my week #273

This week was all about getting as much life admin done before I go on holiday! On Friday, I jetted off, away from the United Kingdom, for a week's holiday. Graduation is the week after, and then work starts the week after that (eek!). For now, I'm just going to relax and forget about everything else :)

How was your week?

book: goodnight mister tom by michelle magorian

One of my '100 tasks in 2017' is to read three classic books and that's why I picked up Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. I have a vague memory of reading it, or at least attempting to, when I was in high school.

Goodnight Mister Tom is about a boy called Willie who has been evacuated from the city of London to the countryside. There, he stays with an old gentleman called Tom.

After finishing this book, I did wonder why it took me so long to pick it up! Although aimed at a younger reader, it is quite a harrowing read. The life Willie is used to in London is very different to the one in Little Weirwold with Mister Tom and as you progress through the book, you see a change in Willie's character. From being a timid boy, not used to being shown affection, to a confident and charismatic young man who lives his countryside life to the full.

At first, Mister Tom seems like your typical grumpy old man but when his past is drip fed by Magorian throughout the book, it's obvious that he's not grumpy; he's just heartbroken and Willie did a lot in helping to mend his broken heart.

Overall, Goodnight Mister Tom gets 8/10 for me. I raced through this book and although older than the target audience, really enjoyed it!

graduation gifts to mark a milestone

With graduation just around the corner now, I thought it would be nice to do a mini graduation gift guide. For this gift guide, I decided to look at pricier items (sorry, not sorry).

Stationery

1. A luxury diary from Smythson
Hit the ground running in your new career with a Smythson planner which'll keep you organised and looking chic. With its cornflower blue pages and contrasting bright orange colour, you'll never forget to take this everywhere with you. The only problem will be that once the year is over, you'll really want another one...

2. Pelikan Souveran M400 Fountain Pen
So I'm slightly biased here as I have this pen (it was a 25th birthday gift to myself!) and it's such a lovely pen to use. It's beautiful, sophisticated and feels like such a luxury each time you use it.

3. Smythson Panama Cosmetics Case (can also be used to store stationery!)
I love Smythson goods (can you tell?) and this cosmetics case would be just lovely in your handbag. It is versatile and if you'd prefer to keep pens and other stationery items in, I'm sure it'll last you a good many years.

4. Pilot Capless Decimo Fountain Pen
Another fountain pen, but this time, a capless one! This is the more lightweight version of the original Capless and if the reviews are to be believed, just as dependable and smooth a writer.

5. Aspinal of London Organiser
If you prefer to customise the contents of your daily planner, this might be the one for you. You can also have the option of having it engraved with your name, initials, your pet's name... Pretty much anything you want!

6. Midori One Year Diary
Finally, a one year diary. When I start my job in August, I plan on writing a few lines every day as an emotional outlet. Also good for those who like keeping a journal :)


Beauty and Fashion

1. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit in Surreal Light
A popular palette in the beauty world and a nice luxury gift for someone into their make-up. It also looks very pretty with its marble pattern packaging.

2. Liberty London Silk Scarf
The iconic Liberty scarf :) Good for someone into their fashion and labels!

3. Mikimoto Pearl Earrings
Pearl earrings are a timeless classic and these ones have a clover design to them just above the pearl. A good gift for pretty much anyone who has their ears pierced! They are work safe and will also look good for an evening/night out so they'll get plenty of wear.

4. Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume
I'm biased here as I've been wearing this perfume for the last six years and it is my go-to fragrance. However, alternatives could be a Jo Malone perfume or even a custom one made at a boutique perfumery.

5. A Tiffany Necklace
A classic graduation gift here and only included because its so cliché! I'm not a fan of them personally but their simple design means that they are also timeless and go with pretty much any outfit.


Home

1. Fornasetti Profumi Sol Di Capri Scented Candle
Whilst browsing the Harrods website, I found these candles from Fornasetti Profumi. The packaging is just so pretty (there are many other designs) and once the candle has been burnt, they can be re-used for something else, such as storing little trinkets in.

2. Johnston's of Elgin Cashmere Throw
A soft throw is an excellent addition to a bedroom or a living space that is crying out for something a little extra. This cashmere one will keep you warm and look good while doing so.

3. Neom Happiness Reed Diffuser
If candles aren't your thing, how about a reed diffuser? Great for those of us who are too lazy and accident prone to burn a candle!

Note: there are no affiliate links in this blog post. I will not receive commission for anything purchased through these links.

my week #272

So my planner pages are really plain this week which is usually a reflection of how busy I've been. With it now being just over three weeks until the foundation programme starts (eek!), I'm preparing for that, preparing for my holiday (I leave the UK for just over a week on Friday!) and just sorting some general life admin. Everything seems to have come at once which has made things even more stressful!

How has your week been? And how do you cope with times such as these?