Friday Reads: The Girl On The Train- Paula Hawkins

Every day Rachel catches the same train to work. She knows the route, surroundings and the fact it will wait at a signal and overlook a row of back gardens. She's even created stories about some of the people that live in the houses. But one house is perfect to her. There is a perfect couple, with a perfect home and life. That is until she sees something shocking. In the blink of an eye she is caught up in the lives of the people she sees. She's not just the girl on the train anymore. 

I'm a massive fan of a good psychological thriller. Crime novels have too much gore, horror is just out of the question. But a good thriller leaves me turning the pages and guessing what is going on right up until the plot twist is revealed. 

This book is wonderful. Split into a multiple person narrative like Gone Girl it explores the same shocking moment from several people's points of view. It was hard at first to distinguish who was who. All the narrators are female and roughly the same age so at times I was having to glance at the top of the page where their name was. 

But the story itself was fantastic. Between an alcoholic, a liar and a cheat you don't know which character you can trust. 

Rachel isn't the best witness. With a multitude of problems in her personal life she is described as being volatile and reckless with her statements. But she is desperate to solve the mystery and will do whatever it takes to help. She just can't remember anything after a few drinks.

It's a fast paced book. One they grips you like Before I Go To Sleep but with the female grittiness of Gone Girl. It reminded me heavily of Rear Window. Seeing something you shouldn't have, getting involved in it and trying to solve the crime. 

There are some great twists and bumps in this tale. Each narrative from the women come at different time points but somehow end at the same place. A bit like racing trains that will inevitably crash. 

I think the less said about the story the better. It's one that needs to be read to fully enjoy. Too much about the story will definitely spoil it!


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A young mum. My story.


I never expected to be a young mum, damn I never imagined myself even being a mum. I was one of those girls at school that everyone said wouldn't be a teen mum, I was too good for that. But at 19, I fell pregnant. 

Most people see 19 and think, well you are old enough to get married, have a house, have a job, why not a baby. But I was at the end of my first year of uni, had been with Scott less than a year when I realised that I was pregnant. 

We were being safe. I was on the pill, I had been on it for years. Religiously taking it as if it was an extension of myself. But for one week I was also taking some tablets for a chest infection. The doctor never told me that it could mess with my pill so I didn't think anything of it. 5 months later and I started getting horrendous headaches and stomach cramps. After thinking things through I tell Scott that I'm coming off the pill and we would need to use alternate contraception. 

A month had passed and I still hadn't got my period. So I thought I would pick up a test. Freaking out that I had messed something up as I was coming off the pill. When those two blue lines appeared I broke down. I didn't know what to do or say. I called Scott in tears and drove all the way down to Portsmouth to tell him. His family guessed almost straight away and within 24 hours my mum knew too. We were both 20, at uni and pregnant. 

We decided to go to the family planning clinic with my mum, talk things through there and decide what the best thing for us to do was. When they got me up to give me an ultrasound they gave me the shock of my life "You're about 6 months pregnant, did you know that?". Cue another breakdown from all of us. Not only was I pregnant. But I had 3 months to decide what the hell I should do. None of us knew how we hadn't noticed. I'd gone up a dress size but put that down to eating rubbish and going out at university. Not being pregnant! 

After sitting with Scott for what felt like days we decided we had to keep this child. it was given to us for a reason and we would love it and bring it up as best as we damn could. It took both sets of parents a while to come to terms. Of course it would, we were young, in our prime and all of a sudden expecting a child that was going to change our lives. I remember my mum coming home one day with a packet of baby grows and giving me a hug. Chatting with her friends at work they had reassured her that it wasn't a bad thing, amongst all the death she dealt with, we were bringing new life into the world and it was a blessing.  

Next thing we knew we were in a whirlwind of appointments, scans and checks. Thankfully everything was perfect. We got told we were having a girl, but still picked out neutral stuff. I'm definitely not a pink girl! (we all know how that turned out!)

Within a fortnight we had deferred a year of uni, sorted out maternity/paternity leave and found a place to live. It was as if we were on fast forward and it was only getting faster. We went on a long weekend to Disneyland Paris which did us the world of good. Our last chance at being us before we were parents. That's not to say we didn't still do what we wanted. 2 days before Max was born we went to a gig. I'm pretty sure that put me into labour. 

I'd already decided that my mum and Scott were to be in the room with me. I didn't know how he would react to all the pain I would be in and I knew that my mum would be a calming influence on the room. Luckily I had a swift labour and he was born in a few hours. When we all realised our little girl was actually a boy I think we were just as shocked as when we found out I was expecting!

It's been tough being a young mum. I've had jeers and stares, comments and murmurs about how I've done it for benefits. What surprises most people is that we are both working, have degrees and not in a council house. Yes we get help but 99% of it is done ourselves. Having Max made us more focused and determined to succeed. 

I ended up in a deep swing of postnatal depression. Looking back now it was because our life was on fast forward. It's only been since I was out of uni that I've managed to slow it down. Take everything in and relax. I've learnt to love being a mum, be proud to be a young parent and want to empower more young mums to feel the same. We aren't the stereotype, in fact none of us are. We are all banishing those stereotypes in one way or another. 

Honestly I wouldn't have it any other way now. We have our own family of 3 and we are perfect that way. Being a young mum was one of the best turning points in my life. I love Max and I can't wait to see him grow up. 



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Den making with Philips

With all the modern technology in your life you can forget the simple things. Long walks in the forest, baking with the family and making a great fort out of copious amounts of blankets. When Philips Lighting asked me to get involved and rekindle our love of den building we jumped at the chance. 

When our kit arrived we were amazed. I had never seen a box of treats so big. With a tent, tunnel, bunting and blankets we knew we would be able to create a masterpiece, kill some hours and have some great fun as a family.

Not only were we sent some awesome tools for our den we were also sent this gorgeous Disney SoftPal Sulley. A soft to touch night light that is perfect for cuddling at bed-time.  


First of all we got to the task in hand, making the den. Whilst Max and Scott scribbled away making a cool sign, I started to create the den itself. It took me a while to work out the best place to put it. When it was on the floor it didn't really feel that comfy and when then it seemed way too dark once I put all the blankets on. 

That's when I had a brainwave though. Why don't I put it on the bed? Some expertly tied string could fasten it to the posts and it was right near a plug socket so I could adorn it with fairy lights. Filling the inside with copious amounts of blankets and cushions I was finally ready. 




Max of course dived straight in. With a tunnel to get into his room, he was amazed that his bed could go from something that was quite boring to something that was magical. Dragging his toys in he started to play and describe all these fun adventures he was going on. It really was a perfect thing to do on a cold afternoon. 

Of course no den was complete without a nightlight and Max adored his SoftPal Sulley. It was a breeze to set up. Simply take the base and figure out. Plug in and press to charge! To turn him on it was a gently lean to the side and then another to turn off. Something that a kid can do in the night to help them make their way to the bathroom or to simply turn on when they are feeling that monsters are there!

It's been a firm favourite since we have had it. Being used each night without fail and perfect to snuggle off to sleep to. The light seems to last all night and is great as it has no sharp pieces, small parts or things that could hurt a child. 

We had so much fun making our den. Thank you Philips for helping us remember how much fun it is to switch off!



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Silent sunday



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Wishlist Wednesday



This weeks Wishlist Wednesday is all about the needle and thread. I love sewing. I'm gutted that it's taken me months to actually get my machine out since we have moved. But now we have a desk it means I can spend more time at the machine making things to decorate the house. My aim is something a month. Fingers crossed!


  • Nautical Material (Makower) - I love this, living by the sea I love to immerse myself in all things nautical at times to remind me of being so fortunate. I would love this to make some pyjamas, cushions or a tent for Max.
  • Jurassic Coast (Lewis & Irene) - Max is going through a real dinosaur phase (still!) and this is fantastic. I can imagine this being double sided (with the aztec pattern on the back) and made into a soft quilt for Max to have in his room for his big boy bed!
  • Gurine (Ikea) - Ikea do amazing selections of fabrics that you can have cut in store. Our lounge is taking on a bit of an earthy browns, creams and greens so this would fit perfectly for some statement cushions in the room.
  • Mollie Makes Embroidery book - I love Mollie Makes magazine. So this is a great addition for extra projects. I love embroidery as you can really put a flair and your own ideas into it and make it really unique.
  • RJB Sewing Suitcase - I love the pattern on this suitcase. I want a suitcase over a box as it would be far easier to transport the things that I want to do on the go. 
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10 things you shouldn't say to a young parent

Being a young parent comes with so many good points. Being able to watch your child grow older, understanding some of that new fangled fancy lingo they are coming out with, surviving on no sleep. 

But it also comes with a wealth of judgement and whispers. You get people come up to you on the street, ask you questions and be negative about your situation. 

Unless you know that young person you have no right to make those judgements. So here are 10 things to not say to a young parent. 

1: "What a waste of your future, didn't you want to travel/get an education/get a good job?"  
Oh how fickle people are. Having a child does not waste your future. It simply changes the course slightly. Having a child young doesn't mean someone can't travel, get an education and a good job. Many young mums are teachers, business women and even politicians! Some even have degrees! 

2: "Did you do it for the council house and benefits dear?"  
Wow, yes. I definitely chose to bring a child into the world so I could secure a house and benefits on the state. Umm if you didn't realise we are in a housing crisis! Less than 1% of council homes are occupied by parents under the age of 25! I definitely was expecting a council house with those statistics. 

3: "Is the father still around?"  
I mean that's not something that is said to a 30 year old mum so why does it get said to a young parent? So what if one parent is or isn't involved? Yes there is a lot of single parent households. Not all of them are young parents though. 

4: "But you look so young, you're only a child yourself!" 
I think my reproductive system says otherwise. I'm old enough to get married, vote, drive a car, live alone, have a job. I'm pretty sure I'm old enough to have a child. 

5: "You don't do it like that, you should really do it like this" 
When it comes to parenting everyone does it differently. As long as you are not hurting or putting your child at risk then you should be left alone! WE DON'T ALL PARENT THE SAME. 

6: "I bet you leave your child and go out each weekend" 
First of all, what a parent does in their spare time is none of your business. If they want to go out, then as long as their child is being cared for and they have some spare money then why shouldn't they! I know personally I've not been out for so long I can barely even remember it. But I do enjoy a good glass of wine and a movie. 

7: "Didn't she know about contraception" 
This is a touchy subject for me. I was on contraception when I got pregnant. Many girls and women are. The one thing that needs to be noted is education. Sexual health and awareness education is so low for young people that it's barely non existent. I didn't know about contraception, STI's, implications of pregnancy. I didn't even know what to do when I found out I was pregnant. What these girls (and boys) need is an education. Not a lecture. 

8: "Why don't you get a job instead of rinsing the benefits system" 
In a world where it's hard to get a job for a graduate, it's even harder for a young parent. With rising childcare costs, lack of support and minimum wage not being a living wage, it's easy to see how a mum can get lost and not know where to start. A support system for young parents, from education through to the workplace needs to be there in some capacity. They need help as much as the others wanting a job. 

9: "You look young enough to be her brother/sister" 
I'm going to take that as a compliment even though you meant it as an insult. If I can still look young with these eye bags and this saggy body then I must be doing something right honey? 

10: "You're doing so much better than the other young mums, at least you are doing something with your life" 
See there is my problem. All young mums are doing something with their life. Whether that be working, studying or something else. They are still doing something. They are raising children! That is a bloody hard job and that needs to be applauded too. So if you're going to give me a pat on the back can you give a pat to all the young parents?



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What Max Wore


This week we have spent a lot of time out and about (hence the radio silence on the blog!) Most of the time has been spent at the aquarium. There is something so calming about going and sitting with the fish for a few hours. Max has struck up quite a friendship with a baby turtle. 

Tshirt: Nirvana by Next. We got this top so long ago and it still fits him. I love the loose fit and grey colour as it seems to go with pretty much anything!
Shirt: H&M. This gorgeous shirt is a really thick flannel one. The colours are great and Max chose well with his choice! It was a total steal at a fiver too as we have had so much wear out of it.
Jeans: H&M. We got these gorgeous acid wash jeans in their sale after Christmas. At 4-5 they are way too long in the leg and a bit baggy in the bum. Thank god for adjustable waistbands!
Shoes: Asda. These shoes are our work horse shoes. They are about to fall apart but he wears them most days to preschool and I don't mind them getting ruined. 

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Silent Sunday


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What Max Wore


This week we have been obsessed with cosy jumpers and hats. 

We managed to score this gorgeous walrus jumper from H&M in the sale (reminds me of the Life Aquatic!) 

We also managed to grab his hat from there in the sale too. It's so cosy that it even fits me too!

His jeans are awesome black ones fromDebenhams which Scott got on a recent London trip. He chose well. 

Finally his shoes are from Vans. I bought them in the sale about 18 months ago as I fell in LOVE with them and knew he had to have a pair. Thankfully they fit him now haha. 
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Silent Sunday


New sofas and lazy days. 
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Friday Reads: Apple Tart Of Hope - Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

Being a bookseller means that I plough through books at an alarming rate. I also read anything and everything. So I've decided to share some of my favourite reads each week. Something new for you to dig into. 


Apple Tart Of Hope - Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

"Oscar Dunleavy, who used to make the world's most perfect apple tarts, is missing, presumed dead. No one seems too surprised, except for Meg, his best friend, and his little brother Stevie"

There is something spectacular about biting into a perfect apple tart. Something brings that wash of calm over you and you forget your worries. That's why Oscar started to make them, to help everyone else forget their worries. But what about his own? 

Based around Oscar, his best friend Meg (who moves to New Zeland for 6 months) and Oscars little brother Stevie. This is a book all about growing up and being honest. 

This book is superbly written. It's an amazing insight into teenage mental health, how in this day and age, life is so much more overwhelming for teenagers. 

Through this tale you find out what drove Oscar to feel as low as what he did, why Meg felt so torn over the fact she had to move away and the toxic people that stood in their way to ruin not only a friendship but also lives. 

Written in a split person narrative, Oscar and Meg. This book is so refreshing for a teen book. A tale that despite the fact I read it in one sitting, didn't leave me wanting more or feeling like I had missed out on something. It concluded so perfectly that it didn't need any more than the 194 pages it had. 

A gorgeous and gentle novel. One that will leave your heart full at the end and your stomach yearning for an apple tart too! 


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Wishlist Wednesday

This week I've been lusting over homewares and a new wardrobe. A bit of inspiration for the summer and for a dreamy home!




Stripe Skater Dress - This beauty from SimplyBe is so flattering and would be so good for work and play. I may or may not be adding it to my basket already....

Asos Chelsea Boots - I've been after a pair of Chelsea boots for ages and these from Asos are such great value and look amazing.

Black Leather Tote - Okay I may have got a bag for Xmas but a girl can never have too many right?

Duvet Set - H&M are winning in the homeware awards at the moment. This duvet is fierce and this will be on my bed whether Scott likes it or not!

Gaser Rug - The rug in our living room is old and tired. I'm in love with grey and brights so this will go well with whatever colours I end up using.

Skruvsta Chair - As you know we have just got a new desk. But still need a new chair. This is perfect for writing whilst still looking stylish.

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