The British Tag!

It's been a while since I last wrote a tag response, but since I live up to quite a few of the British stereotypes - such as tea-drinking and an obsession with the Royal Family - I was waiting for the chance to answer these questions. Thank you Holly(Lost in a Library) for tagging me!

The London Eye

1. How many cups of tea do you have a day? How many sugars?

 

I used to drink four or five cups of tea - sometimes more - in a day, especially when revising for exams. Every half-an-hour whilst working I would need another cup, and that used to be the same for blogging. But, I've recently cut this down to only one cup - breakfast being my new favourite meal of the day - to help me sleep better. I've never had sugar in my tea; and can immediately taste the difference if a teaspoon has been tipped into mine. I'd rather have lemon tea, which I've recently fallen in love with, as it's slightly less sweeter than a sugar-filled cup.

 

2. Favourite part of your roast?

 

As a vegetarian, I don't eat roast dinners often. I've never liked the vegetables, and would much rather have meat-free sausages and ketchup instead. But, I do love Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes; my plate feels empty without them.

 

3. Favourite dunking biscuit?

 

Since I can remember, my favourite has been a custard-cream. There used to be a biscuit-tin filled with them in the kitchen when I was slightly younger, along with shortbreads, and I ate them constantly, whether I had a cup-of-tea or not.

 

4. Favourite quintessentially British past-time? 

 

I can't step into a kitchen without cutting my finger with a knife, breaking a piece of equipment or burning what I've cooked, but I still love baking. Cupcakes are my favourite to bake, as I much rather cooking sweet dishes than savoury, waiting to decorate them at the end with buttercream. I also spend a lot of time in the week watching Coronation Street; reading the soap-magazines whilst in the supermarket to see what's coming up. I think the nation is obsessed with soap operas.

 

5. Favourite word?

It's taken me a while to think of a stereotypical British word, even though I'm surrounded by them on a daily-basis. If I had to choose though, it would probably be 'wonderful' - even though I don't say this often, it's one most say when mimicking the accent on American sitcoms. Mainly, I love the British phrases, and always seem to say, "It's not my cup of tea" if I don't like something.

6. Cockney rhyming slang?

Day's a-dawning? Let's just say I had to do some research for this one...

7. Favourite sweet?

Rather than asking the shopkeeper about gelatine-free sweets when buying a pick-a-mix, I tend to just eat Veggie Percy Pigs! I also love mint imperials and sometimes keep a pack in my schoolbag to eat between lessons. I don't have the healthiest diet!

8. What would your pub be called?

The Book Lover's Den? I'd love to combine a library/bookshop with a pub, and have people come in to order a drink and then sit down to read and socialise.

9. No. 1 British person?

Any member of the Royal Family! I love Prince Harry's relaxed attitude towards being a part of the British monarchy, but also can't stop reading about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George!

10. Favourite shop/restaurant?

When I have money to spend, I tend to head straight for WHSmiths or Watersones to buy books, as both stores have a great YA section. Although Starbucks is a coffee-shop - not a restaurant - I go there every few weeks with a friend for a catch-up, and love their Frappuccino's.

11. What British songs pop into your head?

Elton John's 'Your Song' comes into mind, and I also loved Ellie Goulding's cover which I played constantly for a few months after its release, as the lyrics are beautiful. Adele is one of the most successful British artists, and 'Someone Like You' and 'Rolling in the Deep' are two I still enjoy listening to, along with songs from Queen and The Beetles. Who doesn't know the words to 'I Want to Break Free'? The video is also amazing!

11. Marmite?

Never tried it.

 I tag: Lucy(Queen of Contemporary), Ruby(Feed Me Books Now), Arianne(Reading With ABC) and Hawwa(It Was Lovely Reading You).

Would you like to see more tags?

Tell me in the comments!

The Book Sacrifice Tag!

It's been a while since I posted a tag on this blog - and by a while, I mean a few months, since my last appears to be from around mid-way through 2013. After seeing the original video posted by Ariel Bissett, I was so excited to be tagged by Zoe over at Bookhi to do this, as it seemed fun to decide which books to sacrifice in certain(hopefully unrealistic) situations. Before I begin dramatically reducing the amount of books on my shelf, by using them to protect my hair, I tag: Amber, Ruby and Sunny.

 

Scenario #1

An over-hyped book: Let's start this off with a Zombie Apocalypse! Let's say you're in a book store, just browsing, when BAM! ZOMBIE ATTACK. An announcement comes over the PA System saying that the military has discovered that the zombies' only weakness is over-hyped books. What book that everyone else says is amazing, but you really hate, do you start chucking at the zombies knowing that it will count as an over-hyped book and successfully wipe them out?!

 

I picked up The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey due to the endless praise filling numerous blogs - and my Twitter feed - at the time. The reviews were all extremely positive, and when I saw this at my local bookstore, I thought I would also be writing a five star review. Sadly, I realised this book had been done before. Too many times. The story was so similar to those I'd already read and the book itself was filled with spelling mistakes I couldn't ignore. The characters were also unrelatable, with a very confusing narrative-style, and the plot was too complex. Since it's being made into a movie at the moment, I definitely think this one will work to wipe them out.

Scenario #2

A sequel: Let's say you've just left the salon with a SMASHING new haircut and BOOM! Torrential downpour. What sequel are you willing to use as an umbrella to protect yourself?

This book is also the final one in a series, but sadly, the only sequel where I've found myself feeling disappointed after reading. Resist by Sarah Crossan felt like it was penned by a different author. I adored Breathe - and it is still one of my favourite novels - but I only rated this sequel a generous 3.5 stars. I was so excited to continue Alina, Bea and Quinn's story, which also had one of the most realistic ideas for a dystopia, but the sequel lost the heart of the first novel.
 

Scenario #3

A classic: Let's say you're in a lecture and your English teacher is going on and on about how this classic changed the world how it revolutionized literature and you get so sick of it that you chuck the classic right at his face because you know what? This classic is stupid and it's worth detention just to show everyone how you feel! What classic did you chuck?

Before you start chucking hardbacks at me, I'll apologise. Sadly, I didn't like most of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I really enjoyed those final fifty pages, but apart from that, I had to force myself to read this novel. I wanted to adore this book. I wanted it to become a life-changing read, just like it is to so many people, I really did. I understand why most love Lee's novel, I do, but I wasn't one of these people.

 

Scenario #4
Your least favourite book of life: Let's say your hanging out at the library when BAM! Global warming explodes and the world outside becomes a frozen wasteland. You're trapped and the only chance of survival is to burn a book. What is the book you first run to, your least favourite book of all life. What book do you not fully regret lighting?

I've never rated a book lower than 3 stars. I always choose books I know I will enjoy, or that I know has had good reviews. So, I struggled to pick out my least favourite book, especially since even the ones I didn't like as much were still "okay". As I scrolled through my reviews though, I came across The Soterion Mission by Stewart Ross, and it was this one that stood out for me. It was trying to be the next best-selling dystopia but, completely missed its mark.

Scenario #5
You're about to go up on stage when you realise you're chewing gum. You have all your favourite series' backstage to steady your nerves before your performance and you realise you have to rip out the last page of the last book in one of your favourite series' to get rid of your gum because you can't go on stage chewing gum! What book do you choose to rip out the last page of?

There have only been a few series' that I have actually finished. Many remain half-read on my shelf, with usually the final book left to collect dust. Thankfully, I've never disliked the ending of one of my favourite series', but there have been parts near to the end I'd have liked to have seen changed. I might be changing the question here a little, but I'd rip a few pages out of Twilight: Breaking Dawn, as I felt like the ending was anti-climatic. I wanted more. So, maybe those pages could be replaced with the film's ending? I loved how they executed it.

Please understand that these answers are purely my opinion and do not set out to offend the authors, publishers or fans of these novels.

So, what books would you choose in these scenarios?
Do you agree with the ones I would sacrifice?

Tell me in the comments!

Sophie
x

 

The Winter Olympic Book Tag(The Original)

Currently, all over the news, internet and radio there are updates about the events at this year's Winter Olympics, being held in Sochi. Shockingly, I absolutely loved the 2012 Olympics, when all I did beforehand was argue that the money could be spent elsewhere. I have never watched the Winter Olympics before, and this year I have decided to, and the sports are incredible. So, what else could I do but find some way of involving books? If you are tagged, make sure to link to this post!

1. Opening Ceremony - The best stand-alone.
Of course, it's 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. This novel is beautifully-written, and I can't recommend it enough!

2. Just about to compete - The book you are most anticipating.
I am most anticipating the next 'Throne of Glass' book, 'Heir of Fire.' Crown of Midnight was amazing, and I am so excited to find out what happens next. Celaena Sardothien is one of my favourite fictional-characters.

3. Sochi 2014 - The book that left you feeling cold and heart-broken.
'Allegiant' by Veronica Roth. After a put it down, I didn't stop crying for an hour!

3. Team GB/USA - The book with a cultural-aspect.
'The Elites' by Natasha Ngan! This dealt with racial-abuse, and the dystopia-setting of Neo-Babel was packed with different cultures.

4. Figure-Skating - The book with beautiful-writing.
'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas - who's writing is the best I have ever read.

5. Speed Skating - The book that kept you gripped/made your heart race.
'Beautiful Creatures' by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I know there are mixed-opinions of this book, but I LOVED it! I just want to be a Caster.

6. Pairs(Short Programme) - The book with your favourite friendship/romance.
Todd Hewitt and Viola Eade from the 'Chaos Walking' Trilogy. The depth of these characters and their friendship is incredible - and I can't praise the series enough!

7. Alpine Skiing - The book with the most twists and turns in it's plot.
'Matched' by Ally Condie. I've only recently read the first two book in the series - I still haven't picked up 'Reached' - but there are some really great surprises, and I was gripped!

8. Cross-country - The book that took you on a journey.
A lot of books have taken me on journeys, but Harriet Manners' from 'Geek Girl' by Holly Smale was one of the funniest, and memorable. It taught me to be a Geek and not worry what others think.

9. Snowboard - The book with the most ups and downs.
I can only think of books that broke-my-heart, but 'Alice Bliss' by Laura Harrington was a fab read!

10. Biathalon - The book that hit all the targets.
'Pretty Girl Thirteen' continues to be the book that has made the biggest impact on me. It's haunting, and the plot-line was completely unexpected. It had everything.

11. Luge(Team Relay) - The best book-series.
Can I cheat and say both 'The Hunger Games' and the 'Throne of Glass' series? I did create the tag...

12. Last Place - The book that left you disappointed.
I hate saying I was disappointed, especially when I loved the first book as much as I did, but 'Resist' by Sarah Crossan let me down. It lost the heart of the first novel.

13. Gold Medal Winner - The best book you have read.
If you haven't already guessed it, 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. Books have come-close, but it still remains my favourite.

14. Podium - Top three characters
In no order, Katniss Everdeen from 'The Hunger Games', Celaena Sardothien from 'Throne of Glass' and Todd Hewitt from 'The Knife of Never Letting Go.' Surprised?

15. Closing Ceremony - The best finale.
Definitely the final book in the 'Chaos Walking' Trilogy by Patrick Ness, 'Monsters of Men' - there are not many times that the whole series is as good as the first book, but Ness achieves it. The world and characters are so complex!

I tag:

Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf
Charli from To Another World
Hawwa from It Was Lovely Reading You
Jack from The Book Stop
Orli from Blame My Bookshelf
Ruby from Feed Me Books Now

Along with anyone else who wants to give this a go! You can do it as a blog post or as a vlog, just remember to send me to tweet me the link(@DayDreamsWorld).

Images used in this post are not my own.

Tag: 50 Facts about Me!

1. If you didn't know from the name of this blog, I can be found constantly day-dreaming.
2. My name, Sophie, is Greek for Wisdom.
3. Currently I'm 14 and my birthday is on May 11th!
4. Coincidently, 11 is my lucky number!
5. My hair is almost all of the way down my back! It's pretty long now.
6. I have a younger sister who has nothing in common with me!
7. Apart from blogging and reading, my other hobbies are writing and cooking.  
8. To start with an easy one, my favourite books are: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Breathe by Sarah Crossan and The Knife of Never Letting Go! 
9. I've been so lucky to meet many of my favourite authors: Patrick Ness, Holly Smale, Michael Morpurgo and Kate Maryon. As well as Andy Robb!
10. When I first began blogging my mum said to me, "Don't get too obsessed" - I can't help but laugh everytime think about this!
11. I'd say I'm a night-owl, as I always feel more alive at midnight than midday! My house is always way too noisy during the day.
12. I really love listening to music, and my favourite artists are Ellie Goulding, Demi Lovato, Florence + the Machine and Taylor Swift(I listen to her album every week!)

    

    Ellie Goulding

13. I'm a huge fan of Imagine Dragons and turn up the radio everytime one of their songs is played on the radio. I may even attempt to dance.
14. I have an obsession with Costa and Starbucks - mainly their Hot Chocolate! For Christmas, I want my own machine for my bedroom.
15. The cinema is one of my favourite places!
16. I cry during most films - especially when watching Never Let Me Go, Now is Good and Marley & Me! 
17. I always end up laughing when I see the Minions from Despicable Me and have a collection of Smurfs on my windowsill!
18. I'm a Teenage OAP in the fact that I'd prefer to be at home curled up with a book and a hot drink rather than outside with friends!
19. I'm currently in Year Ten which means I've now started all my GCSE Coursework, which is really frightening. I've been quoted saying, "I've got a feeling I'm going to being turning grey" quite a few times already!
20. My favourite subjects are English(Obviously!), History and RE! I never had much interest in the latter two before secondary school but now, I can't get to those classes fast-enough!
21. Over the past few years, I've played recorder, violin and guitar, but gave them all up.
22. I've recently become really passionate about creating a better future for this planet and ending global-warming.  
23. I like to know what is going on in the world and getting to have a say!
24. A poem I wrote called 'Life is This' is going to be published in an anthology this November! I cried(happy-tears) when I got the letter through the post!
25. I've always hated doing sports although I'm not sure if it's the fact I'm really bad at them or whether I just don't like the sweat. I think it's a mix of both.
26. I can both ice and roller-skate!
27. The furthest I've ever travelled is to visit London for a competition final held at the Royal Society. It was the most prestigious place I've been to in my lifetime!
28. One of my dreams is to go to New York for BEA with a bunch of bloggers(Amber and Rita) - staying at the Library Hotel of course!

    

    Library Hotel NYC

29. As for dream places to live, a pent-house in London, New York or Paris would be perfect!
30. If I published a book one day I would know I'd made it!
31. Over the past 14 years, there's been phases where I've wanted to be a Vet, a Veterinary Assistant(As I decided I didn't want to put animals to-sleep), a singer, actress and model. I've now settled for anything to do with writing, working in publishing or making-films. If all else fails, I'd like to teach!
32. I always have one television-show obsession at a time - right now it's "Harrow: A Very British School" - all about life at one of Britain's best boarding-schools.
33. I always keep a bunch of post-it notes on my bed-side table and am constantly scribbling notes on them! This has only been the case for a few months now after my old English teacher suggested I did this. I now use them for everything and love how organised they keep me!
34. I always need a notebook! I feel like everytime I don't have one near I'll have a brain-storm and end up forgetting it later!
35. My favourite colour is purple! I've gone through phases where blue, white and green have also been!
36. I like to pretend I'm good at fashion but really I'm not. I can only survive a mere few hours of clothes shopping before wanting to give up and go to get food! Yes, food.
37. Even though I have a hatred of clothes-shopping, that doesn't mean to say I don't like other types of shopping. Personally, I adore browsing Waterstones and WHSmith, as well as looking at all the accessories that can be found for such a low price at Primark and Stationary Shopping!
38. My main inspiration is Jennifer Lawrence for being herself no matter what - as well as extremely talented and hilarious, of course!  
39. I am an accident waiting to(or already happening) in the kitchen! I always accidently spill or break something!
40. I used to have a pet tarantula called Tammi but, I've always been much more fond of my cat called Mitsy and my guinea-pig Fluffy.  
41. I worry. A lot.
42. Following that, I am a complete perfectionist. I find it so difficult to resist the urge to rip up my schoolwork when I make a mistake!
43. I can't help but correct someone - mainly family members - when their grammar is wrong! My family is guilty of using the present tense when they're talking about the past tense. It's possibly one of my pet-peeves.
44. If I could vanquish something from today's society it would be stereotypes: perfection, teenagers, geeks and nerds. Them all.
45. Ice Cream is one of the best treats - beside chocolate of course - and my No.1 flavour is a double-scoop with Cookies & Cream and Chocolate.
46. Mainly my diet consists of chicken-nuggets and pasta - it's an endless craving!
47. I'm much more confident online than I am in the real-world. I struggle around new people and with making friends, although blogging has definitely helped me grow as a person!
48. My main form of procrastination is Twitter or Youtube. I've recently discover the world of Youtubers and can be found constantly watching Zoella's channel!
49. When you read a lot of books, you become a fan of a lot of things. I'm a part Tribute(that is super-excited for Catching Fire in less than two months!), Caster, Divergent and Nerdfighter.
50. I always want to give 100% in everything I do - meaning if I want to get to something, I can be very determined.

Thank you to my BEA Buddy Amber for tagging me to do this! Now,  I've got to choose some people to pass this onto! It's really fun to do(Although I did finish writing out the facts at midnight) and I did have to dig quite deep to make myself sound much more interesting than I actually am! So, I tag: Sunny, Ruby, Charli, Rachel and Hawwa , not forgetting the other member of our Library Hotel Party, Rita! . But feel free to do it and share this around!

Literacy Dinner Party: Tag

This was something I really wanted to do. Would you come to my Dinner Party?

1.  One character who likes to cook. 
I've never read many books where one of the character's loves to cook, but nobody can forgot Amma from Beautiful Creatures. She is constantly cooking, and sometimes even for the fact to out-cook the DBR in Gatlin which I love.

2.  One character who has money to fund the party.

Dr Bryce from Pig Heart Boy. A weird choice but I'm sure he could fund it.

 

3.  One character who might cause a scene.

Ridley from Beautiful Creatures. As a Dark Caster, she is of course always causing arguments and as a Siren she would cause some strange things to happen.

 

4.  One character who is funny/amusing.

Georgie from Dear Dylan. Despite having a really tough time, she still had a fantastic personality that made me laugh throughout. I couldn't do that!

5.  One character who is super social/popular.

I can't really think of many characters who are popular but I think that Jodie from My Sister Jodie is super social as she really just wants to do what she wants. I loved Jodie, her outgoing attitude just made the book.

6.  One villain.

Seraphine(Beautiful Creatures) or President Snow(The Hunger Games). I'd probably go for Snow since he isn't supernatural.

7.  One couple (doesn't have to be romantic).

Hazel and Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars. It was just so sad! And Augustus really made me think about the world and society.

8.  One hero/heroine.

Katniss, also from The Hunger Games. She is my favourite fictional heroine and the way she fights for her family makes her worthy of a heroine.

 

9.  One underappreciated character.

Just one? I can't. There are too many that are underappreciated. I'll choose Bea from Breathe because her kind and caring personality just stood-out for me. You don't see many characters who are just so smart yet prepared for anything.  

 

10.  One character of your own choosing.

Harriet Manners from Geek Girl. I just loved this novel and as a fellow-Geek she would have to be there. Again, I'm struggling with choosing just one, but if I could add to the Guest List I would have Four(How could I forget about him?) from Divergent and Liesel from The Book Thief.