!

The Four Things Tag

Four Jobs I've Had:
• Babysitter(my first  and current job)




Four Things I Don't Eat:
• Anything coconutty
• Fish
• Licorice
• Tinned asparagus (fresh is best!)




Four Places I've Lived:
• My parent's first house which was in the city(and where entered the world)
• Second house (still in the city but not right in it) where my brother was born
• The house I've lived longest in 5 mins away from the 2nd house where we lived for roughly 10 years
• And the house we are living in now. Been here nearly 4 years.

Four Of My Favourite Foods:
• Pizza
• Pasta
• Mint choc chip ice cream
• Homemade curries my mum makes



Four Movies I've Watched More Than Once:
• Cinderella {2015}
• Loves Long Journey {2005}
• Paddington 2 {2017}
• A Monster in Paris {2011} Sounds bad but it's a really nice animated movie!



Four TV Shows I Watch:
• When Calls the Heart
• Poldark
• There are others I have watched but these are the ones that are still running on TV.

Four Things I'm Looking Forward To This Coming Year:
• Turning 16 is both scary and exciting
• New adventures
• Making memories
• Starting new ventures (watch this space!)



Four Things I Can't Live Without:
• God(literally)
• My totally, awesomely, amazing friends(on the internet and in real life)
• Music
• Sunshine and flowers



Four Places I've Visited:
• Auckland which I do not think much of (sorry Annie!)
• Lake Taupo for a couple holidays
• Cape Palliser
• Only places in New Zealand though I did go to Australia at 3 months old

Four Pet Peeves:
• When people eat with their mouth open
• Unfairness/injustice to an innocent person(s)
• People describing their physical unpleasantness or ailments
• Messy cars


Four Things I Wish I Could Do:
• Fly
• Swim without fear
• Go to England for free
• Not get angry ever



Left one out here that didn't really work since I am homeschooled.


Four Things Near Me Right Now:
• My notebook for blogging
• A window
• My phone
• A letter from a friend that arrived today



That's all for now!


xoxo
Hannah

Sunshine Blogger Award Tag

Well, I haven't done a tag for a while now so this one was perfectly timed! Thank you, Victoria ( @ Victoria's Book Nook ) for tagging me. I am delighted to do this post!

Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link to their blog
• List the rules and have the Sunshine Blogger logo present in your post
• Nominate new bloggers and give them 11 new questions to answer

I am just going to answer the same questions as Victoria! :)

1. What was the last movie you watched (and enjoyed)?

Sarah Plain & Tall for the second time! I have a post about it here too!

2. Favourite summer-y food?

Sorbet or nectarines! Sorbet is soo good and more refreshing than ice cream and nectarines are one of my favourite summer fruits.

3. Last adventure you had?

None! Spring is here, so I am getting ready for loads of Summer adventures!

4. Road trips or airplanes?

I have only ever been on an airplane as a three-month-old and though I have been on long trips in the car, I wouldn't call them 'road trips'. But I would go with road trips because the idea of them and going on them with friends and having fun sounds great.

5. What are your dream wedding colours?

Pastel. Pastel something, whether blue, sage green, pink, or lavender. I really love pastels and of course, my wedding would be too!

6. What song have you had on repeat?

L-O-V-E  by JJ Heller

It's a new one by JJ and it's soo soft and lovely!

7. Girly girl or tomboy?

I'll let you figure that one out....!

(And here's my Pinterest board to prove it! )

8. First celebrity crush?

O my! I actually remember this very well! An actor called Cody Linley in a movie I saw when I was like, 8 (It was called Hoot, bit silly really). I've looked at pictures of him now and I honestly don't get what I was thinking!!! 

(The boy on the left....yeah....)

9. Top three favourite blogs?

Wonderland Creek

The Storybook Journal

The Bookshop Barista

To be honest, I am actually really bad at reading other blogger's posts. I either forget or can't sit down and read through them. But I try!

10. How long ago did you start your blog?
Roughly a year ago I think. 

11. How do you feel you've grown since starting your blog?
I have tried many different layouts and designs and found the one I love and which suit my blog best. I have learned that my hands try to type as fast as I think the words and that it results in terrible spelling(credit goes to Grammarly). I'd like to like I write better posts now but that is up to you to decide!

I nominate:

Danielle @ Life is Like a Book

Amaris @ The Storybook Journal

Your questions:

1. The most aesthetic food in your opinion?

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2. Dream dessert?

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3. Your ideal place for a holiday(real or fictional)?

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4. Favourite thing about reading?

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5. Current three favourite Scriptures?

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6. Name the last song you listened to and liked?

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7. What do you most like about blogging?

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8. Movie character you relate to?

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9. Yellow flowers or pink flowers?

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10. A talent you wish you had?

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11. Weirdest food combo you've tried?

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Enjoy!

xoxo

Hannah