TBR list: #tometopple readathon

I've never taken part in a readathon before as I always seem to miss the beginning of them, but this time, it's happening. Whilst perusing my Twitter feed today I saw lots of people hash tagging #tometopple - so naturally I was intrigued by this. After some investigation, I discovered that this has been set up by Samantha from Thoughts On Tomes (you should totally check out her blog, FYI).

As those of you who read regularly are probably aware, this is the year I've really been able to get back into reading again after finishing my degree. But, whilst I've been working my way towards my goodreads challenge target of reading a measly 15 books this year (I know I know, it's very low!), I've been ignoring the bigger books on my TBR list as I'm simply intimidated by the sheer size of them. I'm hoping that by taking part in this readathon, I'll be able to knock at least one of these on the head. Bring it!

The readathon will take place from 5 June until 19 June and challenges us to read a 500+ page book. So in the meantime, I've put together a TBR list. I think it's a bit ambitious for me to read more than one, but as I'm trying to be more of a glass-half-full kinda gal, I've picked three.

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

745 pages

Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkein

1244 pages

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackery

768 pages

I really can't choose which to read first, so if you've read any let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear if you're getting involved in #tometopple too. As always, I will review whichever I read, and all will be read... eventually!

Thanks for reading x

Kindle Freebies: Not Dreaming of You by Nina Cordoba

As I sit down to metaphorically pen my first review of the series, I'm wondering how I'm going to make my way through this ever growing list of books...free or not! I've also just properly discovered Book Tube (I know, where have I been?!) so as I'm watching people's channels, my Amazon wishlist is growing longer and longer!

Let's kick the series off with Not Dreaming of You by Nina Cordoba. In all honesty, as a free Kindle chick lit with a pastel cover, I didn't have very high hopes for this novel.

The novel begins very much like most traditional chick lit novels do, with a girl who is described as being really pretty and popular, and looking for someone who is husband material. As usual she is looking for an equally hot guy, but when she meets one, she doubts that someone this popular with the ladies could ever be a respectable husband. Although at this point the ending is incredibly predictable (spoiler alert, they get engaged), the plot takes a few twists and turns which make this an easy read but still a refreshing concept for a chick lit.

At first, I was gripped by the concept that the pretty girl, named Kiki, was looking for a guy who met her list of criteria which she gained from a psychic dream at the age of 13. She signs up to a dating agency to attempt to find said list-fitting man, and a reporter accompanies her on dates with the intention of proving that dating agencies are for crazy people.

However, between 40 and 60% of the way through the book (oh Amazon, would it be too simple to give us page numbers?) I found that the plot was sticking a little, and progressing rather slowly. But if you can manage to get past that, the pace picks up again, throwing in the odd twist to elongate the story.

I did initially think that the novel was going to end at the half way mark as it seemed to be very predictable and drawing to a close, but I was delighted to find that Cordoba wasn't going to be altogether predictable in the structure.

The novel doesn't really cover any significant themes in detail though she does seem to be making a point that dating agencies aren't just for crazy people with no people skills. Cordoba briefly touches upon the grief a woman can feel upon discovering she may not be able to have children. Despite this, it's a lovely novel to read if you don't want to have to think about things too much as the characters are very fairytale-esque in their physical descriptions but easy to relate to in personality.

My rating: 7/10

I would love to know if you've read this or if you read it in the future!

Thanks for reading x

Beauty Review: L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil

So here it is, my first beauty post! Something I've been wanting to do for a while but wasn't sure if I was 'qualified' enough to write about it, so to speak. Its with the support of the blogging community that this post has finally made its way to being public for your viewing pleasure. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it...

Whilst I was at uni I didn't really feel like I had the time or a stable enough routine to cleanse my face with anything other than LOTS of miscellar water, and the odd face mask if I was treating myself to a pamper day. So, in my excitement for moving back home I decided to change up my cleansing routine and find a better way to rid my pores of the loveable grime we know as make up.

Whilst searching, I decided that as much as I was (and still am!) lusting after the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, it was too pricey for someone fresh out of uni and searching for a graduate job. In the end I decided on the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil; despite not being able to find many reviews of the product at the time I was purchasing it, I was drawn to the product by my trust in the brand, and as it was on offer for around half price (this was pre-blog so I can't remember exactly how much it was I'm afraid) it was too good to refuse for my first venture into oil cleansers.

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Miracle
Cleansing Oil

As someone who has slightly oily skin, I have always been put off trying an oil cleanser. That is, until I began to read that oil cleansers could actually balance your skin out! Too good to be true? Definitely not!

After a long day of wearing a 'full face,' I'm sure you'll agree there is nothing better than finding a trusty product to take it all off quickly. After the first few times of using this product, I thought my skin felt quite oily for someone who had just supposedly cleansed, and wasn't completely convinced I was happy with the oil cleanser. However, I persevered, and now find I no longer feel the need to use a miscellar water afterwards. I know there is a lot of hype around the double cleanse at the minute, but its a testament to the product's ability to break down even the most waterproof make up quickly that a double cleanse isn't required afterwards - it really is a miracle worker! In fact, I sometimes still use a miscellar water soaked cotton pad afterwards as reassurance that my face is cleansed properly, but there is never a trace of make up to be seen! All I need is three pumps of the Miracle Cleansing Oil and a bit of water to let my skin breathe freely again.

Overall, as you can probably tell, although I was very unsure about using an oil cleanser at first, I am now completely sold and very impressed with this product!

Have you tried the Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil? Are there any other oil cleansers you think I need to try? I would love to hear your thoughts on my first beauty post too!

Thanks for reading! x

P.S. I know my photography leaves a lot to be desired but I'm working on it - any tips for me?