BOOK REVIEW: V.C. Andrews - The Dollanganger Series

These treasures were the epitome of an attic find! While moving house my mum came along hundreds of her old books that she'd stashed away when she was a twenty-something! Now my mum and my sister had tried to convince me to read the first book when I was a bit younger, but I found them a bit too dark - but when I picked them up this time, i was enthralled!

#1 Flowers in the Attic #2 Petals on the Wind #3 If There Be Thorns #4 Seeds of Yesterday #5 Garden of Shadows

This is a series that I have read, and re-read, and re-read all over again - and each time i understand different and further parts of the story that make me love it even more.  The story line in definitely not for the faint hearted.

The books may not be great literature, but it's an amazing story nonetheless. And I disagree completey with all the people who say that it would have been better with the incest taken out. I found that that was essential to the horror of FITA, and it turned the characters into flawed humans. And by the end of the book, the narrator's future looks promising and the reader is left believing that perhaps she and her brother will become better and stronger people.  As for this being a true story, as far as I know, it was never proven that it was. I read that V.C. Andrews used some real life events in her book, but she never disclosed which parts were based on truth.

Cathy is still the narrator in the next sequel, which is not as grim as its predecessor, but has ten times the amount of incest. Returning characters include Chris and Carrie, of course, and Corrine, the grandmother and Bartholomew Winslow. Cathy is still haunted by her past.
I am one of those people who tend to prefer the characters whom others hate, or simply disregard. In Julian's case, he is seen as nothing more than a wife-beater. But he is definitely more than that!
Many will say that the mystery surrounding the events, and the characters, is enough to drive you nuts! One thing is for sure, her books keep you guessing, even after the last page is turned - what more could you want?

The next two books are set up differently from other V.C.A. novels. The story is told from the points of view of Bartholomew Scott Winslow Sheffield, Julian Janus Marquet Sheffield aka Jory, and a little bit of Cathy. I'm really struggling on what to say with these novels without giving away the plot!

The last book is not just a prequel - it's the most thrilling, enticing prequel i've ever read. It answer's questions you didn't even know you had, and you're left feeling like you know more about the characters lives than any of them do!

i highly, highly, highly recommend this series to anyone that just needs to disappear - even if it's just for that half an hour before bed.  The books are so easy to pick up, put down and pick up again whenever you have a free few minutes.

If you have any recommendations for some new books please let me know :) knowledge is useless if not shared!

beccxbeauty xoxox

Herbal Essences 'Beautiful Ends' range review

When i began this blog, my aim was for it to be a place for the everyday, average beauty lover that perhaps don't have the money to purchase every item available from MAC! (am i right?) So this is a little post just to let you guys know about a cheaper, yet high quality alternative to give your hair a bit of attention and care!

The beautiful ends range isn't new or anything - just some items that i've been testing for a fair few months and that i feel are blog worthy enough to share with my lovely viewers.  I believe they have the same range in America, known as the relationship range.

I have most definitely seen a change is the condition of my hair, the ends look a lot healthier and last a lot longer between trims! I'm admittedly very lucky with my hair as it tends to grow at a fast pace, as I learned after making the horrendous mistake of having 4 inches chopped off in May - but thankfully my locks are back to their rightful length :) these products certainly aided in up-keeping my hair's maintenance!

All the products from this range are so, so affordable - which makes the whole experience, in my opinion, much more enjoyable! The Shampoo and Conditioner both retail at £1.99 for 200ml - these bottles are HUGE. I'm a 'plaster-on-the-product' kinda girl, and these beauties last me a good few weeks.  The formular is directed at mid-long hair, so a little is designed to go a long way.  Although I probably shouldn't, especially being a b.blogger, i HAVE to wash my hair every.single.day and although some say this results in hair getting dirtier quicker, they definitely keep the grease at bay.  The consistency doesn't dry out your hair, and is so different to the usual gel like feeling that usually come with the shampoo's especially.  They have a deliciously creamy texture.  Needless to say, with Raspberry and Silk extracts, they smell fabulous!

The Leave-In Cream retails at £4.99 for 150ml.  Slightly more expensive, but a little goes a long long way.  As i said, i've been using this routine for months and have only just had to repurchase a bottle.  My only constructive criticism of this product is that you really need to use it sparingly - only apply to the ends of your hair as i have over applied on many occasions and the results are dirty looking hair all day long - how attractive! but other than that, it's fabulous.  You can feel the protection and the condition of your hair improve almost immediately.  The pump on the bottle is a great asset, i've found it to help me measure exactly how much product i need to satisfy my hair (half a pump).  It finally works as a detangler, which for me is ESSENTIAL.

Finally, the split end intensive protection mask retails at £3.99 for 200ml.  It's advised to apply this mask once a week, which i take full advantage on my pamper filled sunday nights.  I apply the mask after wetting my hair, soak in the bath for half an hour, pop in the shower, rinse, shampoo and rinse again.  The mask is so replenishing and nourishing and really gives your hair that oomph it needs after facing a long week.  Again, this tub has lasted me a good while, as i've only had to repurchase this week.

So overall, for me this hair routine has worked amazingly over the last few months.  It's cheap, affordable and smells amazing.  I highly recommend!

Beccxbeauty xoxo