Somehow we are over halfway through 2018 which is never not going to be crazy to me. That means half the year of reading is done too. Whaaaat. So far, according to Goodreads, I've read 36/37 books (give or take) which isn't a bad effort for me. Obviously if I wasn't chronic for drifting in and out of books all the time, this number would undoubtedly be higher. Old habits die hard or something though. Anyway, top five reads of 2018 (for now)...Side note: This is not in any sort of order, I can't rank them-that'd just be too much of an overly complicated move for me.

how to be both x ali smith: I still think about this unique and brilliant novel, inspired by fresco painting. Ali Smith's writing really is an artform in itself. The way in which she writes topical yet timeless fiction is so cleverly done. I might end up stickering pages with post-its that only say #yasssali in admiration because eloquence escapes me but I underline and write out passages left, right and centre. Anyway, go read this book and soak up its amazingness. It is worth the patience. 

the cost of living x deborah levy: This was my first encounter with Levy's work and it did not disappoint in the slightest. Fantastic writings on life, loss, heartbreak, getting on with it, sheds for writing retreats and friendships that span generations. I'll definitely be revisiting this at some stage and feel like it's going to be one of those books that the older I get, the more relatable it will become. 

call me by your name x andre aciman: Another novel I often find myself thinking about because of Aciman's writing. Candid yet refined. An intimate insight into first loves, the cornucopia of experiences that make up adolescence and beauty in the simplicities like reading a book amidst summer fruits. Absolutely exquisite book. Give the film a watch as well and the soundtrack a listen. All three do not disappoint. 

secrets for the mad x dodie clark, not pictured: Y'know when books just seem to 'find' you at the right time? Dodie's book met that criteria and then some. Filled to the brim with Dodie's honesty, wisdom, art, poetry and words-it's a truly special book. I found parts really relatable and comforting. If that makes sense-regardless, need my own copy. 

ma'am darling x craig brown: The Princess Margaret obsession is real ladies and gentlemen. If the MVP Spare (as I kinda cringe-worthily dub her in my mind and now on this here blog) were the category in a quiz I would probably ace it. That is largely in part thanks to this book. Part memoir, part story told with humour and fun. It's a book that doesn't take itself too seriously in a dry, historical+factual kind of way. Naturally there are pockets of that but Brown presents it in a more interesting and readable way. I loved this book and will again be revisiting it at some point. 

-What books have you read and liked in 2018 so far?

Just like that, January is (almost) over. In-sane. It's been a good month albeit busy-I had a mini break the first week of Jan before starting back at work which has been quite busy all month. It is by no means a bad thing! Just means coffee and sleep in equal doses become more mandatory. I celebrated one particularly hot day with a sorbet while walking up and down a hill. This month I also entered the frankie Good Stuff awards. This mightn't seem a big deal but for me it was an achievement. In 2017 I was too nervous and self-critical to even get close to having something ready to enter. So the fact I submitted something with a week to spare made me inexplicably proud. Other things that went down; I read a whole lot, caught up with friends, had some really brilliant conversations and laughed until I cried on more than one occasion. As well as moments, there were also some 'things' I loved in January. Many will probably not be a surprise to anyone if you follow my Instagram but there'll be some you haven't heard about among the mix...

Sandals x Pulp: Back in the day 99% of my shoes came from Hannahs. They're well-made, reliable and last well. That and they're not wallet-weepingly expensive. Anyway, I needed some new Summer shoes, for work mainly and stumbled upon the above sandals-sadly no longer available. They are so comfortable and go with everything. I love 'em. I also have these ones which I got in the post-Christmas sales and they're equally as comfortable. I love sandals at this time of the year.

Take Me Home Palette x Colourpop: I told you this palette would be here again. Sorry not sorry. I've probably exhausted everything I can say about it now so in brief. A compact selection of mainly mattes with a couple of shimmers that make for easy, effortless eyeshadow looks. All the colours complement one another beautifully. 

Ma'am Darling x Craig Brown: First off, I loved this book and I am so glad it met my high expectations. Brown writes candidly and informatively with great humour and flair about Princess Margaret. The naughty, outspoken, sophisticated yet often misunderstood and misrepresented 'spare heir'. Each of the ninety nine chapters is relatively short yet detail laden, offering many an insight into the woman she was. I found it incredibly fascinating and such captivating reading. Well worth a read.

Muriel's Wedding: Both the musical and the film came into my life this month. The movie, synonymous for its brilliant one liners such as "You're terrible, Muriel" and "I'm married, I'm beautiful!" among others is hilarious yet also painfully sad. You'll laugh hysterically and weep in the space of an hour and a bit. I did at least. The musical, which has just finished its introductory season in Sydney, has an accompanying cast recording which I promptly downloaded on iTunes when it was released. It's just as brilliant as the film and has wonderful lyrics thanks to Kate Miller Heidke and Keir Nuttall. Not to mention Maggie McKenna as Muriel is f**king amazing as the song says. Both are true classics and I recommend you listen and watch them both-if only to avoid being terrible. 

Journalling: So far I've managed to write for 28 days(!!), my goal this year is to keep a journal for 365 days. Anyway, this is in here because honestly I find it so cathartic and freeing at the end of the day to sit down and just write whatever I want. That and I'll have a personal record of the finer details from 2018. 

Velvet Teddy x MAC Cosmetics: Another nude lipstick albeit a matte which is long-wearing yet not drying in the slightest. Success. I do feel like this is a rosier, terracotta-y nude compared to some others I have and it seems to create the illusion of fuller lips. Hence why Kylie Jenner probably declared it her lip product of choice for so long to ward off the lip plumping stories. *No comment* Anyway, I think if you're after a neutral lipstick from MAC you cannot go wrong with this one.

The Big Feels Club: These amazing people were featured in frankie's latest issue and I am so glad they were. If only for the fact it bought their brilliant email newsletter to my attention. It's a mental-health newsletter without the heavy, science-y jargon and any of the vaguer, spiritual stuff. So basically every second Monday you're sent a newsletter hoping to solve one small part of the equation that is stress+anxiety and all that other not so fun stuff. They also, as they so brilliantly put it "offer tips for what to do when your brain is being a dick". Honestly so worth subscribing and worth a read. If you're in Melbourne, you need to go to their events too-they sound brilliant.

-What have you enjoyed in January?