Book Review: Divergent

So I finally read Divergent by Veronica Roth after meaning to read it for what seemed like a year and I cannot believe I left it that long. Seriously it was the best book I have read all year (and I read a lot of books). There was never a dull moment and every page I turned I was filled with emotions from shocked, to sad to dam right angry!

Summary of Divergent by Veronica Roth:
In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris, and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her.

I really enjoyed reading this book and found that I could relate to the main character (Tris) and found her to be a very likeable character something thats not easy for an author to do especially for a female lead role. She was seen as a strong female protagonist but at the same time she was also seen as weak and a bit frantic at times but thats what I liked about this character. Also the alliances and enemies she creates through this story play a key role and create strong dynamics that at times become very intense and forced me to read on.

I would go as far as saying this book is on par with the Harry Potter series ! Yes I did just say that dont shoot me please! Its just my opinion and in no way a stamped fact but if I had my way I would make it be!

Divergent is the first in a trilogy of books, the second called insurgent and the third due to be realsed later this year (2013).

I also created a video review if you want to check that out I will leave it below ! 

Thanks for reading my review! 
See you next time,
Rachel Ward

10 Healthy Snacks...to enjoy guilt free

Everyone wants to eat healthy and keep fit, but sometimes our sweet tooth craves something the total opposite and all it want is sugar sugar sugar. So to satisfy that craving need and not sway towards the dreaded chocolate aile I have put together a list of snacks that will do just that and are totally guilt free!

1. Air Popped Popcorn

2. Fruit Smoothies

3. Low Fat Yogurt

4. Granola Bars

5. Low Fat Jelly

6. Parfait

7. Peanut Butter

8. Frozen Yogurt

9. Banana Chips

10. Frozen Grapes

So there you have it, If theres another 'guilt free' snack that you enjoy dont forget to leave it in a comment and share it with everyone.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your next snack,
Rachel Ward

Sperrys Boat shoes...

So for the past few days I have been frantically searching the web for a pair of boat shoes I saw on Pinterest. After finally tracking down the designer and brand name I found that these shoes I was madly in love with were called Sperrys. But after pages and pages of Google searches I couldn't find the exact colour and style that I initially saw and became obsessed with which were called the Angelfish coral stripe. (Heres a photo of them below)

They are so beautiful and it just makes me so sad that I found out they were discontinued about two months ago ! Why? what did I do wrong to be punished like this, it makes me so sad that the one pair I want are no longer available. To be honest things like this always happen to me, so I shouldn't be surprised. 

Anyway one good thing did come out of this web search and I found another two pairs that (wait for it) are available in the UK ! and have not been discontinued! Yippie! However with all good news come bad news, and in this case its the price. They are roughly around £80 a pair. Which is on the higher side of my budget but are totally worth it after reading the many reviews people have posted. I am most probably not going to purchase the two pairs but will pick one and thats where you my lovely readers come it. I need your help to decide which pair to go for because to be quite honest I cannot decide. 

Ok, so the first pair are called Sperry Angelfish Gold Glitter:

I really like the gold detailing on both sides of these shoes and the shimmery lace tie adds a little extra twist to the original. 

The second pair are called Sperry Angelfish Oat Linen:

These one are pretty similar colour however have no gold or glitter and are more versatile, they have oat coloured canvas sides and tongue and will go with absolutely any outfit I put together.  

So my dilema is I simple. I cannot choose between both pairs and need your help! Any advice or personal preferences would be greatly appreciated in helping me reach my final decision. 

Thanks for reading,

Rachel Ward

1000 Subscriber Giveaway!

If you dont know my Youtube channel recently hit 1000 subscribers, so I wanted to celebrate in a way and thought the best way to do that would be to do a little giveaway.

I am so thankful to everyone who has watched one of my videos, liked, commented or subscribed ! So this is just a small thank you for all you support so far and o hopefully in the future there will be many more giveaways for you do win! 

So, I made a video detailing all the products I will be giving away: 

Products listed:

Aussie shampoo

Aussie conditioner

Batisse dry shampoo

Nivia lip balm

Cadbury chocolates

Floral toiletry bag

Iphone case

Its basically a collection of all my favorite products that I wanted to share with you lot!

The rules:

To enter and be in with a chance of winning the rules are simple. All you have to do is subscribe to my Youtube Channel and leave a comment on the 1000 subscriber video telling me that you want to be entered. 

Thank you for all your support you really are amazing people and im thrilled you have spend time out of your day to watch one, two or even three of my videos.  

Thanks You,

Rachel Ward

Banana & Peanut Butter Smoothie.

Banana and peanut butter in anything is always a good thing in my books, so turning it into a smoothie, well thats just seems like the most obvious next step right? 

Banana + Peanut Butter, Caramel + Vanilla, any way you put it, it cannot go wrong! theres just something about these set of ingredients that I cannot get enough of, so I used my simple banana smoothie and developed it into something so much more that I just had to share it with you. 

So you want to know how to make this wonderful creation? 

You dont need much just;

1 banana

1 pot of low fat vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup of sweetened almond milk

2-3 tablespoons of caramel (make it from scratch or use tinned, its completely up to you)

1 teaspoon of smooth peanut butter

Non vital extras:

sweetened whipped cream

Vanilla wafer rolls

Once you've gathered up your ingredients it time to get blending. Thats right just blend everything up in a blender or smoothie maker if you have one and pour into a glass, top with sweetened whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel then stick a vanilla wafer in the top and lock your front door, unhook your phone and sit infront of the TV, its your time to relax and not worry about anyone or anything. Indulge yourself...Go on you know you want to. 

Happy blending,

Thanks for reading & please share this recipe with your family and friends. they will love you forever.

Rachel Ward

Spring Style-List

I thought I would make a list, because lists and me, well we kind of go together like cheese and crackers, and whats life without lists hey? I couldn't even imagine it. So seeing as spring is closely approaching us, well living in England when I say spring what I really mean is winter minus the snow we do however get the odd day when there are no clouds and everyone parades around wearing virtually no clothes when it still reads -5 degrees outside, it is quite funny to sit back and people watch on days like this. The sights you see...

Anyway let me get back on topic, so lists, yeah today Im going to make a some what of a fashion 'wish list' type thing. For a bunch of stuff that I most probably wont buy because lets face it im not made of money but maybe just maybe I might treat myself to one or two of them.

Without further ado, lets get crack-a-lacking!
Bear in mind the majority of things on my list of mine are shoes...oppss... I guess you could say I have maybe just a little bit of an addition to shoes.

1. These shoes are so simple, I really like the navy outline to the slipper, its a real contrast to the softer gray/white stripe of the main shoe.

2. Brogues are my favorite, There really elegant and timeless. These two toned brogues are brilliant especially the mixture of brown traditional leather and more contemporary black suede.   

3. I really love this california laid back style and these vans are perfect for those days surfing by the beach. This greenish/blueish colour I havent ever seen before but I think these are the perfect pair of vans!

4. This dress is so pretty, POLKADOTS! thats all I can say about this, Im a huge fan of the polkadot design, and the leather jacket gives it a rock-chic edge.

5. These shoes are so cute, they remind me of something I cant quite put my finger on. But they are so pretty none the less. They are like a broughy/boat shoe hybrid. 

6. What! this is a woman's best friend, theres a space for everything and everything has a space. Comes in so many different colours to.

7. This ear ring is so elegant and pretty, defiantly a must have. 

8. This dress, cardigan and bag combination is pure genius. Love it, defiantly going to recreate it myself. 

9. Oh My Goodness! These socks are the cutest socks I think I have ever seen in my 20 years! 

10. Moccasins, I cant get enough of them! Look. so soft and comfy. 

11. These slipper style shoe type things! dont really know what to call them but it doesn't even matter they are so gorgeous. 

12. More shoes, boat shoes this time! I dont know what it is about me and boat shoes but there is something in my head that keeps me buying them, maybe its because they are just so awesome.

13. This bag would be perfect for a long haul flight or trip to the supermarket. I do love a big bag and the interior is always as important as the exterior and this bag does not disappoint, look at those stripes.

14. More socks, I just couldn't not include these there so cute, the colour and the lace top. 

15. This entire outfit is perfection! love the socks and boots combination with the summer dress and thick knit cardigan. 

16. Chelsea boots. I have been eyeing these up for a few years know but still havent managed to actually get my hands on a pair. One day...

17. This jacket. Oh my! beautiful. simply beautiful.

18. I love these satchel bags and have two already but never have I seen green or blue ! Defiantly a must have for spring.

19. Haha this made me laugh when I first saw it because its defiantly the opposite of me, Im a bit of a stress freak and hate being late for anything. Maybe if I buy this watch it will help me relax a bit more.

20. I am in love with this watch the rose gold and grey contrasting colours are so unique and beautiful  I have to have this but no doubt it is way out of my price range. 

21. I have so many backpacks and this one needs to be in my collection. Never have I seen lace on a backpack of this style. Its so pretty.

22. So its sort of like a satchel style bag in what seems to be suede  The top pattern is what drew me to this bag though. Perfection.

23. More moccasins. Simple and stylish ! 

24. I love this aztek prink backpack. Yep I can just see myself wearing this all spring/summer.

25. Another watch. This one reminds me of something you would find at urban outfitters, so unique and stylish.

26. This bag. I need it! I love how the red bag is vibrant against the grey tones of the cardigan and skirt. 

27. More boat shoes. These one are a bit more casual and I think would go perfect with some denim shorts.

28. Such a beautiful dress. Need I say any more.

Well thats my list complete, If I could I would buy everything of this list right now, hope you enjoyed this little blog post and if theres something in my list you like please let me know Its always nice to know your styles and fashions.

Thanks for reading,
Rachel Ward

Eat right & Exercise more...

So if I write it down I'm more likely to do it, right? 

I hope so. I'm just sick of feeling this way & I need to change.

Eat right and exercise more, its a simple as that they all say. Hmm well somehow I don't think its going to be that easy, but if it was easy everyone would do it. 

So I've decided I'm turning my life around! 

I have a huge pile of gym clothes, that lets be honest with myself I just wear around the house, and haven't seen the inside of a gym in a long time. 

My local gym is closing down, but thats no excuse to quit working out. So I've developed a new plan. 

... Morning jogs!

I used to go running every morning last year, but since christmas I've been terribly slacking and its showing. I need to sort myself out and quit eating carbs.

So tomorrow morning I have a few errands to run but once I'm done I WILL go for my first run in god knows how long, and I wont reward myself with chocolate or 'healthy' snacks! NO! 

WATER, WATER, WATER! 

I will drink plenty of water every day, it good for my skin and to keep myself from becoming dehydrated. 

Food wise:

I have always watched what I ate, and would buy those healthy breakfast biscuits or crackers to eat. Its only now that I've realised how unhealthy those so called 'healthy' snacks are. So tomorrow I will be taking a trip to my local green grocers and picking up some:

- Grapefruit

- Apples

- Kiwi

- Melon

- Oranges

- Pomegranates

- Bananas

- Grapes

No more carbs for me!

I made a promise with myself and I will stick to this promise! 

So wish me luck on this new adventure my life will take, its for the best and in 3 months time I WILL be a new person! 

Thanks for reading,

Rachel Ward