Christmas Book Collection

Hello!

Well, I've had a great few days with my family and friends, and I'm back to my blog now, just in time for New Years.

Well, my family all know I'm a read-a-holic, so here are the books I received and plan to read over the next couple of months.

So, here goes - beware, there are quite a few!

 - the 'Once Upon a Prom' trilogy by Jeanine Le Ny, which includes the books Dream, Dress and Date

 - Frozen Stiff by Sherry Shahan

 - Theater Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

 - The Winds of Heaven by Judith Clarke

 - 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

 - The Name of the Game was Murder by Joan Lowery Nixon

 - Spirit Seeker, also by Joan Lowery Nixon

 - Hostage by Willo Davis Roberts

 - Don't Look Behind You by Lois Duncan

My Sewing-Books:

 - Stitch Step by Step by Maggi Gordon and Ellie Vance

 - Lovely Things to Make for Girls of Slender Means by Eithne Farry

My Guilty Pleasures:

 - Nancy Drew: Model Menace

 - Nancy Drew: Model Suspect

(I've been reading Nancy Drews since I was 11 ☺)

and a treat I bought for myself:

 - Theodore Boone by John Grisham

My parents asked if I wanted something BIG like a laptop or a computer or something, or a selection of books from my list. Can you guess which I chose?

Also, thank you to:

 - my aunt in New Zealand for 'The Winds of Heaven' ☺

 - my aunt and uncle in London for 'Stitch Step-by-Step' ☺

I love how my family always give me a choice: Tech stuff, or book stuff!

Needless to say, I practically always choose books!

So, anyway, I'll leave you to your New Year's Eve fun, and I'll be back tomorrow with my new year post!

Have a great New Years Eve!

Dayzee x

January 2013 Calendar Page

Hello! I'm back!

To start off my blog posts for 2013, here's 3 versions of a calendar page I made.

And yes, I know I'm 2 days early.

I couldn't wait!

Icy

Candyfloss



Maroon



The first one is 'Icy' then 'Candyfloss' and finally 'Maroon'.

Just click on the name of the file to download it. I'll do three or four each month, so let me know if there are any other colour schemes you want.

Byee

Dayzee xx

A Very Merry Christmas to All!

Hello All!

Just a quick Teenageticket message to say:

My very best wishes to everyone! I'll be back in a few days!

Byee

Dayzee xx

TV Review - Doctor Who Series 7

Hello All!

In my second-to-last post before Christmas, I'm going to be talking about the first part of Dr Who Series 7, which was broadcast from September, and also about what we can expect from the Christmas Special, which will be broadcast on BBC 1 on Christmas Day.

So, Starting from Episode 1, here's how the series has gone so far:

Episode 1: Asylum of the Daleks: Our first viewing of the acting talents of Jenna-Louise Coleman, soon to be the Doctor's newest assistant.

Episode 2: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship: In which Rory's dad discovers a sense of adventure, and there are dinosaurs!....on a spaceship!

Episode 3: A Town Called Mercy: The Doctor saves an American town from a new alien: The Gunslinger. The Gunslinger was a man, who was experimented on to create a cyborg by a citizen of the town. The Gunslinger came to find this scientist, Jex, to find revenge, but Jex takes his own life to save the town, and the Gunslinger settles down as Sheriff. The End....

Episode 4: The Power of Three: Nasty little creepy black box thingys! Eeek!

Episode 5: The Angels take Manhattan: A tear-jerking farewell to Amy and Rory. I actually cried....it was so sad, and so romantic....I feel the tears coming!

So, what's to come in Episode 6, The Christmas Special, I hear you cry? Well...

 - Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman takes on the role of the Doctor's assistant full time

 - There are creepy snowmen....

 - There is a kiss for the doctor! (we don't know if it is a romantic one, or a genetic-code-swap-like-he-did-with-Martha style one ☺)

So, anyway, check out the trailer on the BBC Website (or youtube), and look forward to the Special, on Christmas Day at 5.15pm.

Don't miss it!

Byee

Dayzee xx

First Follower Award - Awarded to Abbie of Abigail's Treasures

Hello All!

Announcing: The First Follower Award!

So, I came up with this idea after I recieved my first Google Friend Connect follower over the weekend. Feel free to use this button to congratulate your first follower, but please link it back to my blog! ☺

So, the winner of the 'First Follower' Award is....

Abbie of Abigail's Treasures and Lilac Daisies!

Check out her Blogs; the first is her personal blog, and the second is a blog shared by 5 other selected bloggers.

So, Abbie, here it is!

Awarded to Abbie, with best wishes for a Happy Blogging Future!

Happy Christmas to you all, and congratulations to Abbie, and anyone else who recieves this award in the future!

Byee,

Dayzee xx

TV Review - Downton Abbey Series 3

Hello all!

In time for the 2012 Christmas Special season, over the next week I will be reviewing some of the major TV series' of the past year, and revealing some of the details which we've been told about the shows respective Christmas Specials.

I'm starting with the ITV television series Downton Abbey, mainly because I have just recieved a boxed set of series 3 as a gift from my grandparents, but also because it is one of two Christmas Specials which I really will be glued to the screen throughout.

Well, to start with, I only discovered Downton when the repeats of series 1 and 2 were being shown in readiness for the start of series 3. I fell in love with them, and watched every single one, then sat impartiently waiting for the start of series 3.

In my opinion, series 2 was the best, simply because it was the series in which Anna and Mr Bates' love blossomed, and those who know me will know I can't resist a good romantic wedding ☺

However, I really enjoyed series 3. For those of you who haven't yet watched it all (shame on you!); here's a spoiler alert.

Spoilers!!

Sybil's death was so sad, and so unexpected. I actually cried. I know, I rarely cry at TV, but I really liked her and Tom as a couple, and there was going to be a baby, and it was all perfect, and then... Noooooo!

Unlike many, I quite enjoyed the tension between Matthew and Robert over the plans for the estate! I know it sounds strange, but I spent the entire series waiting to find out who would win!

And finally, a quick peek at the Downton Christmas special.

The family are leaving to visit Duneagle Castle in the Scottish highlands, where Lady Rose (who we met in series 3) is staying.

There may be a love interest back at home in Downton for Mrs Patmore, and one for Tom Branson (Ahhhh...I *heart* Tom ☺☺).  



There is to be a new maid back at Downton, a fair in the village and plenty of romance up in Scotland at Duneagle Castle.

And....well, with all of that to come, who knows what else we'll see on Christmas Day?

Byee

Dayzee
xx

It's here!

Hello all!

Today is a day for Celebration!

I have succesfully created a Bloggy Button ☺

Go check it out!

Dayzee xx

PS. and obviously, pop it onto your blog ☺☺☺...obviously...

My Bloggy Button!

Hello all!

My current work in progress: A Blog Button!

Here it is:

So, what do you all think?

When it's up and running, I'll let you know!

Dayzee xx

Book Review - Blood Ties by Sophie McKenzie

Hello all!

Ok, so today I'm going to review Blood Ties by Sophie McKenzie, who I've read books by before, noteably the Sister Missing series.

I loved this book. I'll just put that out there, because you're going to find that what I say next contradicts it absolutely.

I also found it ridiculously annoying!

To begin with, I thought the characters could have been developed a bit more, but that is not really different to other Sophie McKenzies I have read; she tends to focus more on action than description. Also, the places are not really described, and there is no real emphasis on any background knowledge or anything like that. It is action, action, action in this book!

Now for my BIG complaint.

Yes, this is a book for teenagers, and yes, a lot of teenagers are pre-judged as being like the ones in this book.

But I think a lot of authors, including Sophie McKenzie in this book,  overuse the typical swearing, frustrated, rebelling teenage stereotype in their books. I just wish the characters' small amount of development had not been so stereotypical of what adults 'expect' teenagers to be like.

That could just be my opinion, but there you go.

So, to conclude, I loved it, the plot was great and the action even better, but her characters left a lot to be desired, and the lack of reality dissapointed me, especially from an author I had previously enjoyed. 6/10.

Byee

Dayzee x

Book Review - Vice and Virtue by Veronica Bennett

Hello all!

Here's my review of

Vice and Virtue by Veronica Bennett

This, I must admit, was one of the better books I've read recently. It had the mystery and intregue that I love in a book, and probably my only complaint was that it didn't have enough romance in it!

Some of you who've read it would say it has plenty of romance, and the 'will she stay with him?' or 'won't she?' theme runs pretty much through the entire book, but...I don't know, it just felt really rushed at the end, and I'd hoped they would make more of the 'getting together'.

All in all, I liked this book, because it was historical fiction, which is one of my favourite genres, and it was romantic enough to keep me hooked throughout the book. However, it's hard to really fix my feelings about this book because although it was descriptive and romantic, and right for the period of history it was set in, it felt boring and flat at times, there was no connection or drive... It's good, but not great.

So, I'd give it 8/10 on my scale, and I'd also say to get this book from a library, or take a look at it before you buy it. It's probably not one you'd read again, simply because the plot is easily remembered, and I found it boring to read a second time.

Byee!

Dayzee

 

This Week...

Hello all!

So, teenageticket weather was wrong last week, because I've not seen much snow! Yeah, sure some other part of England got snow, but did I?

No.

(silent fuming...grrrr...)

Whilst I mutter my discontent at a complete LACK OF SNOW, lets look at the Books, TV and Movies for this week.

Grrr


Books

Read:

I was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison. Sorry, still haven't finished it yet!

Vice and Virtue by Veronica Bennett. I've finished it, and it was really good! I'll review it next week for you all. (8/10)

Went to the library earlier, to get in a good stock of books before they shut for Christmas, and I got another Sophie McKenzie, Blood Ties, which I've just started reading. It is really good, though I'm getting pretty sick of the swearing...(if you're someone who really doesn't like the odd swear word in a book, seriously, don't read this ☺)...I can pretty much stand it, because he actual plot is so good, but it can be annoying, like, can't you think of another word to use? ANY other word?

Just IMHO...

To Read:

The rest of I was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison

The rest of Blood Ties by Sophie McKenzie

Broken Soup by Jenny Valentine
The Medusa Project:The Set-up by Sophie McKenzie

Missing, Believed Crazy by Terence Blacker (saw it in the Children's section and couldn't resist the cover!)

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley has come into my library, but guess who forgot to collect it this morning, hmm??

Oops...

I am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley.

TV

Essential Viewing from the Past Week:

Merlin ~ It has been cancelled! Nooooooooo!

I repeat: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Island Hospital - Last episode. It was lovely...it was tranquil...it's feature was Meals on Wheels for the island's elderly inhabitants...Ahhhhh... I love Island Hospital! Best Christmas Wishes to everyone who lives on the Baliwick of Guernsey.  And I love your beaches ☺

This week:

Again, just the usual:

~ Merlin

But also, take a peek at

 ~ Inside Claridges

and

~ Westminster Abbey

which ar two new documentaries looking inside these fantastic places.

Movies

There are a couple of Christmassy movies on this week which I might watch if I have time, in my busy social calendar...ahem...yep. Hey, what can I say? I'm a book person! ☺☺☺



That's my social calendar...yep...☺☺☺☺☺☺



Hope you're all well, and looking forward to what will be, for most of you, the last week of term! Or work...

And, Good Luck to everyone working for exams, and towards Christmas concerts and shows. Break a Leg ☺(please don't take that literally!)

Have a great week!

Byee

 

Dayzee xx

Film Related Scale

Hello!

Just to let you know, look at the top of my blog to find my new film related scale of fabulousness!

Check it out!

Dayzee

xx

Film Review - The Phantom of the Opera (2004 film)

Hello all! Welcome to my first Film Review! (I can guarantee there will be a lot of firsts over the next year!)

I am reviewing the 2004 adaptation of the hit musical

The Phantom of the Opera

Also, I hope you've all enjoyed decorating for Christmas today, or will enjoy it over the coming weeks! We've put up our tree, our tinsel and our lights, and I'm greatly looking forward to the festive season! Roll on Christmas!

Anyway, back to the film.

I have to admit now, I am a completly incureable musical fanatic, I just love them. Being a singer myself, I love the passion, and emotions that music can convey, and no musical I have seen does this better than the Phantom of the Opera.

I was sceptical. I have wanted to see the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in London for some time, and hopefully next year that may happen...(please mum/dad?)...but I was worried that the film may ruin my expectations. I have always loved the soundtrack, but never really shown an interest in the film.

It was AMAZING!! I can honestly say I have watched it over, and over, and over again since I recorded it last Monday! I just love the story, and the songs, and...I could go on for hours.

It was a very, very enjoyable watch, and although I have seen some negative reviews around, calling it 'histrionic' and so on, I really did not notice any hysterics at all, and thought that the acting was excellent!

Emmy Rossum as Christine and Gerard Butler as the phantom made the perfect lead partnership, and strong supports such as Patrick Wilson as the Count, Raoul,  made the story really come alive.

My only slight problem is that I would have liked more to be made of the fantastic vocals of the three leads, because to be honest, the songs would make a show in themselves, and I felt they were slightly overshadowed...Just IMHO ☺

Anyways, I'll make a Film Related Scale of Fantasticness sometime this week, but I rate this film 9/10!

So so good...

Off to re-watch it...

Again...

Byee

Dayzee xx

This Week...

Hello all!

Hope you're all well, and hope the freezing cold isn't affecting you too badly! There've been a lot of ice/snow warnings on the radio/TV, and it looks like we're in for the predicted minus temperatures pretty soon! (I feel so like a weather reporter ☺☺)

And that's the teenageticket weather for the week ahead :)

On to more interesting matters of Books, TV and Movies!


Books

Read:

I was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison. I haven't read much more... I was distracted by Dead Time by Anne Cassidy, but it's still only about a 7 or 8/10...

The Angel Experiment by James Patterson. I kept trying...I don't think I'll make it to the end of this one...sorry guys!

Dead Time by Anne Cassidy. Click the link to go see my review of it! (8/10)



And, just 20 minutes ago I started Vice and Virtue by Veronica Bennett, and it has started really well, if a little rushed...So far I'd give it (7/10)

To Read:

The rest of Vice and Virtue by Veronica Bennett

The rest of I was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison

Jane Austen Stole my Boyfriend by Cora Harrison

Hitler's Angel by William Osborne

Quote from last week...:

"I'm going to re-read Pride and Prejudice so I can read the sequel, written by Joan Aiken, called Lady Catherine's Necklace.

It didn't happen.

It WILL this week.

Maybe..."

It still didn't. Full stop...

I've got the first book in the Flavia de Luce series, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, on reservation, so I'll need to read that before I read
I am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley.

TV

Essential Viewing from the Past Week:

Merlin ~ Episode 7 - With all my Heart

Yay! Gwen isn't going to be evil any more! (We hope ☺)

This week:

Again, just the usual:

~ Merlin

~ Island Hospital - Last episode! Where will I get my fix of tranquil island life, gorgeous beaches, and the occasional gentle, calm rush to the hospital??

Movies

This week, I've watched 'The Phantom of the Opera'....very, very good. I'll be reviewing it this week, so keep an eye open for that, and I'll also be posting a Film version of the scale of Book Related Brilliance.

Hope you've all followed my somewhat hurried instructions, and are getting in the Holiday mood! There is some serious tinsel action happening at my place! I think we'll all be seeing flashing lights in various festive colours at the edges of our vision for a long time to come!

And, here in England (for those who aren't) we're all anticipating snow, so anyone who's heard the ice/snow warnings on the radio, be careful out there! I don't want any of my readers injuring themselves on the ice!

Have a great week!

Dayzee xx

Book Review - Dead Time by Anne Cassidy

Hello!

I've been pretty busy this week, but here's a review of my most recent read,

Dead Time by Anne Cassidy

All in all, this was a great, gripping read. It is about the quest of teenagers Rose and Josh, whose parents went missing 5 years previously, and their search for answers.

I thought that the plot was a fantastic changes to a lot of usual kidnap fiction, and the cross over between their search for their parents, and the lives they have been living since their parents dissappeared.

Rose now lives with her grandmother, and Josh lives away from her. They are both currently studying, but are in contact against Rose's grandmother's wishes. Rose's Grandmother Anna believes that Joshua's father made Rose's mother go away with him, and then murdered her. However, Rose does not believe Anna and sets out, along with Josh, to discover the truth.

The only problem I had with this book is that it had continuous action, so there was no real dialogue, or much desciption. However, having read other books by Cassidy, I do understand that this is part of her writing style, and does tend to suit her plotlines, usually more than it did here.

Also, if you want to be satisfied at the end, this isn't a great book for that. I'm guessing the story continues in the next 'Murder Notebooks' book, Killing Rachel, due to be released 14th March next year, but I didn't feel that all of my questions were answered.

I guess that if Cassidy wanted the story to continue in book 2 of the series, she couldn't tie up all of the loose ends, but I just felt as though it could have reached a better closure than it did. Just IMHO...

All in all, a really exciting, fast-paced thriller of a read!

I'd give it 8/10 so pick up a copy and enjoy!

Byee

Dayzee xx