My last summer preparation

Dear readers,

I am going away on holiday on Saturday so today I went on a little shop in Primark, in preparation for the summer. Today I only got 4 things because I already brought what I needed beforehand, take a look below to see what I picked up!

Short plain black dress - Primark £5 

Bikini top - Primark £6

Bikini bottoms - Primark £4

Sunglasses case - Primark £1.50

I hope this gave you some ideas for what else you might want to get before you go on holiday or something you would just like to buy!

Yours only, 
Eliza
TFB

Delicious healthy breakfast recipe!

Dear readers,

This will be my first health related post since I have started the blog. In this post I will show you a little recipe which I have been loving lately. It is super healthy, packed with vitamins and gives you so much energy! I will show you how I make a little breakfast dish which consists of bananas, porridge oats and milk!

It might not look as attractive as you would like it to but believe me it is so tasty (as long as you like these ingredients) and very healthy.

What you will need: Banana, around a mug of milk, around 10-20g of porridge oats. 

If you would like to you can also add in a spoon of honey, some nuts, instead of milk you could use soy milk.

There are plenty of methods to do this but I just do it as fast, and as easily as I can. Start off with cutting up a banana into small slices, then add the desired amount of porridge oats, and add in your milk. Now is the time to add in any extra things you might want to include (honey, nuts.) Then all I do is stick it in the microwave for 1 minute for it to be a little bit warm, not hot or not cold. It is up to you how much of each ingredient you add in or how hot you want it to be because it will work no matter what you choose.

Below I will talk about why this meal is so healthy:

Porridge oats: These help in so many ways, just to name a few is they heal the skin, fight infections because of the amount of protein they have inside, reduces the risk of heart disease because of the fibre it contains, it also improves concentration! 

Bananas: These can lower blood pressure because they are low in salt and high in potassium, they can protect against muscle cramps, sustain your blood sugar and give you a lot of energy for the day.

Milk: We all know the basics about milk, growth, repair and all that stuff. But there are many more benefits of drinking milk, it contains a big amount of vitamin D as well as calcium, vitamin A, and Vitamin B12. Also, people who drink milk tend to be skinnier than those who don't!

Honey: 

Honey is a great substitute for sugar, most of the time it is very natural and contains lots of vitamins which can improve your health and well being, it also contains antioxidants which help to reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

What is your favourite healthy meal? Have you ever tried this before? Comment below :) 

Eliza,

TFB

Theme park day out outfit

Dear readers,

I'm sorry I have not been posting on the blog lately but I have been quite busy. On Wednesday I have visited Thorpe Park which is a theme park in the UK, similar to Six Flags as far as I am aware. The weather was very hot and it was around 30 degrees Celsius. Below are some pictures I took on the day..

My outfit consisted of a plain oversized black boyfriend belly top, boyfriend shorts (they are slightly longer and looser than usual shorts,) and an oversized bag with a flamingo pattern and leather parts which I absolutely love!

My friend had a really nice outfit of an oversized plain white tee and a black skater skirt too.

Yours only, 
Eliza
TFB

Top 6 hair products with reviews!

Dear readers,

Today I have come up with my top 6 hair products I have been using lately on my hair. Below I will briefly talk about each product and hopefully it might help if you are looking for some new hair products, want to try something new out or need a solution for your hair!

This is my hair, the colour of my hair is a dark brown. Naturally, my hair is quite curly and thick. I usually straighten it or just put it up. Below are products I use the most.

Left to right: Wella Shockwaves Shine and Hold hairspray, L'Oreal Studio Hot Straight, L'Oreal Studio Hot Curl, Charles Worthington Soft and Silky styling spray,  Wella Shockwaves Styling Plus Conditioning Gloss Serum, Tre Semme salon smooth serum.

Wella Shockwaves Shine and Hold hairspray 

I like this hairspray because it is affordable and still works really well. It holds my hair well, unfortunately sometimes leaves my hair a bit stiff and dry the next day if I spray it too close to my hair.

L'Oreal Studio Hot Straight

This is an amazing product. It is perfect for people who straighten their hair often like me. It protects your hair from heat damage from straightening and leaves the hair non frizzy, smooth and glossy. Your hair can stay straight for days after using it. It also smells so nice!

L'Oreal Studio Hot Curl

This also contains heat protect when using hot tools to create your curls. This leaves the hair smooth and glossy, it makes the curls stay for such a long time! It recommends to use the product before styling but a bit after makes the hair extra glossy and the curls stay in even longer. It doesn't leave your hair greasy, sticky or stiff which is great!  

Charles Worthington Soft and Silky styling spray

This spray leaves your hair soft and silky just like it says, I like to apply it on towel dried hair. It contains white truffle & orchid extracts too! It smells great and feels great. One thing about it is that you should spray only a little bit of it into your hair otherwise it can get quite greasy in the next few days. It's great to use, but not overuse.

Wella Shockwaves Styling Plus Conditioning Gloss Serum

This is a conditioning serum which is mostly made up of oil. Because of that you use a very very little amount of it and rub it into damp hair. It is great for curly hair problems such as your hair being too frizzy. It gives your hair a lot of gloss and conditions your hair. As long as you use a very little amount it does not weigh your hair down.

Tre Semme salon smooth serum

Just like the product above this is mostly oil. It is perfect for people with dry hair as well as preventing split ends, heat damage, and just damaged hair. It contains Moroccan Argan Oil which smooths and nourishes your hair leaving it looking so healthy and glossy! Again, be careful with how much you use. 

Hope this post helped you to get an idea of some hair products you would like to try out in the future. Have you tried any of these, if so what are your opinions? What hair products do you recommend? Comment below.

Yours only,

Eliza

TFB

Everyday make up tutorial

Dear readers,

After I created the quick video on how I do my make up, one of the readers requested I do an everyday make up tutorial. So, here it is. Check it out below and let me know what you think! I'd love to see or hear from you if you have done it :)

Yours only,

Eliza

TFB

Everyday makeup (video)

Dear readers,

Today I have recorded a speeded up video of me doing my usual every day make up to show you how I apply the products I talked about in the previous post. The video is not a tutorial it is just showing you what I do with the product, in what order and how I do it. Check out the video down below..

  Yours only,

Eliza

TFB

My everyday make up products

Dear readers,

In this post I will show you the products I use for my everyday make up. Most of the products I use are affordable and not professional or fancy at all. These are the make up products I use on a daily basis and nearly every time I apply my make up. You will find a link to where you can purchase the product I have mentioned, please note there might not be a link for each product as some of this has been in my collection for a very long time and it is not on sale anymore or may not even be branded. 

Face products

M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid Foundation (NC15)
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/158/1231/Products/Face/Foundation/Studio-Fix-Fluid-SPF-15/index.tmpl
Maybelline FIT me powder (120 classic ivory)
http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Face-Makeup/Powder/Fit-Me-Pressed-Powder.aspx#shadedetails
Colourworks duo blusher 
Miss Sporty So Clear Coverstick (light)
http://www.miss-sporty.co.uk/ go to face > coverstick > so clear coverstick
Bronzer 

Eye products

Accessorize eye shadow palette (I use the 4 natural colours)
Unfortunately I couldn't find the one I have but here are other 3 palettes from accessorize
http://uk.accessorize.com/view/search?search=palette
Essence 'Get Big Lashes'  mascara 
http://www.essence.eu/get-big-lashes/get-big-lashes-volume-boost.html
Collection 2000 Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner 
http://www.collectioncosmetics.co.uk/eyes/eye-liner/lasting-colour-gel-eyeliner.aspx
Colourworks eye shadow palette
Eye shadow palette (use the brown for filling in my eyebrows)

Lips

I barely use any lip products but when I want a little bit of shine or a bold colour I am definitely a MAC lips person. 

MAC Nicki Viva Glam II Lipgloss
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/10502/24921/New-Collections/Nicki-for-MAC-Viva-Glam/Lips/Viva-Glam-Nicki-2-Lipglass/index.tmpl
MAC Nicki Viva Glam Lipstick
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/10502/20927/New-Collections/Nicki-for-MAC-Viva-Glam/Lips/Viva-Glam-Nicki-Lipstick/index.tmpl
MAC Russian Red Lipstick
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/168/310/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl

Tools

Small flat ended kabuki brush (applying foundation)
Thin brush (filling in eyebrows)
Barry M Eyeliner Brush
http://www.superdrug.com/barry-m/barry-m-eyeliner-brush/invt/429650&bklist=
Barry M Blusher Brush 
http://www.superdrug.com/barry-m/barry-m-blusher-brush/invt/429652&bklist=
Superdrug eyelash curler
http://www.superdrug.com/make-up/superdrug-eyelash-curler/invt/560626&bklist=

That is all of the products I use for my everyday simple make up. Next time maybe I will upload a speeded up video of how I do my make up. Hope you found this post helpful, if you want me to review any of the products I have mention feel free to tell me below!

Yours only, 
Eliza
TFB

My favourite fragrances

Dear readers,

Today I have put together some of my favourite female fragrances to give you an idea of which perfumes are definitely worth buying because I am in love with them! 

Below I will show you the perfumes I have chosen, what does the perfume smell of, likes, any dislikes (if any,) price, and a website link to where you can make a purchase.

Left to right; Radiance - Britney Spears, Heat - Beyonce, Coco Mademoiselle - Chanel, Christina Aguleira - Christina Aguleira, Heat Rush - Beyonce, Touch of Pink - Lacoste, Loverdose - Diesel, Just Pink - Next, Pink Friday - Nicki Minaj.

Radiance - Britney Spears

This perfume is really fresh and sweet. I love having it on during day whenever I go out anywhere. 

Advantages: The smell is just right and the scent lasts literally ALL day unlike other perfumes! I love the bottle, it is so creative with the gems popping out!

Disadvantages: It is quite a strong fragrance so put on a little bit because it smells too strong if more than 2 sprays are applied. 

30ml  - £23 if you shop at boots there is nearly a £10 off offer!)

http://www.boots.com/en/Britney-Spears-Radiance-Eau-de-Parfum-30ml_1124684/

Heat - Beyonce

This perfume is so feminine and makes you feel so seductive and attractive!

Advantages: The smell is beautiful it is a very sweet and floral scent. 

Disadvantages: It is also again quite expensive since it is a famous celebrity scent, but to be honest it is seriously worth it! If you are not into very sweet fragrances I really recommend you try it out in then shop in case it is too sweet for your taste.

50ml - £28.99

100ml - £42.00 (deal at the perfume shop get it for £29.99!)

http://www.theperfumeshop.com/fcp/product/womens-perfumes/Beyonce/Heat/1701

Coco Mademoiselle - Chanel

This perfume is quite a nice soft and fruity fragrance. It is very famous since it comes from Chanel. It is a both day and night scent in my opinion.

Advantages: It has a great smell and is very feminine. It is not too harsh or strong, its a beautiful light and fruity fragrance. 

Disadvantages: This is my most expensive perfume, it is very expensive because of the brand. It is a great perfume and I love it but I can find different but equally good perfumes for a much cheaper price, but then again it is a good brand so that is the reason for such a high price. 

50ml - £67.00

100ml - £95.00

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123441900099_-1

Christina Aguilera - Christina Aguilera 

This perfume is very feminine and light, it is floral and smells a lot like different types of flowers, especially lillys and jasmines. It is very feminine and soft.
Advantages: The bottle has a really nice decorating. It is simply black and white but it is beautifully decorated with a pattern of flowers. I also like the shape of the bottle, it is skinny and quite tall with a curve in the middle and a small black bow on top.
Disadvantages: The bottle looks beautiful and on pictures the liquid inside looks transparent/white or slighly pink. Unfortunately not long after the liquid turned a very unattractive light yellow colour which was a let down since it is very noticeable in the bottle. 
50ml - £28.99
100ml - £39.90
http://www.theperfumeshop.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=3100

Heat Rush - Beyonce

This is the second Beyonce perfume I am showing you. They both smell absolutely amazing and I love both. 
Advantages: This perfume not only being floral it is also fruity! It smells a little bit like passion fruit  with an addition of flowers such as orchids. 
Disadvantages: This is not a disadvantage to me but again it is very sweet and some people might not like that. In my opinion it is slightly too similar to Heat. 
50ml - £26.60
100ml - £36.00
http://www.theperfumeshop.com/fcp/product/womens-perfumes/Beyonce/Heat-Rush/1702

Touch of Pink - Lacoste 

This is an amazing summer perfume, it is a beautiful scent and just reminds me of summer! It is definitely a summer scent and is perfect for sporty people. I think it is more of a sporty perfume rather than feminine or for a night out. It has some citrus scents and is also floral. 
Advantages: Great for the summer and sporty females.
Disadvantages: The staying power is not good at all, the scent washes off your body within around 4 hours which is not good.
30ml - £24.99
50ml - £38.50
90ml -  £49.50
http://www.theperfumeshop.com/fcp/product/womens-fragrances/lacoste/touch%20of%20pink/3082

Loverdose - Diesel

This is a sweet but very strong fragrance, like with Radiance you really don't need a lot to make it last and smell great! I will love wearing this perfume in the winter, I think the scent will smell great during the colder season. 
Advantage: It smells great and the bottle is just so cute! The colour, the shape, the detailing, just everything makes this so unique and stand out!
Disadvantage: It is very expensive. 
30ml - £36.00
50ml - £48.50
75ml - £59.50
http://www.theperfumeshop.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=1906

Just Pink - Next

This fragrance is actually something I received in a gift set which I loved. The perfume itself is light floral and fruity. It has a bit of a soft soap scent with it too which I love because it makes it so light.
Advantages: The price, it is only a next perfume so the price is quite low. It is great value for money!
Disadvantages: The smell doesn't stay for as long as I would expect.
30ml - £6.50
75ml - £10.00
http://www.next.co.uk/x51422s5#830175x51

Pink Friday - Nicki Minaj

I am in love with this fragrance! It is so floral, girly, and playful! It is definitely a summer/spring fragrance  It is so sweet, soft and sensual!
Advantages: The bottle is very original, creative and fun. Others might like more sophisticated perfume bottles but to me it is a very smart move to create something so unique. (You also get a free hair mist with any purchase of the fragrance at the perfume shop which usually costs around £10!)
Disadvantage: The smell is lovely and the staying power is okay but for such a great smelling fragrance I just wish the staying power could of been all day.
30ml - £23.50
50ml - £28.50
100ml - £38.50
http://www.theperfumeshop.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=1127

I hope you enjoyed my review on some of my favourite fragrances and this post was helpful for you. What are your favourite fragrances?
Review your favourite below!

Yours only,
Eliza
TFB

ASOS summer must-haves!

Dear readers,

Today I have came up with an ASOS summer shopping bag and some summer must haves and some of my faves from each category I found on the ASOS website.

All of the following outfits can be found on the ASOS website

www.asos.com

Here are some of my summer must haves!

The dress

Since most of the time summer is the hottest time of the year it's great to go for a dress during that time of year. Whether you are into midi dresses, skater dresses, cut out shoulder dresses or the girly dresses there is always gonna be a dress out there just for you! These can be made into a fantastic girly or elegant outfit!

Black midi dress  http://www.asos.com/Glamorous/Glamorous-Midi-Dress-In-Textured-Jersey/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3051399&cid=2623&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

Floral print dress http://www.asos.com/Lashes-of-London/Lashes-Of-London-Dress-In-Floral-Print-With-Fluro-Piping/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3120411&WT.ac=rec_viewed

Black skater dress http://www.asos.com/Motel/Motel-Sarina-Skater-Dress-With-Cut-Out/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3276758&cid=2623&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

 The swimwear

Swimwear is one of the top 10 must haves! During the hot season of summer there is no way you can live without going to the swimming pool in your back garden, holiday or going to the beach! I chose a beautiful full swimsuit and a bikini with high waisted bottoms to hide all the  little imperfections! 

Swimsuit http://www.asos.com/Ted-Baker/Ted-Baker-Painted-Floral-Underwire-Swimsuit/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3073013&cid=2623&Rf900=1598&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Blackprint

Bikini top http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Sienna-Floral-Seam-Detail-Bandeau-Bikini-Top/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3067024&cid=2623&Rf900=1598&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Floralprint

Bikini bottom http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Sienna-Floral-High-Waist-Bikini-Pant/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3066896&cid=2623&Rf900=1598&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Floralprint

The cardigan

Even though it might seem like there is no need for extra layers during the summer one or two cardigans are always very useful especially during evenings and nights out where it might get a little chilly even if you are on holiday! One of the cardigans is extra summery with a beautiful dip dyed pattern in pink, orange and cream colours which just looks so summery!

Dip dye cardigan http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Dip-Dye-Fluffy-Kimono-Cardigan/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2795187&cid=2637&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Orange

Black and purple oversized cardigan http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Fluffy-Pattern-Cardigan/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2904190&cid=2637&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Purple

The shorts

Shorts are a pretty self explanatory holiday must have. Here are two shorts I picked up which are in fashion for two different reasons. The first ones are a little bit over sized vintage shorts with slits and fraying which is really in right now. The others are dip dyed using bleach (this effect can be also done for less money as a fun DIY!) I'll link down some DIY dip dyed shorts tutorials in time for the summer!

Vintage shorts http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-RECLAIMED-VINTAGE-Levis-Denim-Shorts-with-Slashing/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2984888&WT.ac=rec_viewed

Dip dyed shorts http://www.asos.com/River-Island/River-Island-Chelsea-Girl-Ombre-Denim-Short/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2997627&WT.ac=rec_viewed

DIY dip dyed shorts tutorials 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0BCv8WqBSk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqydXB8ty8Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh3v9a5GqhU

The play suit

If you are not much of a dress person but want to still look beautiful and girly play suits are for you! Play suits are totally summery and with so many types of cuts and designs to choose from the choice is huge! They are sometimes much more comfortable than dresses because they have shorts so you can do anything without having to worry about showing off a little bit too much!

Black and white play suit http://www.asos.com/Motel/Motel-Molly-Playsuit-In-Paisley-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3276246&cid=2623&Rf900=4032&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Paisleyblack

Patterned playsuit http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Playsuit-in-Festival-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3205382&cid=2623&Rf900=4032&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Print

The trousers

Even though they might not be as much use as a play suit or shorts, trousers are a good thing to always have. Lately I been in love with high waisted trousers and I think they look great with any top such as a plain white tee, an over sized top, crop tops, tank tops, the list could go on. I love these light  denim tube pants and I personally they are a big number 1 on my wish list!

Denim tube pants http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Tube-Pants-in-Denim-Effect/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3053104&WT.ac=rec_viewed

Black high waisted pants 

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Trousers-With-High-Waist/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2908474&cid=2640&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

The accessories

Accessories make the outfit stand out so much more. I have chosen the top 2 accessories in my opinion which are sunglasses, and rings. The rings you can see above are gold midi rings which are very popular this year. They look beautiful and I am in love with them. The other top accessory for the summer must be sunglasses. These cat eye sunglasses in white look great and are totally needed for the summer!

Sunglasses http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Metal-Top-Cat-Eye-Sunglasses/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2884359&WT.ac=rec_viewed

Midi rings http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Adjustable-Midi-Bar-Ring-Pack/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2902771&cid=13494&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Gold

The sandals

Last but definitely not least are sandals! During the summer I literally live in my pair of sandals. There are so many beautiful designs and patterns the hardest thing is choosing the ones you like. They look fantastic with whatever you wear, maxi dresses, dresses, play suits, trousers, shorts, literally anything! I couldn't recommend them more.

Black leather sandals http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-PREMIUM-FAVOURITE-DAY-Leather-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2949691&WT.ac=rec_viewed

Cream sandals http://www.asos.com/New-Look/New-Look-Glitz-Embellished-Flat-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3029811&SearchQuery=sandals&sh=0&pge=3&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Gold

So I hope you have enjoyed reading my recommendations and hopefully that might help you in your next shop for the summer! 

Yours only,

Eliza

TFB

Bloglovin

Dear readers,

I will have a new post up later today or in the next few days! While you're here please follow my blog with Bloglovin!

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9707431/?claim=nv3av6dsha7

Thank you, 

Eliza

TFB

Trending now outfits

Hello readers,

Today I have quickly put together two outfits you can dress up and down to create a nice look which is quite in fashion right now. Check out the two styles I went for below.

Style 1

This is a pretty simple outfit which can be easily dressed up by maybe adding a over sized cardigan. This outfit consists of a short/long black chiffon skirt with a simple cream crop/belly top which I have tied at the back. For this outfit I have on some sandals which I brought recently for the summer. I also have a light brown studded leather bag. I also put on a chunky gold chain bracelet to add a bit to the outfit since of its simplicity. 

Outfit 2

For this outfit I have decided to go for a midi dress. The dress I have has a tie dye pattern with different colours such as burgundy, pink, purples, navy blue, creams and whites (which I love!) Because the top of the dress is quite plain you could add a big piece of jewellery such as a necklace to dress it up, but instead I decided to put on a light pink scarf. On top of the dress I decided to put on a burgundy over sized blazer which I liked because since the dress is quite tight, putting something over sized on top would look nice. To finish off I put on black platform shoes with a lace pattern on them. Unfortunately because of my picture quality you cannot see it too well. And that is basically the whole outfit.

Outfit 1

Top - New Look

Skirt - New Look

Sandals - Primark

Bracelet - H&M

Bag - Primark

  

Outfit 2

Dress - Primark

Blazer - New look

Platforms - River Island

Scarf - Claires

Thank you, 

Eliza

TFB

Book review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Recently I have read this book called The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. It is a truly beautiful and touching book, which is still very interesting to teenagers because of some of the serious adult themes being involved in the story of Young Charlie. 

It is a book about all sorts of stuff, all joined together they make up Charlie's mind and life. There are funny parts, there are embarrassing parts and there are sad parts, this book takes you through a real journey of emotions, all in the eyes of a lonely 15 year old. 

The whole book tackles a lot of teenage problems such as suicide, drinking, sex, sexuality, drugs, partying, love, family issues and so on. It is an amazing story of a young troubled boy, facing his issues along with his two older friends Sam and Patrick.

Here is a list of some of my favourite quotes from the book.

"So, I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them."

"I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has."

"We all deserve the love we think we deserve."

"I didn't feel like reading that night, so I went downstairs and watched a half-hour long commercial that advertised an exercise machine. They kept flashing a 1-800 number, so I called it. The woman who picked up the other end of the phone was named Michelle. And I told Michelle that I was a kid and did not need an exercise machine, but I hoped she was having a good night.

That's when Michelle hung up on me. And I didn't mind a bit."

"... And in that moment, I swear we were infinite."

I really do recommend this book to all the teens out there, because even though we might not want to, in a little way we all somehow relate to what the character went through in one point or another, whether it is loosing a friend, falling in love or going through changes. There is something in this book for everyone.

At a part of the book there is a very emotional poem, this is interpreted in so many ways. Some people say it is a suicide note from his friend Micheal, while others think it is something he has read somewhere. Here is is:

Once on a yellow piece of paper with green lines
he wrote a poem
and he called it "Chops"
because that was the name of his dog
and that's what it was all about
his teacher gave him an A
and a gold star
and his mother hung it on the kitchen door
and read it to his aunts.
that was the year Father Tracy
took all the kids to the zoo
and he let them sing on the bus
and his little sister was born
with tiny nails and no hair
and his mother and father kissed alot
and the girl around the corner sent him a
Valentine signed with a row of X's
and he had to ask his father what the X's meant
and his father always tucked him in bed at night
and was always there to do it.

Once on a piece of white paper with blue lines
he wrote a poem
he called it "Autumn"
because that was the name of the season
and that's what it was all about
and his teacher gave him an A
and asked him to write more clearly
and his mother never hung it on the kitchen door
because of the new paint
and the kids told him
that Father Tracy smoked cigars
and left butts on the pews
and sometime they would burn holes
that was the year his sister got glasses
with thick lenses and black frames
and the girl around the corner laughed
when he asked her to go see Santa Claus
and the kids told him why
his mother and father kissed alot
and his father never tucked him in bed at night
and his father got mad
when he cried for him to do it.

Once on a paper torn from his notebook
he wrote a poem
and he called it "Innocence: A Question"
because that was the question about his girl
and that's what it was all about
and his professor gave him an A
and a strange steady look
and his mother never hung it on the kitchen door
because he never showed her
that was the year Father Tracy died
and he forgot how the end
of the Apostle's Creed went
and he caught his sister
making out on the back porch
and his mother and father never kissed
or even talked
and the girl around the corner
wore too much make up
that made him cough when he kissed her
but he kissed her anyway
because it was the thing to do
and at 3 am he tucked himself into bed
his father snoring soundly.

That's why on the back of a brown paper bag
he tried another poem
and he called it "Absolutely Nothing"
because that's what it was really all about
and he gave himself an A
and a slash on each damned wrist
and he hung it on the bathroom door
because this time he didn't think
he could reach the kitchen---- 

Thank you,

Eliza

TFB