BOOKS February

Remember how I told you all I was on a strict no buy and that I would definitely not buy anything I didn't need? I still stick by that. I absolutely NEEDED these books. In my defence both of these books are amazing and worth every penny.

The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead is the last in the Vampire Academy spin-off series. I started reading about these characters and the VA world way back in 2007 when the first book was released. When the series ended in 2010 I grieved the loss of the characters Mead had created. Then came the spin-off series and I was plunged back into the VA world once again. I've loved this series, not as much as it's older sibling VA, but have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the lesser characters from VA. I still have a couple of chapters to go, so the story isn't quite over yet. I'm too scared to finish the book, then it all really will be over. 8 years of dedication, over in 352 pages.

I was here is a stand alone novel by Gayle Forman. Forman became a household name last year when her novel If I Stay was adapted into a movie starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley. I was here is about a girl called Cody who struggles to find a reason behind her friend's sudden suicide. As someone who has lost a loved one from suicide I found this novel to be a very accurate portrayal of the emotions and feelings a person goes through in the aftermath of suicide. I found it very heartwarming to read my own feelings in a book, recognising that you're not alone in your emotions is a great tool in dealing with grief.

I love I was here and am so far loving The Ruby circle. Definitely worth breaking my no buy. What your favourite book you've read recently?

The topics in this blog post are a little heavy. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please seek help. Help is always available:

United States: 1-800-273-8255

United Kingdom: 0857-90-90-90

Canada: 514-723-4000

Australia: 1-800-817-569

SCENT Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf

Do you have a perfume, or any other product for that matter- that you're too afraid to use? I do. It's this perfume, Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf. In the words of Mary Poppins it's "practically perfect in every way".

I got this perfume as a gift last year in October when my grandparents returned from their annual trip to the United States. Before they left I asked them if they could purchase it as a gift for me as in Australia the price was far too high. Upon their arrival home I was gifted my very own 90ml bottle.

Apparently in the United States, the perfume is exclusively available at Saks (90ml $165) for a limited time. In Australia I've seen it in Myer and David Jones (90ml $210). After some research I've discovered it's available at Selfridges in the UK (90ml£96). You can see why I wanted mine purchased in the States and not Australia.

The perfume itself smells delicious. Boasting scents of Egyptian Jasmine and finishes with undertones of Caramel. I personally love it and find the scent delicious. I do know a small selection of people who believe it's a little too sweet for everyday wear, but agree that they'd wear it as a night perfume. I wear it every other day because I'm legitimately too afraid to run out, especially at the price. I think I'm going to have to buy another bottle soon so if it ever stops being produced I have plenty to last me.

The bottle is also beautiful, a giant hot pink bow completely made of glass bar the nozzle. I think it's classy and feminine in regards of the shape, as well as a bit fun because of the hot pink colour. Not only isn't a pretty bottle of perfume, I think it looks pretty good in my bedroom as a bit of decoration.

I did receive small samples of moisturiser and body wash with my bottle as I believe it was some kind of Christmas gift scent. The scent is amazing, I'd definitely buy a moisturiser or body wash if Viktor & Rolf released a full size version.

NEW IN February

I was on a pretty strict no buy in February. The only things I bought for myself that wasn't food, fuel or for university is what you see in these pictures above, and a Taylor Swift ticket for December.

Everything in the pictures above were all also bought on the same day, to wear to the very same event. That's right, I went to a One Direction concert in Melbourne. I had no idea what to wear and was having those chaotic "I have nothing to wear even though there's a million items in my closet" moments. I ended up picking out a plain black t-shirt dress and went shopping before the concert to accessorise.

I have wanted a black felt hat for so long. I think hats, especially the felt and woollen ones we're seeing a lot recently, are great for cold days and bad hair days. I've been throwing this on just to dress up an outfit for uni or going out for lunch and it works a treat. I obviously took it off during the concert, I'm not going to ruin someone else's view of 1D so I can look amazing in a hat.

I also bought a pair of flat black boots. I'm so happy I found a style like this that are flat. I'm not a huge fan of heels in everyday life but I love the dressier kind of boots you tend to see heels on. I'm not yet excited about the worker boots and chunky doc martens everyone is wearing at the moment. These are a perfect combination of flat, foot friendly, and dressy.

I also bought a chunky silver chain necklace. I look terrible in gold, well I think I look terrible anyway. I have family heirlooms I wear sometimes but only on very special occasions. I'm a big fan of silver, and to be honest I think the silver went a lot better with my all black outfit than gold could have.

The last item isn't very stylish, but it's a glow stick and it has One Direction written on it so I had to have it. I bought one of these at the last 1D concert I went to, but forgot to bring it along with me, so I have two now. There's nothing better than a pitch black arena with glow sticks swaying along to a song. I love that kind of atmosphere.

Enough raving about 1D, I know they're not everyone's cup of tea. I'm officially off my no buy now, so I can't wait to show you all the warm knits and candles I plan on buying this month for fall.